MIDI Drum Machines Workshop

Learn to produce and perform music using MIDI drum machines. Hands-on workshop with Akai MPD-218 and MPC Beats software. 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. 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