LEVEL 2
Making Waves
Go beyond the basics and expand your creative toolkit.
Summer 2026 courses begin July 13th
Go beyond the basics and expand your creative toolkit.
Summer 2026 courses begin July 13th
Everything is a sample. From pop and hip-hop to house and techno, sampling is the heart of modern music. In Making Waves, you’ll explore how producers across genres use a sample-based workflow to create original songs and remixes. You’ll learn how to source and chop samples, split stems, warp acapellas, and incorporate found sounds from your daily life.
Building on the theory and musicianship from Building Blocks, you’ll also strengthen your ability to write basslines, chords, and melodies that bring everything in your songs together. For the final assignment, you’ll remix a song of your choice and, by the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to take any sound or song and make it your own.
History of Sampling
Explore the evolution of sampling from its roots in hip-hop and electronic music to its modern-day applications in popular music and underground dance music.
Sampling and Sourcing
Learn to dig for samples anywhere and everywhere, from vinyl records and classic tracks to sample libraries like Splice.
Warping and Audio Manipulation
Gain a deep understanding of Ableton’s Warp modes and learn how to manipulate audio, whether it’s changing tempo, altering pitch, or creatively chopping up samples.
Edits, Bootlegs, and Remixes
Learn how to reimagine existing songs, remix stems, and work with acapellas to create new and unique versions of your favorite tracks. Whether it’s a house re-edit or a completely new take, you’ll learn how to create professional-quality remixes.
Practical Music Theory
Learn how to write better chord progressions, bass lines, and melodies. By the end of the course, you'll be able to write to acapellas, reharmonize topline, and craft compelling layers to accompany any sample or remix stem.
Start July 12
End September 20
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
GROUP A
Open
Start July 15
End September 16
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
GROUP B
Open
Courses are 3 months long and include 10 weekly classes, 3 months of unlimited studio time, weekly feedback on assignments, access to student discounts on partner brands, and lifetime access to course materials.
Programs are curated sequences of 2 or more courses. By enrolling in a program, you'll benefit from a comprehensive learning experience at a reduced per-course cost.
If you’re new to music production, we recommend starting with 
Building Blocks, our beginner-friendly course that covers the fundamentals of producing music in Ableton Live. Building Blocks is the first course in our Electronic Producer, Singer Producer, and Total Producer programs.
If you’re interested in DJing, 
Spin Class is the best place to start. It’s a 3-month course focused entirely on DJ skills and performance. Spin Class is also the first course in our DJ Producer program.
Both courses require no prior experience and are great entry points into the world of music production and DJing.
Yes! Enrolled students can use our studios as often as they like at no additional charge. Studio time is unlimited for the duration of your course or program. Our one limitation is that students must complete a session before scheduling another one.
All of our production courses are taught using Ableton Live 12.
Our DJ course, Spin Class, is taught using rekordbox by Pioneer DJ.
All classes are recorded and posted to Circle, our online community platform. You’ll also get access to course notes, exercises, assignments, videos, and other resources so you can catch up and stay on track between classes.
Yes, all of our courses and programs have a monthly installment pricing option. Programs offer the best value, as well as lower monthly installments, compared to individual courses.
No credit check is required.
Yes! We have a financial aid program that allows eligible students to receive a significant discount on their program fee according to their need and participation in their local music community. Click here to learn more and apply.
Yes! IO Music Academy students are eligible for educational pricing on most music production software. Students can save up to 50% on partner brands such as Ableton, Arturia, FabFilter, Sonarworks, Soundtoys, Mixed In Key, Native Instruments, and more.
Yes, students enrolling in a new course or program must pay a non-refundable registration fee of $250.
Students enrolled in a multi-course program do not have to pay a registration fee between courses.
No, unfortunately, we are not able to assist with student visas.
Click here to read about our refund policy.
+ $250 Registration Fee
+ $250 Registration Fee
Connect with fellow producers, DJs, and artists through our online platform and in-person meetups. Give and get feedback, find collaborators, and grow together.
Students enjoy unlimited time in our studios, equipped with a selection of modern and vintage gear as well as a club-standard DJ setup from AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ).
Get weekly feedback on your assignments from your instructor.
Revisit your course notes, videos, and class recordings anytime.
Enjoy free workshops, feedback sessions, and community events held on campus every other week.
Save up to 50% on software and hardware by brands such as Ableton, AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ), AIAIAI, Arturia, Auto-Tune, FabFilter, Soundtoys, Splice, and more.
A reliable laptop with plenty of storage space for software, projects, samples, and recordings. We recommend a MacBook Pro with a minimum of 512GB of storage.
Wired production headphones. Wireless headphones have latency and are not suitable for production.
While MIDI keyboards are provided in class, students are required to purchase a MIDI keyboard for practicing and producing at home.
Our production courses are taught exclusively in Ableton Live 12 Suite (available at a 50% discount). Students in multi-course programs receive an Educational Access Seat for the duration of their enrollment.
Come ready to learn, experiment, and collaborate. Music isn’t a solo sport — we’re here to grow together through curiosity and hard work.
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