Dowden Production Academy Presents

DOWDEN MASTERCLASSES

Missed a masterclass? Access past recordings below.

Past Masterclasses

How to Write Deep Progressive House Tracks

Follow along as Dowden writes, mixes, and masters a track from the very beginning and explains the entire process step by step to complete a track that is ready to get signed to top-tier labels like Meanwhile Recordings, Mango Alley, Sudbeat, The Soundgarden, Anjunadeep, and more.

Masterclass #001

July 13-14 2024

Multiple layers of strong Mid Basses carry the groove for almost 3:00 minutes before a strong and evolving arpeggiated lead finalizes the theme of the song. High Energy with a big buildup makes for a great vibe late into an opener DJ set right before a headliner.

Similar sound to artists such as: Hernan Cattaneo, Guy J, Subandrio, Ruben Karapetyan, Redspace, Steve Parry, Anthony Pappa and labels such as Sudbeat, Armada, Hollystone Records, WARPP, Pattern, Freegrant Music, and Selador.

Masterclass #002

July 27-28 2024

This track was later signed to Mango Alley with just a few small changes. It is slightly uplifting and upbeat. Showcasing the power of simplicity in a track, by putting more detail into fewer layers, relying on ear candy, and solid percussion and textures to keep the track interesting. Great for day and nighttime sets!

Similar sound to artists such as Guy J, Nick Warren, Dimuth K, Alex O’Rion, GMJ, Michael A, Weird Sounding Dude, Golan Zocher, Kamilo Sanclemente, and Jeremy Olander, and labels such as Mango Alley, Juicebox Music, Clubsonica Records, Univack, and Purrfection.

Masterclass #003

December 7-8 2024

A contrast of smooth melodic atmospheres against a strong bassline and hypnotic rolling percussion gives it the feeling of being a great track to play early in the night to warm up the dance floor or middle of a day party to keep the vibe growing and consistent.

Similar sounds to artists such as Guy J, NOIYSE PROJECT, Weird Sounding Dude, Berni Turletti, Forty Cats, and labels such as Balance, Meanwhile Recordings, Juicebox Music, Proton Music, onedotsixtwo, and INU.

Masterclass #004

April 12-13 2025

PAST TRACKS

Checkout the tracks we created in past masterclasses

Dowden · Dowden Masterclass Finished Tracks

What Will You Learn?

How to write, arrange, and sound design professional basslines, leads, pads, strings, and more, in the style of artists such as Hernan Cattaneo, Guy J, GMJ & Matter, Cristoph, Kamilo Sanclemente, Dave Seaman, Maze 28, and of course.. Dowden!
Explore the art of resampling sounds to create rhythmic loops, textures, atmospheres, and FX that drastically improve the quality of your music.
How to properly arrange a track to keep your listeners engaged and wanting more
How to perform a complete mixdown and master that is ready to send to top tier labels to get signed
Understand the mindset behind creating music that is more likely to be played by international DJs, radio shows, and perform well streaming

Who is Dowden?

Dowden is an Electronic Music Producer, content creator, and touring DJ from Toronto, Canada, who is currently living in Berlin, Germany. Dowden’s unique and wide range of style has signed him to some of the industry’s biggest labels, including Mango Alley, The Soundgarden, Meanwhile, JOOF, Solis, Hoomidaas, and many more.

Gaining support from some of the world’s biggest DJs, including Guy J, Lane 8, Eelke Kleijn, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Armin Van Buuren, Guy Manztur, Cid Inc., Markus Schulz, and many more.

He continues to rise in the Progressive House scene with releases on over 50 labels, and playing clubs and festivals all over the world.

What Producers Are Saying

"I highly recommend connecting with Dowden on one of the many courses, lessons and masterclasses he has on offer. He is really good at explaining in simple terms more complicated topics and engages so well with the group. I would conceder myself fairly good at producing and still learned a lot on his recent Masterclass. Really helped a few things click. A well presented, in depth sessions covering every aspect of making a prog banger."

Mason JAMES

"Taking Dowden's masterclass on how to make a deep progressive house track was an eye opener for me. His detailed approach to the entire process was incredibly insightful. I learned so much and felt engaged the whole time. It really helped seeing the full process take place and I now feel much more confident and motivated to produce my own tracks. Highly recommend!"

Kallisto

Artist

"Dowden is an amazing professional! If you want to elevate your game in producing progressive house that's the right move to do! Ableton is a huge software and it can take years to get to the level you need to be to start making music, but with his masterclasses, you'll learn exactly what you need to focus on and will save you a lot of time and you'll learn techniques that will help you elevate your game much faster. Big respect and Thanks!"

Daniel Mitov

"Dowden is an ace producer and a brilliant teacher of the concepts of making unique and exciting music. I can't recommend his stuff highly enough.

On a personal note, Dowden has also gone over and above to accommodate my personal circumstances. I appreciate you brother."

Darren Rees

Beyond The Haze

"Brenden is a very talented artist but is also a very good teacher. He has given me tons of good technical feedback and the confidence to make my tracks better.

He's very encouraging and cares about making you better. Highly recommend him as a coach."

David Bryant

"I have worked with numerous coaches for my music. [My session with you] was by far the best coaching session I have ever experienced. For literally the first time ever, the 90 minutes I spent with you was the most productive 90 minutes I've had with any coach. I truly walked away with game-changing skill set enhancements. I am now better than I was before we had the session. I look forward to our next session!"

Steve Merbler

"What a cool experience to join with Dowden during the creative process of creating a track. It didn't take that long or we had an deep inviting groovy sound to elaborate on further during the extensive and detailed masterclass this weekend. I can only say I was impressed right from the start. Taking part of this, provided me with invaluable insights into the creative process and technical aspects of music production. Observing your workflow in Ableton and understanding your approach is an inspiration and motivation for my own production skills. I cannot express the added value of being part of this masterclass and look forward to join again in the future."

Thomas Van Herpe

"I had high expectations, and boy did Dowden deliver! Not gonna lie, it's difficult following him for 4-5 hours at a time, considering his insane level of expertise, but I learned so much already, and I'll get to learn even more just by rewatching this masterclass.

I enjoy these masterclasses even more than carefully planned tutorials with post production - I feel like while they are significantly more exhausting, I get to improve immensely in a very short amount of time. The thing is, there's not many (if any at all) people on Dowden's level who would host such events - most S-tier producers prefer to gatekeep.

So I don't think there is a better place to learn dance music production on the internet right now. I'd put Dowden even above Rick Snoman's tutorials, since the latter are based on the electronic music of the 2010s, and Dowden is a top tier producer who also happens to be pushing the limits of deep progressive house in 2024."

Nikolay Nikov

"Dowden really takes the time with you, he's great at explaining things that seemed complicated, loved his energy and the session was even more than I expected. I will be coming back pretty soon."

Verónica Botero

"In just over two sessions with Dowden I've levelled up my production game significantly! I really appreciate the way Brenden mentors us via really valuable feedback, specially in my mix sessions. His experience in music really shines through these sessions, and I would really recommend his services to anyone who is trying to achieve that "professional" sound."

JUANVI

Musician

Seven Wells