Drum Programming Masterclass, Part 2: Samplers & Sequencing (Udemy.com)
Build Better Beats through drum programming patterns and style tips including Drum and Bass, Trap, Dubstep, much more!
Created by: J. Anthony Allen
Last updated May 2026
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 keys to making solid Drum and Bass drum patterns.
- The keys to making bangin Dubstep drum patterns.
- The keys to making tight Trap drum patterns.
- 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:
- Rating4.6 out of 5higher than 60% of them
- Reviews148#150 of 242 by number of reviews
- Length3.3 hoursshorter than 51% of them
- Last updatedMay 2026more recently than 82% of them
Course Description
** 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 an explanation of working with samplers and working on the MIDI grid. Then we will learn to adapt that pattern to work for a number of different styles, including Drum and Bass, Trap, and Dubstep.
DRUM PROGRAMMING MASTERCLASS, PART 2: SAMPLERS & SEQUENCING is a comprehensive class - that means there are three (3!) different classes that together make the complete sequence. This is Part 2.
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
Where to find good, free, samples (My favorite sites!)
Tools of the trade
Why work with samplers?
How samplers work
The classic hardware samplers: The Roland 808
Note On, Note Off Issues
Velocity
Drum and Bass patterns
"Playing It In"
Quantization Settings
Controllers
Recording Controllers
Using Ableton's Groove Settings
Dubstep Patterns
Using Effects in a Drum Pattern
Filtering
Delay Effects
Reversed Sounds
Pitch Shifting
Elements of Trap
Programming Trap Beats
Dynamic Effects
Ghost Notes
Noise Risers
Humanism
... And much more!!!
Analysis Tracks:
John B: Up All Night
Sub Focus: X-Ray
Konflict: The Beckoning
Skrillex: Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
Flux Pavillion: I Can't Stop
Gent and Jawns: Turn Up
Bro Safari: The Drop
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, as per Udemy Terms) **
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
- 4.6 Rating
148 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.
More courses by J. Anthony Allen
Music Theory Comprehensive Complete! (Parts 1, 2, & 3) (2025)
4.7 (23,763 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 12.3h
$124.99
Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3 (2026)
4.7 (9,404 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 12.6h
$149.99
Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Part 4, 5, & 6 (2026)
4.8 (3,968 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 10.2h
$19.99
Ultimate Ableton Live 10 COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, and 3 (2023)
4.5 (3,508 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 8.2h
$11.99
Ultimate Ableton Live 9 COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3 (2026)
4.7 (3,467 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 8.5h
$12.99
More Music Production courses
Electronic Music Production with Ableton Live (2025)
4.9 (2,479 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 11.9h
$84.99
Garageband IOS (iPhone/iPad): The Complete Beginners Guide (2021)
4.9 (535 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 3.5h
$10.99
How to Become a DJ - Learn How to Start DJing Online Today (2021)
4.8 (5,221 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 10.8h
$17.99
Ultimate Sound Design: Mastering Sound Design (2026)
4.8 (1,998 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 7.3h
$109.99
Ultimate Ableton Live 9 Complete: Parts 4, 5, & 6 (2026)
4.8 (512 Reviews)
Provider: Udemy
Time: 11.8h
$89.99
Reviews
By Joshua Wall on 12/26/2024
An excellent continuation of the previous part. Contains a further exploration of several genres with greater drum complexity.
By Kyle Wallace on 1/19/2024
Great class learning a lot so far. Anticipate revisiting sections of this again with my maschine mk3 in front of me working along as you do the track analysis.
By Aaron Raimey on 8/28/2022
I liked the information being that this is my first drum programing course looking forward to part 3. Thanks
By DJ Cooper-Kamodsky on 11/26/2019
Thar's exactly what I need right now, to fill all the missing gaps in my previous exposure to drum programming !!!!
By Chase Drake on 8/19/2019
Okay so, part 2 of the drum class goes into further detail about the specific characteristics of drum programs with different song within specific genres. This class is great. It just doesn't tell you "what" but "why" things are what they are. By far the most comprehensive drum programing course that I've seen online. If you aren't completing all parts of this class your'e really selling yourself short. It's that good. Part 3, here I come.
By Paul Ryan on 2/6/2019
Good follow up course to the beginners part 1. Analysis of various tracks in different styles was beneficial. Enthusiastic and thoughtful presenter.
By Nigel Dubois on 1/29/2019
I expected to find a bigger variety of musical genres for a follow up course. I'm not really into dance music but am rather composing and experimenting with music so things like odd time measures, polyrythms and polymeter are more what I'm seeking. The content that is provided is rather good but kind of slow.
By Fabio Santos on 1/17/2019
I really liked the song analysis segments, very insightful. I also liked the explanations about double time and how/why we use it.
By Michael Brown on 12/1/2018
I needed a much better understanding about drums & drum beats & this course is breaking down the concepts to where I can understand them clearly.
By Dee Lucas on 11/19/2018
I find myself analyzing the beats of songs in other genres and I love it. I'm able to re-create beats as a learning tool. Syncopation is not something I do well but I am improving by leaps and bounds. I am definitely going to take the next part and work on creating my own beats! Thank you Jason Allen for making this class which is helping me take the next step in my musical career.
Quality Score
No CourseDuck member has rated this course yet. Taken it? Give each part a thumbs up or down.
Overall Score : 92 / 100












