Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this course, you’ll dive into the world of Reaper scripting, learning how to automate tasks and create customized workflows within Reaper. Starting with the basics, you will gradually develop your scripting skills, progressing to more advanced scripts that allow you to control various aspects of Reaper, such as item movement, track coloring, and FX insertion. You’ll begin by setting up your Reaper environment, followed by writing and refining your first script. From there, you'll dive into essential coding concepts such as functions, loops, and conditional logic. The course then takes you through the process of scripting advanced tasks, including manipulating item properties, controlling playrates, and creating named regions. Each lesson builds on the last, gradually increasing in complexity and preparing you to tackle more intricate scripting challenges. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started with Reaper scripting or an experienced user who wants to streamline your workflow, this course is designed to take you step by step through the scripting process. With practical coding exercises and real-world applications, you’ll gain the skills necessary to enhance your music production experience in Reaper. By the end of the course, you’ll have hands-on experience creating functional scripts and automating repetitive tasks, equipping you with the confidence to customize Reaper to your unique workflow, speed up production, and unlock powerful new creative possibilities in your music projects.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will introduce the course and guide you through the initial setup needed to start scripting in Reaper. We’ll write and refine your first script, while covering fundamental concepts and getting familiar with Reaper’s scripting interface. Additionally, we’ll show you how to load and modify existing scripts for further customization.

Coding Concepts

In this module, we will dive into coding concepts such as functions and how they can be applied within Reaper scripts. You’ll learn to create reusable functions that simplify your scripting tasks, making them more efficient and adaptable.

Onwards and Upwards

In this module, we will explore scripting techniques to manipulate items, track colors, and effects in Reaper. You’ll be scripting tasks like moving items, toggling track states, and adding FX dynamically. We’ll also assign homework tasks that further cement your skills in automating complex workflows.

Theory Concepts

In this module, we will explore core programming structures such as for loops and reverse for loops, applying them to tasks within Reaper. You’ll also learn how to reference media tracks and handle chord data using tables. These concepts are essential for organizing and automating your workflow in Reaper.

Onwards and Upwards (Again)

In this module, we will work on advanced scripting tasks, including adjusting playrate dynamically and randomizing item properties. You’ll also learn to reset item properties to their default states, offering you more control over your projects.

Our Most Advanced Script

In this module, we will tackle the creation of advanced scripts that involve while loops and dynamic region creation. We’ll guide you through scripting and debugging a complex, multi-part process for named regions, ensuring you gain an in-depth understanding of Reaper’s scripting capabilities.

Extra Code Concepts

In this module, we will focus on Boolean logic and how to implement conditional logic in your Reaper scripts. Understanding these concepts will empower you to make decisions within your scripts and optimize them for smoother operation.

Extra Content

In this module, we will explore how MIDI input can control Reaper scripts, adding a dynamic layer to your workflow. We will also cover table structures and how to manage data efficiently within scripts, empowering you to create more complex and functional automation.