Our Courses and Lessons
Halifax's DJ and Production School
Mix Academy was founded in 2025 by DJ Double A (Aaron Siegner) — a touring DJ/producer since 1992 and licensed teacher with fifteen years of classroom experience. We offer small classes, professional gear, real skills. Start your journey today!
DJ Courses
Beginner Level (open to all)
Duration:
10 weeks – 1 class/week – 90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time:
15 hours No experience necessary
Capacity:
6 Students
Cost:
$697
Required Materials: • a laptop capable of running the latest version of Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox.
Course Description:
Designed for beginners, this course builds a solid foundation in core DJ skills using both vinyl and Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox.
You'll develop confidence in beatmatching, EQ, and manual control — starting on vinyl so that when you transition to digital, you're rock-solid. Learning it the right way will set you apart.
Culminating Project:
Students will perform a short set at the end-of-term live showcase in a public setting.
What you will learn:
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Equipment fundamentals
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Record handling and cueing
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Basic EQ techniques
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Introductory scratching Beatmatching by ear
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Digital techniques using Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox
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Set preparation and flow
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What you will learn:
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Intermediate beatmatching with and without visual aids
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Phrase matching and track structure analysis
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Intermediate scratches
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Digital DJing best practices using Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox
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Intermediate cue points and using loops
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Intro to FX and filter use
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Building digital crates and playlists
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Programming and executing warm-up sets
Course Description:
Students will continue to develop the skill of beat matching by ear, and learn more advanced mixing techniques, incorporating effects, EQ, looping, and cue points. Students will also learn genre-specific mixing techniques, incorporating basic scratches and crossfader use. Library management will also be a focus.
Culminating Project:
Students will perform an opening set at a live public event.
Duration:
10 weeks – 1 class/week – 90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 15 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations or instructor approval
Cost:
$697
Required Materials:
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Laptop with Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox installed (free to download)
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Same materials from Beginner
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Duration:
10 weeks – 1 class per week
90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 15 hoursPrerequisite: Completion of Intermediate DJ / Prior DJ intermediate experience
Cost:
$697
Required Materials:
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Same materials from Intermediate
Course Description:
The Advanced DJ course builds on intermediate skills with a deep focus on Serato DJ Pro or Rekordbox (Students will have chosen their preferred platform by now). Students refine set programming, master effects, and develop a more intentional, creative approach to DJing—moving beyond technical proficiency toward a distinct personal style.
Culminating Project
Students will perform full sets at a public event.
What You Will Learn
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Advanced set programming and tracklist curation
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Advanced creative FX use
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Advanced mixing techniques (Stems)
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Loop and sample integration
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Performance improvisation and crowd reading
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Software workflow optimization
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Developing a personal DJ style and identity
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Duration:
10 weeks – 1 class per week
90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 15 hours
Prerequisite:
Completion of Intermediate DJ / Prior DJ intermediate experience
Cost:
$697
Required Materials:
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Same materials from Intermediate
Course Description:
A structured introduction to DJ scratching fundamentals for students with basic DJing experience or those enrolled in other MixAcademy courses. Students learn hand positioning, vinyl control, crossfader technique, and timing with an emphasis on precision and musicality over speed. Rooted in vinyl technique with principles that apply to digital systems, the course ensures students understand not just how to scratch—but why it works.
Culminating Project
Students will perform full short routines at a public event.
What You Will Learn
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Turntable and crossfader mechanics
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Proper hand positioning and record control
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Fader technique and coordination
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Baby scratches
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Stabs
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Chirps
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Transformers
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Flares
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Scratch phrasing and musical application
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Doubling / Basic Beat Juggling
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Private Lessons can be booked via a free consultation. Email us info@wearemodusmusic.com or call us any time at: 902-240-0261
Production Courses
Beginner Level
Duration: 10 weeks – 1 class/week – 60 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 10 hours
No prerequisites required
Cost:
$797
Required Materials:
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All materials provided during lessons.
Course Description:
This is our beginner-level electronic music production course. No prior experience is necessary. In this course, students will develop a strong foundation in the tools, techniques, and workflows essential to composing and producing electronic music using a digital audio workstation (DAW). This course is taught using Ableton Live Intro.
Culminating Project:
Students will create a short (2-3 minute) original song that will be shared at an end-of term listening event.
What you will learn:
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DAW fundamentals (navigating Ableton Live)
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MIDI vs. audio: understanding the difference
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Basic music theory
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Step sequencing with drum racks
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Using samples and loops effectively
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Building basslines and melodies
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Loop-based composition
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Basic song structure
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Introduction to EQ and mixing levels
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Exporting your work for playback and sharing
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* Intermediate 2 will begin being offered in our winter term.
What you will learn:
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Drum programming with swing and groove
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Chopping and editing samples
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Building custom instrument racks
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Synthesizing leads and pads
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Applying audio effects (EQ, reverb, delay)
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Automation for dynamics and movement
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Creating transitions (build-ups, breakdowns)
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Intro to mixing workflows and gain staging
Course Description:
Intermediate 1 builds on the core concepts developed in our Beginner course. Students will learn intermediate production techniques and begin constructing more dynamic, fully arranged tracks. Emphasis will be placed on song structure, groove, and sound design fundamentals.
Culminating Project:
Students will create and mix a short (2-3 minute) original song that will be shared at an end-of term listening event.
Intermediate Level 1
Duration: 10 weeks – 1 class/week – 90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 15 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of Beginner or instructor approval
Cost:
$1497
Required Materials:
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Home access to a computer capable of running Ableton Live 12
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* Intermediate 2 will begin being offered in our winter term.
What you will learn:
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Advanced sampling and resampling workflows
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Intermediate sound design
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Layering drums, bass, and melodic elements
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Creative use of automation and FX chains
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Sidechain compression and dynamics
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Track referencing and comparative listening
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Using return tracks and buses in a mix
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Refining transitions and build energy
Course Description:
Intermediate 2 focuses on refining production skills, expanding creative techniques, and enhancing technical control. Students will experiment with advanced arrangement, automation, and mixing strategies to produce original, polished tracks.
Culminating Project:
Students will create, mix and master a short (2-3 minute) original song that will be shared at an end-of term listening event.
Intermediate Level 2
Duration: 10 weeks – 1 class/week – 90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 15 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of Intermediate 1
Cost:
$1497
Required Materials:
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Same materials from Intermediate 1
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What you will learn:
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Finishing techniques for composition and arrangement
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Layering and subtractive editing for clarity
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Creative use of FX and automation for interest
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Advanced mixing strategies
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Intro to mastering for digital release and club play
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Session organization and file management
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Strategies for revisions and polishing
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Exploring live performance possibilities in Ableton
Course Description:
This is our advanced electronic music production course. The focus of this course is on project completion, workflow mastery, and creative refinement. Students will work on finishing a release-ready track or mini-EP with instructor support.
Culminating Project:
Students will create, mix and master a short (2-3 minute) original song that will be shared at an end-of term listening event. They will also prepare the track for release on streaming platforms. (Release is optional).
Advanced Level
Duration: 10 weeks – 1 class/week – 90 minutes per class
Total Instruction Time: 15 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of Intermediate 2
Cost:
$1797
Required Materials:
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Same materials from Intermediate 2
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