MIDI Drum Machines Workshop

**Space is limited. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983896255104**

MIDI drum machines are powerful tools for both music production and live performance—but with so many devices and software options available, getting started can feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed to remove that friction and get you creating quickly.

In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of working with MIDI drum machines using Akai’s MPD-218 controller paired with MPC Beats, a free, professional-grade music production platform available for PC and Mac. While the specific tools used in class are Akai-based, the concepts taught are broadly applicable across many drum machines and digital audio workstations.

We’ll start with the essentials: understanding the interface, navigating workflows, and using shortcuts efficiently. As the workshop progresses, you’ll move into crafting your own beats, instrumentals, and even full song arrangements using MIDI hardware.
Along the way, you’ll experience how drum machines dramatically improve creative speed without sacrificing musical quality.

Participants will also receive a custom sample pack to experiment with, helping you jump straight into hands-on creation.

This workshop emphasizes learning by doing and is suitable for beginners as well as musicians looking to modernize their workflow or explore performance-oriented production techniques.

**Space is limited. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983896255104**

Hardware / Software Used

• Akai MPD-218 MIDI Drum Machine
• Akai MPC Beats (free software)

Prerequisites

• No prior experience required
• Basic familiarity with computers is helpful

What to Bring

• Optional: your own MIDI controller or laptop
• All required equipment is provided on-site

Skill Level

• Beginner to Intermediate

Tags / Categories

• Music Production
• MIDI
• Electronic Music
• Live Performance
• Audio Engineering

## FAQs

Do I need prior music production experience?
No. This workshop is beginner-friendly and starts with the fundamentals.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. MPD controllers and PCs with software are provided. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.

Is the software free?
Yes. MPC Beats is free and available for both PC and Mac.

Will this help with live performance as well as production?
Yes. The workshop covers both beat creation and performance-oriented workflows.

Are these concepts transferable to other drum machines or DAWs?
Yes. Most techniques taught are broadly applicable across many platforms.