Finishing Touches
10 Classes • 3 Private Lessons • Unlimited Studio Time
Overview
Get out of the loop and finish your music. Finishing Touches is designed for intermediate producers who are ready to finish their music. This 3-month course focuses on arrangement, creative decision-making, and building a repeatable workflow for completing tracks.
You’ll study reference tracks, develop your ear for structure, and learn how to shape energy and flow across your arrangements. Whether you’re stuck in Session View or sitting on a folder of unfinished demos, this course will help you move forward, commit with confidence, and build a body of work you’re proud of.
Course Topics
Build upon fundamental skills learned in Building Blocks, Making Waves, and Sending Signals.
Loop Development and Creative Focus
Learn how to recognize strong ideas, refine your loops, and build out the hook before jumping into arrangement. Understand when a track is ready to grow and what makes an idea worth finishing.
Arrangement and Structure
Learn how to structure intros, breakdowns, drops, and transitions that reinforce the ideas in your songs.
Advanced Automation and Energy Flow
Explore advanced automation techniques and learn how to create contrast, dynamics, and movement in your music.
Collaboration Perspective
Expand your perspective by participating in group exercises and individualized assignments. For example, you’ll see your ideas arranged by your classmates and instructor.
Finishing Workflow and Output
Develop a personalized, repeatable process for seeing tracks through. Learn how to stay focused, push through blocks, and build a body of finished music ready for the final mix and master.
Student Perks
Unlimited Studio Time
IO Music Academy students get unlimited time in our production and DJ studios for the duration of their course or program.
Private Lessons
Courses include monthly private lessons with your choice of instructor.
Circle Community
The IO Music Academy Circle gives you access to an exclusive online hub where you can collaborate, share feedback, and get support from fellow students and alumni.
Course Materials
Students enjoy lifetime access to all course materials, including videos, dynamic notes, and recordings, so you can revisit the content any time.
Educational Pricing
Get up to 50% off partner brands such as Ableton, Arturia, AIAIAI, Auto-Tune, Pioneer DJ, and more.
Student Requirements
• Laptop (2019 or newer MacBook Pro recommended)
• Wired Headphones
• 49-Key MIDI Keyboard
• Ableton Live 12 (available at 40% off)
Program Options
Secret Sauce is included in several different artist programs. By enrolling in an artist program, you'll benefit from a comprehensive learning experience at a reduced per-course cost.
Electronic Producer Program
Total Producer Program
Custom Producer Program
Pricing and Payment Plans
Ready to find the Secret Sauce?
If you’re ready to explore multiple genres and refine your production skills, it’s time to enroll in the Secret Sauce course. Whether you want to master how to make house music, learn how to produce techno, or create the next big EDM hit, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Still have questions? Click here to schedule a tour with one of our team members.