| Name | Brenden M. Recommended |
|---|---|
| City | Vancouver, BC |
| Additional Location | Burnaby |
| Teaching | Ableton, Audio Engineering, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Synthesizer, Ear Training, Music Composition, Music Production, Music Software |
| Speaking | English |
| Originally From | Canada |
| Working With | Youth, Adults, Groups |
| Levels I Teach | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Lessons Take Place | My Home/Office, Learner's Home or Work, Public Place, Online |
| Hourly Rate | C$35 |
I offer an hour on Zoom or at the library/cafe to talk about computer music and your learning goals. After a conversation, I think you might know whether you want to try a focused paid session. I think 1.5-2 hours is the best range for learning, in my experience. Late October 2021 update: If vaccinated and willing to wear masks, I am slowly becoming comfortable to meet in Vancouver or Burnaby in person for lessons.
I have made music with Ableton Live, mostly for fun, over the last 16 years. In 2010 I received an Audio Engineering and Production trade diploma. For the last 11 years I have worked in the audio industry as an editor and mixer, and I've also worked as a tutor off and on.
B.A., Major in Philosophy, Minor in English - Vancouver Island University, with several electives in Music and Linguistics. 2009.
Trade Diploma, Audio Engineering and Production - Pacific Audio Visual Institute. 2010.
While at audio school, in-class instruction took place 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. I also spent as much time in the studio as I was allowed to. I once added it up to about 28 hrs a month. That time was spent learning how to use professional audio equipment.
Since 2010, I've worked on audio books, as a computer music tutor, and for an educational software company (as an audio editor and bug tester). In my daily work, I use Ableton Live, iZotope RX and Ozone, and Avid Pro Tools. I am somewhat familiar with Logic Pro, but I do not use it at home.
I can best teach Ableton or Pro Tools, but the concepts of recording, composing, and sound engineering are applicable in any Digital Audio Workstation or hardware. I can help students of audio engineering and making music at home with preparing home studio spaces, recording, editing, MIDI and software instruments, mixing effects and plugins, and audio mastering.
My approach is a mix of concept instruction and hands-on exploration in the software of my student's choice. I don't know every software, but I know the principles applicable to audio programs in general. I am also good at applying the general knowledge I have acquired to research and educate myself on the gear and products you want to use, so I can help you learn on your own tools even if I've never heard of them before.
When it comes to your level of understanding, I am able to communicate to a beginner with sincere interest and willingness to learn. The task is to talk about sound and digital audio, listen to what the computer and speakers are doing, and practice in a regular way. I think virtually anyone can learn almost anything, if they can dedicate attention and time. We can work up to more difficult levels at a pace you can handle. I don't have a set curriculum or timeline in mind for your learning path.
I am flexible and we can arrange the time in advance. My hours of availability are provided here. Any given week, the spot might be booked already.
In person meetings are tentative; would consider it. Zoom can happen for some kinds of lessons, but it can be tricky to coordinate computer audio for music software while running Zoom. Have to figure out what works best for your needs as a student.
I highly recommend Brenden M. His ability to break down technical concepts that at first may seem overwhelming is rare. And he always explains the whats and whys of the problem as he's solving it before moving on, so there's no unsolved mystery at the end of a lesson. I also find Brenden M. to be patient, customer centred, fun to be around, flexible, a good listener, and a great technician/engineer. I meet with him once a week and am gradually believing that with help and effort, I too will achieve a high level on my DAW and make excellent records. One last thing: Because Brenden M. advises me on what hardware gear and software plug ins I might need or not need to achieve specific goals, I end up saving money... lots of it. But that's just icing on the cake. Therefore, I highly recommend Brenden M.
