If you love creating music and plan on becoming an audio engineer or a music producer, FL Studio is a no-brainer. The software is like having a virtual band and music studio all on your computer.
Learning new software can seem overwhelming, but after an FL Studio course, you will be editing audio clips in no time. This article explains what FL Studio consists of, a typical FL Studio workflow, how to learn the software and use it proficiently, and some fantastic courses you can start today.
What Is FL Studio?
FL Studio, formerly known as FruityLoops, is a music producer’s dream. The software allows you to easily edit audio tracks, organize content, cut, mix, and add music to create your perfect song.
FL Studio features a user-friendly interface with a pattern-based music sequencer. Image-Line offers its own virtual instruments and audio applications to add to your music. FL Studio has been used by hip hop and EDM producers including Souja Boy, Porter Robinson, Madeon, Martin Garrix, and Avicii.
How FL Studio Works
Once you’ve selected an empty project, here are some simple guidelines to let you practice and familiarize yourself with FL Studio.
- Layout. The interface will show you tracks and a grid, your playlist, and the space where you put each music pattern. You’ll also find a list of sounds that you have uploaded and some other sample options.
- Tools. At the top, you will find some useful tools like the paintbrush, pencil, mute button, and a splicer tool. These will help you add tracks, remove tracks, mute individual clips, and cut the music.
- Channel rack. To begin creating music, you will need to drag your sounds from the left sidebar into your channel rack. Then you can quickly add your notes in the step sequences or go into your Piano Roll.
- Piano roll. The great thing about FL Studio 20 is its piano roll, where you can add piano notes easily or create notes with other sounds in different keys.
- Audio mixer. If you want to add exciting effects to your sound like reverb, then the audio mixer is a great tool. It’s a bit advanced but can bring your audio recordings to life.
Types of FL Studio Editions
A common question when deciding to use FL Studio is which version to get. The options have varying capabilities and prices. So here is an overview of the different FL Studio editions. Discover which works best for you.
Fruity Edition
This is the cheapest edition of FL Studio and is advertised as an entry-level virtual music studio. At a price of around $100, it’s a very basic version of the software. You might want to buy the FL Studio Akai Controller.
Producer Edition
This is the recommended starting software. The Producer edition costs around $200 and is perfect for beginners. It has most of what you need to start music production. If the price puts you off, you can always start with the Fruity edition and upgrade.
Signature Bundle
With the Signature edition, you will have more plug-ins available. For example, you will get options like auto-tune. This bundle costs around $300.
All Plug-ins Bundle
Lastly, we have the bundle with all the plug-ins. This is just what it sounds like. However, for $900 it is debatable whether it’s worth it for you and your goals. Keep an eye out for discounts that can occasionally bring the price down to $500.
For beginners, we recommend starting with the Producer bundle and moving to the Signature bundle. To see a full list of prices and features, look at the Image-Line website and discover what plug-ins you will need for your music.
Learning FL Studio
Some university music programs will offer courses in FL Studio software or something similar. But for those not in college, there are plenty of options available like online classes, in-person tutorials, and other resources. Students just need to get their hands on the software and start practicing.
How Long Does It Take to Learn FL Studio?
Putting a time stamp on how long it takes to master Fl Studio is challenging. Getting the basics down depends on how frequently you’ll be using it, how much you practice, and if you are completing a course in the software. But a very rough estimation is that it could take between five weeks and over five years to learn FL Studio.
How to Learn FL Studio: Step-by-Step
In a rush to start making your beats? Here is a simple guide to get your music out there.
- Gain musical skills. You’re off to a great start if you can already play an instrument and have an understanding of tempo and rhythm. Also, if you’ve used another studio software before, it will make learning FL Studio much easier.
- Watch free tutorials. You can find lots of resources to learn the basics of this software in free videos online. These will give you an idea of whether to invest in FL Studio and an FL Studio course.
- FL Studio courses. Learn about the amazing possibilities in a course once you have downloaded the software. This is also great for learning the organizational side of the software, discovering any gaps you may have missed, and getting advice from professionals.
- Practice. Making music is the best way to learn this software. You will make mistakes and terrible tunes at first. But take it one song at a time and you will get better and better.
- Build a Portfolio. If you commit to one song a day, then you will soon find your portfolio stuffed. Then you can start sharing your samples and tracks and begin growing your audience. Here for some portfolio ideas and tips.
The Best FL Studio Courses and Training
Begin making music today with the best FL studio courses and training. Whether you can pay for a course or are looking for free options, Career Karma has collected the very best resources for you.
Online FL Studio Courses
Explore some fantastic options for certification in FL Studio here. With these options, you’ll go from the basics to the expert level with help from musicians like Timbaland.
LinkedIn Learning
- Learning FL Studio 12
- Where: Online
- Length: 2 Hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $27.79 (first month is free)
This Linkedin Learning course offers a great introduction to FL Studio. Students will learn to build a drumbeat, use the piano roll, add instrument patterns, use a mixer, and much more.
CreativeLive
- FL Studio Synthesis Master Class
- Where: Online
- Length: 9 Hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $13 monthly fee (or $24 for the course)
For those interested in electronic music or using a synthesizer, this masterclass is excellent. Students will learn the basics of waveforms, compression controls, and much more.
Udemy
How to Make a Martin Garrix Track In FL Studio
Music Production In FL Studio 20 for Mac & PC
- Where: Online
- Length: 3 Hours – 14.5 Hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $20
Here are the three most popular Udemy courses for learning FL Studio. These offer great beginner to intermediate tips and cover all the basics for Windows and Mac users.
MasterClass
- Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking
- Deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production
- Where: Online app
- Length: 15 Classes or 23 Classes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $90 for one class or $180 for a year
Although these don’t teach FL Studio specifically, we had to include them for inspirational purposes. You can watch these two pros talk about their music genre and learn their methods to create and produce music.
Best Free Online FL Studio Courses
Begin your learning with free online courses to test your abilities and see if it is worth the investment. Here is a look at some free FL Studio classes you can begin right now.
Image-Line
- How to use FL Studio: Making music
- Where: Online
- Length: Varies
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: FREE
Why not learn from Image-Line themselves? Although these are just handy tutorials, they have fantastic how-to videos for using the software. This page covers every possible question you may come across when beginning to use FL Studio.
Skillshare
- Millionaire DJ: FL Studio 12 Music Production Course
- Sample Your Own Music in FL Studio
- Where: Online
- Length: Varies
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: FREE (for first 14 days)
Skillshare’s courses are also great for beginners or those who want to learn music production and sample music legally. Although these are not as thorough as Image-Line’s tutorials.
Best FL Studio Books
Browse these top FL Studio books to read alongside your studies. They are perfect for the budding musician.
FL Studio Cookbook: Over 40 recipes to help you master music production with FL Studio, Shaun Friedman
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
This book explores producing in various music genres including indie rock, pop, hip-hop, and experimental. Learn the “recipes” for setting up your studio, music production, composing music, and adding effects. Learn how to build drum beats, layer harmonies and vocals, and mix sounds like a professional.
The Secrets of Dance Music Production, David Felton, Greg Scarth, Marc Adamo, and Chris Barker
The world’s leading electronic music magazine delivers a guide to making dance music. The book is filled with techniques, tips, and hands-on walkthroughs. This book helps you to create a club-ready mix for either house, techno, 2-step, D&B, trance, or EDM.
FL Studio Certifications
At the moment, there are no real certification options for FL Studio other than an undergraduate degree in music production. You should take some online courses to become familiar with the software. Then start producing your own music. Use the music as your certification!
Best Online FL Studio Resource
Here are the best beginner resources online for learning FL Studio. This will help teach you the fundamentals of FL Studio and let you find your sound in no time.
Youtube.com
There is a lot of content on YouTube about FL Studio. A Career Karma favorite is the channel Chuki Beats II on how to make beginner beats. Follow along as he teaches you about the software while having a blast making music.
Should You Study FL Studio?
Do you love to shape sounds and craft music digitally? Then studying FL Studio is a smart move. Once you get past the initial hurdle of learning the software, you will have a great time creating innovative sound recordings. Then comes the really fun part: sharing your music with others.
We wish you luck on your musical journey and hope that this article helped you explore FL Studio courses and options. Now, go out there and learn FL Studio and make a hit song. How does that sound?
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
