Online learning resources, be it courses, videos, written content, one-on-one coaching, apps, et cetera, provide fantastic opportunities to learn (and teach) digital audio workstations like Ableton Live and audio engineering more broadly. Though nothing truly beats dedicated in-person DAW lessons, there are plenty of excellent alternatives online.
Note that by “resources,” I'm not only referring to video tutoring and full-length courses (though these are arguably the best options). I'm also considering masterclasses, videos and articles, and other online resources for learning the ins and outs of Ableton Live.
Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these resources based on the following metrics (in no particular order):
- Reputation of the learning resource
- Quality of education in features (including built-in virtual instruments and plugins), workflow, arrangment and mixing/mastering
- Organization and depth of learning
- Adaptability of teaching to individual students (one-on-one lessons are best here)
- The resource must be currently available
With all that being said, let’s list out the learning resources.
The top 11 best online resources to learn Ableton Live are:
- Point Blank Music School
- KMG Life
- 343 Labs
- Warp Academy
- Producertech
- Slam Academy
- From Studio To Stage
- Sonic Academy
- Ask.Audio
- Berklee Online
- Udemy
In this article, we'll go through each of the above-mentioned resources to get a stronger idea of what makes them great for learning Ableton Live. Whether you're a complete beginner or a successful professional, there is always something to learn! I'll include links to check out each of the options for yourself to learn more about each resource. We'll also consider a few “honourable mentions” worth considering.
Ableton Live is featured in My New Microphone's Top 7 Best Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) On The Market.
Click here to see more of My New Microphone’s recommended learning resources.
Point Blank Music School
The Point Blank Music School is an excellent resource to learn music production and sharpen your creativity. With locations all around the world and superb online curriculums, Point Blank is a top choice for learning Ableton Live and music production more generally.
The school is a Certified Ableton Training partner, and its Live courses include production, composition, sound design, mixing, live performance, and more.
Point Blank Music School's Complete Ableton Live online course is designed to teach students everything there is to know about this powerful DAW. The 6-month 100% online program has multiple start dates throughout the year.
Point Blank's Virtual Learning Environment gives you the tools and network you need to succeed with Ableton Live from the basics to the most advanced functionality.
Over the 2-term course, you'll get in-depth training in one of the world's most versatile DAWs. You also have access to 1-on-1 live sessions with your expert lecturers and additional training to set you up for success in the music/audio industry.
Click here to check out Point Blank Music School's Complete Ableton Live online course today!
Point Blank Music School is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Apple Logic Pro X DAW.
KMG Life
KMG Life started as an all-in-one music production and artist development studio. The wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years led to the formation of the KMG Academy in 2015. This Boulder, Colorado-based company has since become a top resource for learning Ableton Live.
Like Point Blank, KMG Life is an Ableton Certified Training partner, providing amazing online learning experiences in addition to its in-person courses.
The Ableton Virtual Program is a 6-month online training covering everything from workflow to production, mixing and mastering to live performance. KMG is sure to deliver in-depth teaching of Ableton Live to bring a thorough understanding to students.
Click here to check out KMG Life's virtual programs today!
KMG Life is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Avid Pro Tools DAW.
343 Labs
343 Labs is another top-notch Ableton Certified Training partner. With physical locations in New York City and Berlin, 343 also offers an outstanding education in the e-learning space.
From the technicalities of the DAW to the philosophies of developing your sound and production style, 343 Labs offers excellent courses for students to learn Ableton Live.
With a strong roster of accomplished producers and Ableton Certified Trainers, students can expect an exceptional educational experience in NYC, Berlin, and, of course, online.
Click here to check out online Ableton Live courses at 343 Labs today!
Warp Academy
Warp Academy is a one-stop shop for music producers, offering training, software, and sounds and presets to help us make the best music possible. It's also an Ableton Certified Training partner.
The teachers at Warp Academy are industry experts with decades of experience and offer in-depth training in Ableton Live, DJing, synthesis, sound design, remixing, workflow pro-tips, mixing, and mastering.
Rather than focusing on massive courses, you can expect shorter, more specific tutorials regarding Ableton Live's features and functions. If you prefer this modular learning style with smaller, more affordable courses, I recommend Warp Academy.
Click here to check out the Ableton Live tutorials at Warp Academy today!
Producertech
Producertech offers award-winning tutorials on Ableton Live and music production from a multitude of Ableton Certified Training partners and professional artists. In addition to on-demand streamed tutorials, all courses come with downloadable materials, including DAW projects, instrument presets, bonus samples and written notes.
Chief among this learning resource's range of online courses are the Beginner and Advanced Ableton courses. These affordable walkthroughs will get you superb results in a very short amount of time. Enhance your skills with more advanced masterclasses covering specific genres (especially electronic genres) and techniques.
Producertech uses a membership model, where members can get instant access to the entire library of courses and exclusive bonus content. Try it out with a 14-day free trial.
Click here to check out Producertech's Ableton Live courses today!
Slam Academy
As we could come to expect from this list, Slam Academy is also an Ableton Certified Training centre. The academy offers plenty of training programs, chief among which is their Ableton Live Program.
The online version of the interactive Ableton Live Program offers up to six hours of weekly contact time with a variety of certified instructors. The course is “open-enrollment”, meaning students can join anytime. This six-month program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of Live and a developed ability to produce music in any genre they choose.
Choose from plenty of superb courses or consider becoming a member for heavy discounts on whatever courses you're interested in. Learn music and music production through one of the world's most powerful and flexible DAWs at Slam Academy.
Click here to check out the Online Ableton Live Program at Slam Academy today!
From Studio To Stage
Ableton is much more than a studio workstation. It's a multifaceted software that excels as a live performance hub of technology.
If you want to really dig into the vast potential of Ableton as a live performance tool, I highly recommend checking out the many courses at From Studio To Stage. Learn how Ableton works with other powerful technology to produce the most intricate live sets of your career.
This Ableton Certified Training partner will answer questions and open new doors of possibility with Ableton Live. Opt for individual courses or a membership. Beyond the courses, FSTS also features templates, presets, sounds, and other tools to enhance your experience with this awesome DAW.
Click here to check out the courses at From Studio To Stage today!
Sonic Academy
Sonic Academy is a subscription-based electronic music production school and an Ableton Certified Training partner.
If you're into producing EDM and other electronic music genres (as many Ableton Live users are), Sonic Academy teaches you the ways of this powerful DAW with excellent courses and follow-up tutorials.
Additionally, a subscription (which can be purchased monthly or yearly) will give you access to Sonic Academy's plugins and sound and preset packs.
This is a one-stop shop for learning about music technology, news, features, samples, and software plugins to dramatically enhance your experience of and production with Ableton Live.
Click here to check out Sonic Academy's courses on Ableton Live today!
Sonic Academy is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Image-Line FL Studio DAW
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Apple Logic Pro X DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn Steinberg Cubase DAW
Ask.Audio
Ask.Audio is a brand of NonLinear Educating, an online learning platform featuring video tutorials and courses for popular software applications and creative workflow techniques.
Though it's Ask.Audio sister brands, Ask.Video and macVideoPro, which are technically Ableton Certified Training partners, this website benefits from these accreditations.
Ableton Live, along with other DAWs, is featured in-depth in Ask.Audio's training programs.
Ask.Audio provides on-point instruction on the specific functions of Ableton Live and music production as a whole. If you're looking for a library of detailed tutorials on the many features of Ableton Live, then Ask.Audio is for you!
Click here to check out Ask.Audio's Ableton Live courses today!
Ask.Audio is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Image-Line FL Studio DAW
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Apple Logic Pro X DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn Cockos Reaper DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn PreSonus Studio One DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn Steinberg Cubase DAW
Berklee Online
You know Ableton Live is a serious DAW when the Berklee College of Music teaches it academically. As an Ableton Certified Training partner, Berklee Online offers in-depth learning material on this excellent digital audio workstation, focusing particularly on its power as a musicians' tool.
Earn legitimate credits from the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world as you learn the ins and outs of one of the world's most musical DAWs.
Click here to check out Berklee Online's Ableton Live courses today!
Berklee Online is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Apple Logic Pro X DAW
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Avid Pro Tools DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn Steinberg Cubase DAW
Udemy
Udemy is a popular massive open online course (MOOC) provider. Aimed at students and professionals alike, this e-learning site allows users to learn and/or to share what they know.
Though Udemy is less “academic” than many other resources on this list, many of the Ableton Live courses contain expert-level advice and information for professionals in their field. You may not get a full degree, but you will get invaluable information at a small fraction of the price.
Due largely to the popularity of Ableton Live, there are plenty of course options to choose from on Udemy.
I'm particularly impressed with the courses from Tomas George and his collaborators (link to check out Tomas's Udemy page).
Tom's an excellent teacher, covering topics thoroughly in an easy-to-understand manner. His courses on Ableton Live via Udemy are among the best value-for-money you'll find!
Of course, there are plenty of other superb courses to check out as well. However, to keep things evergreen on this post, I'll only point you toward Udemy as a top learning resource. I recommend doing your own research on Udemy to find the course that's the right match for your current knowledge with Ableton Live and your ultimate goals with the DAW.
Click here to check out the many Udemy courses on Ableton Live today!
Udemy is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Apple Logic Pro X DAW
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Avid Pro Tools DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn Cockos Reaper DAW
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Image-Line FL Studio DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn PreSonus Studio One DAW
• Top 9 Best Online Resources To Learn Steinberg Cubase DAW
This article has been approved in accordance with the My New Microphone Editorial Policy.