Drum Programming Masterclass, Part 1: Rhythms & Patterns (Udemy.com)
Build Better Beats through drum programming patterns and style tips including hip hop drum programming and much more!
Created by: J. Anthony Allen
Last updated November 2025
What you will learn
- At the completion of this class, students will understand and be able to use basic beat patterns and build unique and progressive beats
- The 6 keys to understanding meter and pulse
- The 3 most important elements of the drum pattern
- The 5 keys to a drum groove with "feel"
- The most important elements to the "basic pattern"
- The top 5 reasons to add "swing" to your patterns
How it compares
Against the other 241 rated Udemy courses in Music Production on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.4 out of 5higher than 24% of them
- Reviews335#96 of 242 by number of reviews
- Length3.1 hoursshorter than 55% of them
- Last updatedNovember 2025more recently than 63% of them
Course Description
** Udemy Hot & New Course **
** Udemy Top Seller ** Courses by this instructor are consistently listed in Top Selling Music Courses.
This is a class designed for music producers who are ready to get serious about drum programming. The art of programming drums on a MIDI grid, in drum machines, or with audio files can be tricky to master, but when you finish this class, your tracks will have the extra energy that comes from professional drum tracks.
Dr. Allen is a professional musician, top-rated Udemy instructor, and university professor. In 2017 the Star Tribune featured him as a "Mover and a Shaker," and he is recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes.
100% Answer Rate! Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.
I'll be using Ableton Live and some Logic in this course, but it will be easy to following along on whatever program you are most comfortable with. We will start the class off with basic rhythm theory, and learning where (typically) we put the kick, the snare, and the hi-hats. Then we will learn to adapt that pattern to work for a number of different styles.
DRUM PROGRAMMING MASTERCLASS, PART 1: RHYTHMS & PATTERNS is a comprehensive class - that means there are three (3!) different classes that together make the complete sequence. This is Part 1. (The best place to start!)
Also in the class we will be doing a number of analysis projects. That just means we will load up some tracks, and re-construct the beat in the track. Doing this will help us to see how those beats are built and guide us in making our own beats.
Topics include:
Tools of the trade
Working on the Audio Grid and MIDI Grid
The Bar
The Pulse
The 8th and the 16th
Meter
"Counting" Bars
Reading Drum Patterns
Percussion Elements
Cymbals
Where to find good, free, samples (My favorite sites!)
Forming the Groove
Variation
Modulation
Genre
Feel
Swing
The "Basic Pattern"
Off Beats and Down Beats
Dynamics
Syncopation
Humanism
... And much more!!!
I will be making 3 (three!) complete classes in order to bring you the most comprehensive manual on beat programming techniques ever created. Each class has Sets, sessions, samples, and experiments for you to try on your own and follow along with.
And of course, once you sign up for any part, you automatically get huge discounts on all the upcoming parts (the next 2!) of this class.
You will not have another opportunity to learn Beat Programming in a more comprehensive way than this. Start here.
The course is a roadmap to MAKING STUNNING TRACKS with better drums.
All the tools you need to produce great drum tracks are included in this course and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.
Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start making better beats today.
** I guarantee that this course is the most thorough drum programming course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30 day money back guarantee) **
Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:
⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah
⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce
⇢ "Excellent explanations! No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth
⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You!" - Jeffrey Koury
⇢ "I am learning LOTS! And I really like having the worksheets!" - A. Deichsel
⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips!" - J. Pook
⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class!" M. Smith
Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts to all future classes in the series.
Instructor Details
- 4.4 Rating
335 Reviews
J. Anthony Allen
Dr. Allen is a 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator.
Dr. J. Anthony Allen is a distinguished composer, producer, educator, and innovator whose multifaceted career spans various musical disciplines. Born in Michigan and based in Minneapolis, Dr. Allen has composed orchestral works, produced acclaimed dance music, and, through his entrepreneurship projects, he has educated over a million students worldwide in music theory and electronic music production.
Dr. Allen's musical influence is global, with compositions performed across Europe, North America, and Asia. His versatility is evident in works ranging from Minnesota Orchestra performances to Netflix soundtracks. Beyond creation, Dr. Allen is committed to revolutionizing music education for the 21st century. In 2011, he founded Slam Academy, an electronic music school aimed at increasing accessibility to music production education. His innovative approach to academia was highlighted in 2024 when he received tenure and resigned from his university position on the same day.
As a composer, Dr. Allen is known for his unique synthesis of diverse musical influences, often blending acoustic music with electronic dance music elements. With a Ph.D. in Music Composition, multiple master's degrees, and numerous awards, Dr. Allen's academic and professional achievements are substantial.
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Reviews
By Neil Milton on 4/9/2026
I already knew some of the information in this course, but this consolidated my knowledge. It was easy to follow and there were good example tracks. I'm a little annoyed that I paid for just part one, as there is a bundle for parts 1, 2 and 3 for the same price that I didn't know about. Minor irk, though. Look forward to the next sections.
By Andrew Downs on 8/15/2024
It is at absolute beginner level and doesn't skip over detail, taking the time to go into basics. This is useful as I can skip over basic stuff I know already if I want. It's also a double whammy for me as it's helping me get me more familiar with the Ableton interface which is the one the teacher is using too.
By Jack Fulton on 10/7/2022
This is a nice introduction to making drum beats using current tools and techniques. It starts with the very fundamentals and gets you to arrange beats that could be used in production. It's a good pace for noobs.
By Delaney Taylor on 8/6/2022
If you're a musician who already knows about rhythm and beats, don't let the first few sections that cover lots of basics turn you away from this class! At first, I was wondering if I should continue watching because I'd learned basics covered like tempo, reading the grid, and meter before--BUT! The elements J sets up and the simple structure this provides as you then build a beat (basic, or from another genre) are excellent guidelines in the trickier parts like explaining a groove or feel. I really appreciated this class, and I'm definitely feeling ready for part 2!
By Steven Farrell on 1/28/2019
The early videos were solid. I learned how to build a pattern and was introduced to understanding the basics and terminology. I'm satisfied with that, but then the last lessons lost my interest. I feel like I couldn't follow along and build with him because I had to find my own samples. Trying to find them or hunt something approximate what wasn't worth the effort.
By Chris Johnson Bidler on 1/9/2019
Mr. Allen is always very good at delivering a simple, readily-digested version of the concepts he's teaching without dumbing things down or seeking to hide the more complex realities behind the lessons. As a hobbyist looking to gain an overview of musical technique and theory, his introductory courses are perfect for me.
By Eryk Humberto Oliveira Alves on 8/9/2018
The course is very introductory. It can enlighten you a lot if you're struggling with creating drum patterns. But if you are a type of self-taught person, use your curiosity to learn the basics of drum by yourself just messing around with your DAW and come back here just for the advanced stuff.
By Matthew McFarland on 8/9/2018
I really like Allen's courses, I've taken his composition along with some of his more intermediate music theory, and I felt like this one was just a little bit more basic than I was expecting. The content is very good, it just seemed like comparatively a little less than the other classes. That being said, it's also cheaper, and I'm excited to get into the next two classes to be coming down the pipeline.
By John Ritchie on 8/5/2018
Things were explained in a simple and easy to understand way. Explanations were accompanied by clear examples of the drum patterns and rhythms being discussed. The course felt somewhat short though. A few more examples and analysis of drum patterns from a couple more genres would have been nice. This part of the course focuses on House style patterns.
By Paul Toth on 8/5/2018
I am a newbie in all aspects of music. This class was easy to follow and the samples given help me to spend some time to absorb what the class teaches. I like the way that Jay teaches - not too slow and yet not too academic. (I have a Doctorate so I understand both). If a person wants to learn about music theory or creating electronic music, I highly recommend taking lessons from Jay. I am looking forward to the next two drum classes.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 88 / 100












