Hello. My name is Damon.
I'm a recording artist and private instructor, located in San Diego and Scottsdale, Arizona.
I've been producing my own music for 23+ years,
having my songs released for 18+ years, and teaching others (every week) for 13+ years.
Since 2013, I have taught nearly 300 people -
all individually, in private 1-on-1 sessions,
with a service called Be Heard Lessons.
...and I can help YOU learn how to create & improve your own songs in Ableton Live!
I help people improve their mixes every week.
By walking my students through the process, they develop an awareness of what to listen for, understand how to achieve desired results, and refine both their skills and personal taste of how they want their mixes to sound.
I can help you learn to mix your songs with confidence, too.
LEARNING BY DOING!
When people contact me to learn Ableton Live, it's not because they want to click around in the software.
They want to CREATE!
They want to express themselves - to share stories through music, to convey messages and elicit feelings with sound, and take listeners on a sonic journey of energy & emotion.
But...
If you're trying to understand how Ableton Live works... and create & expand on your song ideas, AND produce the right sounds to deliver it, WHILE mixing everything together so it feels like one cohesive experience...
It can become overwhelming - FAST
(...maybe you're already experienced this).
In private lessons, I have helped MANY people learn a systematic approach to BOTH!
You can learn Ableton Live as we work through projects TOGETHER and turn ideas into songs!
Hear from some of my students who have learned the MIXING PROCESS
Have you been STRUGGLING to get results in ABLETON LIVE?
Are you TIRED of sitting through videos for random tips ...and STILL feeling stuck?
Wouldn't it be NICE to feel COMFORTABLE, CAPABLE, & CONFIDENT
the next time you sit down to work on music?
I CAN HELP!!
This is NOT another "online course" with more videos to watch or a group coaching program...
This is LIVE, 1-on-1, PERSONALIZED,
music production training -
working directly on YOUR MUSIC!
Reserve your spot to learn the mixing process.
Receive personalized guidance as we work directly on your songs!
You will get:
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a hands-on, repeatable mixing process - the same used by professionals
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concentrated 2-hour sessions - covering concepts & techniques
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customized, real-time feedback and guidance - working on your songs
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a systemized checklist - ensure each element is addressed and optimized
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meet 5 times within 30 days - reinforce & take ownership through accountability
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optional, brief check-in calls between sessions - to provide clarity & gain momentum
Each session builds on the previous. By the end of the training, you will have a system that you can reliably fall back on and a skill that you can utilize for each new song you write.
We will cover:
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mix criteria & preparation
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the dimensions of a mix
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analytical listening & ear training
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balance & levels
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processing - compression, EQ
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time-based effects
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stereo width
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routing & automation
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loudness & dynamics / master prep
All training is 1-on-1 and customized to your situation.
It is you and me, working on your mixes - together!
The investment to learn how to mix is $1,300.
Financing options are available with PayPal’s “Buy Now Pay Later” option - paying in 4 installments over 6 weeks, with 0% interest - subject to approval & eligibility.
You are one month away from sculpting your mixes with confidence.
Already writing, producing, and mixing your music, but want to go further - finishing songs & releases / performing live / artist branding & merchandising? Ask about exclusive artist-development mentorship.
LEARNING BY WATCHING
If you've been trying to learn how to make your own music, then you've probably spent time with some of the MANY resources that are available in bulk - video tutorials, online courses, webinars, daily tips, private groups, eBooks, group coaching, cheatsheets, classes ...or AI chatbots [facepalm].
And if those things were WORKING for you, then you probably wouldn't be HERE...
looking for more answers...
instead of actively working on your music!
(...see where I'm going with this...)
Educational products are great. But they still require that YOU take the initiative to digest all the information and then figure out how to effectively implement it - ALL ON YOUR OWN.
THIS IS DIFFERENT...
WHO IT'S FOR
I teach people of all ages (from 7 to 85 years old) to help them understand the song-creation process. My students come from all levels of experience (ranging from complete beginners to touring professionals) and work in all different styles & genres of music.
You don't need a musical background or to be able to play any instruments.
We can build off of your existing knowledge and ability (wherever you are in your development).
All you need is the desire to learn and a constructive attitude (...I'll assist with those where I can, hah).
HOW IT WORKS
In the sessions, we work in your software on your projects.
You share your computer's screen and sound, so I see & hear exactly what you do.
Instead of sitting back and passively watching ME make all the moves...
You control the mouse, and you click on everything to make it all happen.
I guide us along - explaining concepts, walking through techniques, and answering questions.
In the end, you understand how it's done and are able to make informed decisions.
WHAT YOU LEARN
The beauty of private training is that we focus on exactly what YOU want!
We cover the topics & skills that are most important TO YOU.
I like to provide a framework, so we're always aware of where we are in the BIG PICTURE. But...
If something is confusing or you want to explore a certain idea or subject - that's what we'll talk about.
As we go, I'll introduce essential fundamentals, best practices, and creative options.
You can also record the sessions, so you have them for personal reference.
More specifically - besides taking control of Ableton Live, possible subjects include:
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sounds - studio setup, sound design, synthesis, sampling, vocal editing & processing
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songs - songwriting, composition, lyric writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering, remixes
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sales - release timeline & prep, sync licensing, merchandising
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strategy - live show configuration, performance practice, promotion, distribution