BATH SPA UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Ableton and Envelop Training
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
1 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 4 weeksCourse Duration
- Hands-on workshopsPractical Learning
- Expert-led by Nik RawlingsExperienced Instructor
- Focus on spatial soundSpecialised Training
- Portfolio buildingCareer Development
- Guest artist lecturesIndustry Insights
This four-week short course introduces musicians, performers, sound designers, composers, and producers to the fundamentals of spatial sound, including ambisonics, binaural audio, and sound diffusion for live performance and installation works. Led by spatial sound artist Nik Rawlings, you will develop a creative and critical approach to composing immersive music and sound, with opportunities to share and reflect on your work with peers. The course aims to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and tools to confidently create and deliver spatial sound works for a wide range of venues, galleries, and collaborations, fostering growth as an immersive artist. The training takes place in person at The Studio, Bath, and combines hands-on workshops with talks from international artists who share insights into exhibiting and performing spatial sound. You will learn about technical riders and specifications for production teams, and undertake independent research and composition to contextualise your work within established frameworks. By the end of the course, you will have built a portfolio and gained the confidence to navigate the rapidly developing immersive sector.
Curriculum
The course is structured into four weekly sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of spatial sound creation, performance, and installation. You will engage in both theoretical learning and practical application, culminating in a final sharing session.
- Session One: Introduction to Spatial Sound and Music
- History and development of spatial sound approaches: From Xennakis to Atmos
- Comparing Ambisonics, Multichannel Diffusion, Wavefield Synthesis and binaural
- Listening session: examples of ambisonic, binaural and multichannel works
- Critical design with spatial audio: choosing the right approach for your work
- Session Two: Working with Spatial Sound in Ableton & Performing with Spatial Sound
- Introduction to Envelop for Live spatial plug ins in Ableton
- Creative composing with spatial sound: spatial narratives, sound clusters, sequences, phases
- Templates for working with Ableton and Envelop for Live
- Preparing your work for spatial production and export with Envelop for Live
- Supported independent working and sharing short pieces
- Introducing performative approaches to spatial sound and live performance tips
- Session Three: Spatial Sound Installations & Exhibiting and Touring Spatial Sound Works
- Examples of multichannel sound installations: gallery, public art, interactive
- Critical and conceptual design of sound installations
- Preparing works for different venues, exhibitions, and spaces; DIY/MVP tips
- Guest lecture by Freya Dooley on exhibiting and touring
- Finding funding, writing technical riders, and promoting work
- Session Four: Final Sharing Session
- Sharing final spatial projects with the group and public
- Reflections on learning and next steps in spatial sound
Careers
Upon completion of this course, you will be equipped to explore new opportunities in the rapidly developing immersive sound sector. The skills gained will enhance your artistic practice and enable you to confidently create and deliver spatial sound works.
- Immersive Sound Artist
- Spatial Sound Composer
- Sound Designer for Installations
- Live Performer with Spatial Audio
- Audio Engineer for Immersive Technologies
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the Ableton and Envelop Training programme?
- This is a four-week short course designed to introduce participants to spatial sound.
- What are the tuition fees for this programme?
- The tuition fee for both home and international students is £325.
- What are the entry requirements for this course?
- You need to have some experience using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and have a working copy of Ableton Live installed on your own computer before the course begins.
- What kind of career opportunities can I explore after completing this course?
- Upon completion, you will be equipped to explore opportunities in the immersive sound sector, such as an Immersive Sound Artist, Spatial Sound Composer, or Sound Designer for Installations.
- What specific spatial sound technologies are covered in the course?
- The course covers fundamentals of spatial sound including ambisonics, binaural audio, and sound diffusion for live performance and installation works, utilizing Envelop for Live plugins within Ableton.
Entry requirements
Experience with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)Participants require some experience using DAWs; the course will use Ableton Live and Reaper. Basic level proficiency is needed.
You must have a working copy of Ableton Live (a 30-day free trial is available) installed on your own computer before the course starts. Your course leader will provide pre-course instructions for downloading and installing Envelop onto Ableton. The course will also briefly look at Reaper and IEM Tools, which are free to use.
Fees
Tuition (international)£325
Tuition (home)£325
Living—
This is a short course with a single fee. Please note that for longer courses, fees are subject to an annual increase, usually confirmed in March for the following academic year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Ableton and Envelop Training programme?
+
This is a four-week short course designed to introduce participants to spatial sound.
What are the tuition fees for this programme?
+
The tuition fee for both home and international students is £325.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
+
You need to have some experience using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and have a working copy of Ableton Live installed on your own computer before the course begins.
What kind of career opportunities can I explore after completing this course?
+
Upon completion, you will be equipped to explore opportunities in the immersive sound sector, such as an Immersive Sound Artist, Spatial Sound Composer, or Sound Designer for Installations.
What specific spatial sound technologies are covered in the course?
+
The course covers fundamentals of spatial sound including ambisonics, binaural audio, and sound diffusion for live performance and installation works, utilizing Envelop for Live plugins within Ableton.