
Introduction to Pro Tools
Build the skills and confidence to create professional audio with Pro Tools, the industry-standard digital audio workstation used in top studios, production houses, and post facilities worldwide. Whether you're starting your first project or looking to collaborate in a professional environment, this course equips you with the foundational knowledge you need to record, edit, and mix like a pro. Perfect for beginners or anyone new to the Pro Tools ecosystem, this is your gateway into the world of modern audio production
What you can learn.
- Introduce yourself to topics such as system capabilities, navigation, and display basics
- Understand the edit, mix, audio recording, and editing functions
- Delve into basic mixing concepts, elastic audio, importing audio/video files, and more
- Prepare for the AVID certified Pro Tools 101 exam
About this course:
Whether you're producing music, recording vocals, creating podcasts, or working toward a career in audio post-production, Pro Tools is the universal language of the studio—and this course gives you the foundation to speak it fluently. Trusted by Grammy-winning engineers, film editors, and top-tier producers, Pro Tools remains the industry standard for professional audio creation across music, film, and broadcast. This course is designed for those who are new to Pro Tools (with less than one year of experience), as well as returning users looking to refresh their skills and explore the latest updates. You’ll learn how to record, edit, and mix with confidence using real-world tools and techniques. Whether you're a songwriter shaping your first demo or an aspiring engineer preparing for the professional world, this course builds the essential workflow and creative mindset needed for modern production. Topics include system setup and capabilities, navigating the Edit and Mix windows, basic audio recording and overdubbing, voice-over techniques, audio editing with modes and tools, working with fades and clips, importing audio and video files, using Elastic Audio, creating beats, basic mixing principles, and an introduction to MIDI, real-time plug-ins, and modern sound libraries. You'll also explore how to incorporate third-party plug-ins and creative tools to elevate your productions.Students should have basic computer skills and a general understanding of audio technology concepts. Access to a Mac or PC laptop with at least 15 GB of free space, a power adapter, and Pro Tools 2025 (or version 12 or later if fully updated) is required. While not mandatory, an audio interface, microphone, MIDI keyboard, and smart devices are strongly recommended to enhance your learning experience.
Fall 2025 Schedule

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…
Ready to start
your future?
Corporate Education
Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.
Donate to UCLA Extension
Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.