Event Calendar

4 weeks of lessons for S.A.C. members interested in learning more about music production from producer/songwriter/composer Rob Wells

Week 1 – Getting Comfortable with the DAW
Goal: Demystify the recording and production process for songwriters.

Topics:
● Understanding the DAW as your creative canvas
● Setting up sessions efficiently (using templates)
● Basic workflow: MIDI, audio, comping
● Introduction to creative arrangement using loops, samples, and virtual instruments
● Tips for capturing inspiration quickly before it disappears

Takeaway: Participants learn how to confidently open their DAW and start shaping a song idea into a demo.

Week 2 – BREAKING DOWN A PRODUCTION (Inside one of Rob’s tracks)
Goal: Explore how a professional production comes together from the ground up.

Topics:
● Deconstructing one of Rob’s songs step-by-step (session playback)
● Producing from the chorus first, then working backwards
● Balancing instruments and vocals for energy and emotion
● Use of layers, ear candy, and automation for dynamics
● Decision-making – when to add, when to strip back

Takeaway: Participants see a real-world session and understand how creative and technical choices drive a record’s feel.

Week 3 – ROB’S FAVOURITE VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS
Goal: Expand participants’ sonic palette and production creativity.

Topics:
● Overview of must-have VSTs and plugins (synths, drums, organic, orchestral, creative FX)
● Sound-design basics and layering techniques
● Creating signature sounds: pads, basses, leads, textures
● Using virtual instruments to spark songwriting ideas
● Workflow tips for CPU efficiency and session organization

Takeaway: Songwriters gain new tools and inspiration to make their demos and productions stand out.

Week 4 – PRODUCING, RECORDING, COMPING & TUNING A GREAT LEAD VOCAL
Goal: Teach the art of crafting a compelling vocal performance.

Topics:
● Recording setup and environment tips
● Vocal coaching in the studio – getting the right performance
● Comping techniques for emotion and clarity
● Subtle vs. stylized tuning using AutoTune & VariAudio
● Vocal mixing basics: EQ, compression, de-essing, reverb, and delay for polish

Takeaway: Participants learn how to produce radio-ready vocals that enhance the song’s storytelling.

4 weeks of lessons for S.A.C. members interested in learning more about music production from producer/songwriter/composer Rob Wells

Week 1 – Getting Comfortable with the DAW
Goal: Demystify the recording and production process for songwriters.

Topics:
● Understanding the DAW as your creative canvas
● Setting up sessions efficiently (using templates)
● Basic workflow: MIDI, audio, comping
● Introduction to creative arrangement using loops, samples, and virtual instruments
● Tips for capturing inspiration quickly before it disappears

Takeaway: Participants learn how to confidently open their DAW and start shaping a song idea into a demo.

Week 2 – BREAKING DOWN A PRODUCTION (Inside one of Rob’s tracks)
Goal: Explore how a professional production comes together from the ground up.

Topics:
● Deconstructing one of Rob’s songs step-by-step (session playback)
● Producing from the chorus first, then working backwards
● Balancing instruments and vocals for energy and emotion
● Use of layers, ear candy, and automation for dynamics
● Decision-making – when to add, when to strip back

Takeaway: Participants see a real-world session and understand how creative and technical choices drive a record’s feel.

Week 3 – ROB’S FAVOURITE VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS
Goal: Expand participants’ sonic palette and production creativity.

Topics:
● Overview of must-have VSTs and plugins (synths, drums, organic, orchestral, creative FX)
● Sound-design basics and layering techniques
● Creating signature sounds: pads, basses, leads, textures
● Using virtual instruments to spark songwriting ideas
● Workflow tips for CPU efficiency and session organization

Takeaway: Songwriters gain new tools and inspiration to make their demos and productions stand out.

Week 4 – PRODUCING, RECORDING, COMPING & TUNING A GREAT LEAD VOCAL
Goal: Teach the art of crafting a compelling vocal performance.

Topics:
● Recording setup and environment tips
● Vocal coaching in the studio – getting the right performance
● Comping techniques for emotion and clarity
● Subtle vs. stylized tuning using AutoTune & VariAudio
● Vocal mixing basics: EQ, compression, de-essing, reverb, and delay for polish

Takeaway: Participants learn how to produce radio-ready vocals that enhance the song’s storytelling.