Francois K. G.

About Francois K. G.

Francois “Franz” Kirmann is an established electronic music producer with more than 10 years experience in the industry, producing and releasing records, touring and writing score for media and television. He has toured Europe between 2013 and 2017 with his post classical / electronic trio Piano Interrupted, has performed live and DJed in many clubs from Berlin to London and in recent years scored acclaimed TV programs such as BBC “McMafia” and 2021 BAFTA winner documentary “Locked In”.

François sees himself as a creative spirit and a collaborator. A father of two young budding musicians, he loves sharing his passion for music creation, vintage synthesisers, drum machines and all that is sound! François’ main focus is for every student to have fun while learning and developing their creativity through music. He’s an accessible, and inspiring music teacher and he wants you to create music you are excited about and eager to share with the world!

Teaching in Music Production with Ableton Live

Francois teaches Music Production with Ableton Live, one of the industry’s leading Digital Audio Workstation. Ableton is celebrating 20 years since its creation, and is now on version 11. François started using Ableton from version 3, 15 years ago, and has used it in all of his projects on stage and in the studio.

François can deliver lessons that will allow you to get the best out of Ableton to produce your music, but also perform it live whatever your level. From learning the basics to recording full compositions using audio and midi and setting up a live set for a solo performance or within a band, you are covered.

Music production is a skill but it’s also an approach and a creative practice. It covers many areas of music: playing, recording, arranging, structure, sound design, mixing and more. It’s great fun, and you will learn all the time while creating!

Francois’ approach is about learning the basics, and experimenting all the time to develop ideas and find your voice, your style, your sound.
Students will be guided through key elements of the programme, covering basic navigation to advanced techniques.
The course is project based, so whatever your level you will be working from the get go on your own original piece of music, learning as you go along.

Analog and eurorack synthesisers

If students are able to visit François studio in Battersea, South London, the music production course can be expanded to the use of analog and Eurorack synthesisers.
Eurorack modular systems are now more and more common in studios around the world. They offer unparalleled sonic creativity and musical inspiration and have become a staple of modern electronic music. But they can also be quite expensive and hard to get your hands on! Francois owns a couple of systems that are ideal to start with modular synthesisers, as well as more traditional electronic instruments by some of the most exciting and cutting edge brands in the world today: Moog, Buchla, Sequential Circuits, Erica Synths and more.

Genre

All genre of music can be produced in Ableton but Francois personal experience is in electronic dance music, improvisation and film / TV soundtracks. He also often works with song writers and classical musicians so the musical scope is wide.

First Lesson

Music production is a source of immense fun and creativity. The first lesson will be about finding out what the student want, understanding their taste, their experience and individual requirements. It will be a discussion to understand the student’s goals and their personality. Will also be covered the technicalities of the course, equipment needed and the student own music set up.

Beginners

If you are a beginner with Ableton, the first lesson will concentrate on understanding the software interface and lay out. You will also be introduced to Ableton fundamental building block… the clip. It all starts with a clip! So you will be taught how to record your first Midi clip which will be the first brick on your creative wall!