Presented live by BK · In partnership with Terminal V
XCESS 12-Week Production Course
12 weeks. One finished track. Real-world industry insight.
Your presenter
Meet BK (Ben Keen)
BK — Ben Keen — has spent more than three decades at the forefront of electronic music.
As an internationally recognised DJ and producer, Ben has built an extensive catalogue of music and a reputation as one of the most technically accomplished producers in the harder electronic music scene.
Alongside his artist career, Ben has spent around eight years teaching music production, working with hundreds of producers through platforms including Toolroom Academy and TidyPro.
XCESS brings those worlds together — giving the next generation of producers the opportunity to learn directly from the experience, techniques and creative approach of BK himself.
The course
Launching alongside the new Terminal V record label, the XCESS 12-Week Production Course is an intensive 12-week online programme for aspiring and developing electronic music producers.
Powered by XCESS and presented live by BK, the course takes students through the complete process of building a track — from the first groove and bassline through arrangement, sound selection, mixdown, mastering and final A&R feedback.
The focus is simple: make music, receive direct feedback and finish the course with a complete track produced to a professional standard.
In motion
Inside Terminal V
What's included
- 12 live, interactive weekly sessions
- Direct tuition and feedback from BK
- A dedicated one-to-one feedback session
- Production, arrangement, mixdown and mastering guidance
- Professional A&R feedback on the finished track
- Real-world insight into labels, releases and artist development
- Guest input from the Terminal V / wider music industry network
- VIP ticket to a selected Terminal V event*
- Limited to 20 students
More Than an Online Tutorial
This is not a library of pre-recorded videos. Students work on their own music throughout the 12 weeks, with each stage supported by live teaching, practical tasks and feedback. The aim is not only to explain how professional electronic music is made, but to help each student develop a stronger workflow, better decision-making and a clearer understanding of what makes a track ready for the industry.
Connected to Terminal V
Founded in Edinburgh in 2017, Terminal V has grown from a 2,000-capacity, one-day event into one of the world's leading electronic music festivals. Renowned for its forward-thinking programming, world-class production and support for both established and emerging talent, Terminal V has built an international community united by a shared passion for electronic music. That same commitment to creativity, innovation and developing the next generation now provides the foundation for the XCESS Production Course—giving aspiring producers access to the practical knowledge, professional guidance and industry insight needed to develop their sound and create release-ready music.
Who Is It For?
The course is designed for producers who already understand the basics of their DAW and want structured, hands-on guidance to take their music to the next level. It is suitable for people using both Logic and Ableton, and for electronic music producers working across harder styles, including techno, hard techno, trance and hard dance.
The 12-week curriculum
Week 1
Introduction & Building the Project
Meet BK, understand the 12-week process and prepare the project. We will cover workflow, organisation, reference tracks, sound selection and how to turn an initial idea into a clear production plan.
Week 2
Drums & Groove
Build the rhythmic foundation of the track. BK will cover kick selection, percussion, layering, MIDI and audio techniques, quantisation, swing and the details that create energy and movement.
Week 3
Basslines
Develop a bassline that works with the groove. The session covers tuning, sound choice, rhythm, grouping, processing and how kick and bass interact in a club-focused production.
Week 4
Musical Elements, Hooks & Leads
Introduce the musical identity of the track. Explore synths, leads, hooks, samples and MIDI techniques, with an emphasis on creating memorable ideas without overcrowding the production.
Week 5
Arrangement & Energy
Move beyond the loop and build a complete arrangement. Learn how to structure intros, builds, breakdowns, drops and transitions while controlling tension, release and energy across the track.
Week 6
Mixdown
Create clarity, balance and impact. BK will cover levels, EQ, compression, space, grouping and practical mix decisions designed to make the track translate in a club environment.
Week 7
Fine Tuning & Production Detail
Refine the full production. Focus on transitions, automation, effects, fills, ear candy and the small details that give a finished record movement, identity and polish.
Week 8
One-to-One Feedback
Each student receives a dedicated one-to-one session with BK. This is a focused review of the individual track, with direct feedback on what is working, what needs attention and what should be completed before the final stages.
Week 9
Mastering & Final Preparation
Prepare the track for presentation. The session explores the role of mastering, loudness, dynamics, final processing, export settings and how to deliver a clean professional master.
Week 10
A&R Feedback
Finished tracks enter a professional A&R environment. Students receive clear, constructive feedback from an artist and label perspective, including what makes a track stand out and what can stop strong music from being signed.
Week 11
The Industry: Labels, Releases & Artist Development
A practical look beyond the studio. BK, Terminal V and selected industry guests will discuss label approaches, A&R, release strategy, artist development and the realities of building a career around electronic music.
Week 12
Final Playback & Next Steps
The programme concludes with a final playback and review of the completed music. Students will leave with a finished track, professional feedback and a clear set of next steps for continuing their development. Course graduates will also receive a VIP ticket to a selected Terminal V event, subject to confirmation and availability.
What students will leave with
- A completed original track
- 12 weeks of structured production tuition
- Direct feedback from BK throughout the process
- A dedicated one-to-one mentoring session
- Professional A&R feedback
- A stronger production workflow and understanding of finishing music
- Practical insight into labels, releases and artist development
- VIP access to a selected Terminal V event*
Course requirements
Students will need a computer, headphones or studio monitors, a stable internet connection and access to the course video platform. Final DAW requirements (Logic Pro / Ableton Live) will be confirmed before launch so that all published course information is consistent.
Places
The pilot course is limited to 20 students to protect the interactive nature of the programme and ensure meaningful feedback throughout the 12 weeks.
Ready to make your track?
Places are limited — register your interest and we'll be in touch before the course launches.
*Participation does not guarantee a release on Terminal V or any associated label. VIP event details are subject to confirmation and availability.