Audio Alchemy

One to one. Audio Workshops. Video Tutorials.
Learn Ableton, Cubase, Logic Pro. Music Production Tuition. DJ Tuition.
Sound Advice. Sound Ideas.

My name is Richard Powell, I DJ and make music. (Anything that has a vibe, maybe a little quirky, kooky, off-kilter, and generally interesting.
(I hope! )
Plus I do a spot of teaching. . .

I teach using either Ableton, Cubase, or Logic Pro. Whichever is your preference? I also provide DJ Tuition. This can be done either from my own studio, or depending on locality, I can make arrangements to come to you.
*I also provide online tuition via Zoom or Skype. So no matter where you are, (either in the UK, or somewhere else in the world), the tuition can become available.

I tailor the lessons to make sure you learn exactly what you want to know. I don't necessarily teach a fixed program. I can start from the basics and help you to progress upwards through practical learning, or, the tuition can be based on discussion, to make sure we cover all you need.


I can help you learn any of the following subjects:

* Beat making, and Programming Beats, Melodies, Bass-lines, Chords, Sequences, Polyrhythms Etc.
* Using Samplers And Synths To Come Up With Completely New And Unique Sounds
* Working with MIDI. (Creating and Editing MIDI clips. )
* Building A Performance Set up and understanding Performance Techniques - Including the use of Midi Controllers
* Recording Vocals and Instruments
* Arrangement
* Processing Audio & Sounds – Eqing, Compression, Filtering, Delays, Reverbs and Other Effects
* Mixing and Mastering, (including finalizing /compression)


Along with this, I also teach a lot of tricks and tips, which can help you use the software more efficiently, as well as helping you to be more creative.

I specialise in these areas:

- Physical interaction with music software through a wide variety of hardware control devices.

- I am a performer and producer and I channel this experience into my training.

- I also specialise in helping artists prepare for live shows.

I also teach sound design, sampling and synthesis based In Ableton and Kontakt.

The tuition is completed privately to a wide range of people. Either those with no prior music experience, who are looking to get into learning the software, and then perhaps onto making music. Or to musicians with previous experience from all backgrounds, including electronic and dance producer, singer /songwriters, avant-garde producers, as well as professional DJs. Students' ages range from 16 to 50 +


About me:

I am a Computer Music Production Tutor who works at Learn Ableton, CForm record label, and runs a regular night called Meme, and two digital radio show's, one called The Meme Hotmix on 'myhouseyourhouse' website, and 'Meme Sessions' on NGDigital website.


I have the following qualifications. . .

Teacher Training Courses:

Sept 13 - Nottingham University: PGCE Teacher Training Course


Music, Music Technology and Music Production Qualifications:

From Jan 19
PhD in Creative /Music Therapy at Nottingham Trent University

Sept 08-Sept 10
De Montfort University MA in Music, Technology and Innovation

Sept 04-July 06
Derby University BSc Multi Media Tech and Music Production


As a working producer and performer I've worked in many areas of the music industry over the last 15 + years. Including writing music and as a sound /audio technician. I have also performed live and toured extensively as a musician, and as a DJ.

I also have a PTTLS Level 4 teaching qualification and extended CRB check. I have taught many different types of people in many different environments. I love most forms of music. I like playing some bass guitar, the drums, messing around with synths and drum machines, along with using my computer to arrange and compose.

I've been using computers to help make music for around 10 + years, starting with Cubase, Logic, then Pro Tools and finally Ableton Live. Right now, there is no alternative for me, Ableton live is the best single program out there for creating, mixing, performance and mastering.

I’ve recently helped some of my students with their productions, which have been played & supported by the likes of BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1 Extra, Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola and Chris Duckenfield. Among others.