The advent of computer-based music production has created a revolution in creativity and has greatly enhanced productivity for the artist. At the same time we now use the computer for so many other tasks in our lives that productivity can suffer as a result. How many times have you started your computer to work on music in Ableton but then find yourself surfing the internet or playing with another application? If you are focused enough to stay on task you may find yourself spending a lot of time setting up simple things like opening programs, setting your system volume and getting your computer ready for music creation. Thankfully the folks at Apple understand these dilemmas and created a program called Automator that can automate almost any OS X operation and streamline mundane or repetitive tasks. While the program exists on every computer running OS X, many users have never used the program. Automator can be used for a wide range of tasks but our interest is focused on helping create a better music production workflow.

To help you understand how Automator can streamline your workflow we offer this tutorial from Ableton Certified Trainer Martin Delaney who takes you through the setup process of this powerful application. Automator enables you to create custom workflows with point-and-click (or drag-and-drop) simplicity and allows you to skip complex programming that would normally be required to accomplish routine or repetitive tasks. In Martin’s Automator Script (which you can download below and customize for your own setup), just one click creates an ad-hoc network, turns up the system volume, opens Griid Connector, and launches specific tracks in Ableton Live and Reason.

Download Martin’s Automator Script

Martin Delaney is a London-based Ableton Certified Trainer, electronic music producer, and writer focusing on music technology. Delaney has written for Future Music magazine, Computer Music magazine, and Resident Advisor and produced Live training materials for MacProVideo and PC Publishing.

Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program

All six levels / 48 sessions

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The flagship of our music training, with every Ableton Live course offered at the school. After completing this program, you will leave with 4 completed tracks (EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live. Our curriculum guides you through the artistic journey of discovering your sound and developing it into a unique body of work. Learn valuable techniques as you complete this program with a multi-track EP.

Essential Music Foundations Program

Three levels / 24 sessions / 66 hours of hands-on instruction + labs

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Unravel electronic music’s origins, build your chops, learn the language and theory, and make and play music the way you want. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the roots and lineage of a variety of electronic and dance music, strengthen their keyboard skills, and learn valuable music theory skills, deepening their creative practice and facilitating effective collaborations with musical partners. Read more.

For more start dates and information about payment plans, please call 212.242.2100 or 1.877.DUBSPOT (1.877.382.7768) or send us a message.

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