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Jor van der Poel

Being in the studio is one of my favourite things in the world, I have my coffee, my plugins, a few hundred soft synths. It's a beautiful place where my ideas connect with the physical world, where air moves around, based on my instructions, to create something that sounds like music. If you're lucky. The only thing I miss sometimes is that connection with the outside world, where other people can get a sense of the enjoyment I get when listening to my music. So it seems more action is required, we actually need to gather-up our gear, go outside, and start performing live. After all, a live performance situation is the perfect place to share these moments with a crowd, and if you're lucky, get a glimpse of the emotion that they are feeling when connecting with your music.

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Being in the studio is one of my favourite things in the world, I have my coffee, my plugins, a few hundred soft synths. It's a beautiful place where my ideas connect with the physical world, where air moves around, based on my instructions, to create something that sounds like music. If you're lucky. The only thing I miss sometimes is that connection with the outside world, where other people can get a sense of the enjoyment I get when listening to my music. So it seems more action is required, we actually need to gather-up our gear, go outside, and start performing live. After all, a live performance situation is the perfect place to share these moments with a crowd, and if you're lucky, get a glimpse of the emotion that they are feeling when connecting with your music.

To perform live is not an easy task though, even with software that's called Ableton "Live". The main reason for this is that there are literally hundreds of different methods to perform. Ableton gives you everything you need, but you need to find your own path in the countless possibilities and approaches.On top of that, you also want the software to serve your, often very specific, needs. Do you want to play a live instrument? Do you want to focus on effects? Do you want to re-arrange your tracks on the fly? This course aims to share you an insight into all the different methods of performing.Over the years I've tested lots of different approaches, controllers, software and techniques, and I've gathered a lot of useful information along the way. Usually when I see a course on Performing Live I'm learning the techniques that are specific to the course author, it's mostly about the tricks that they like to use to perform their own music. However, in a lot of cases you want to find your own way, your music might sound very different and requires a new approach, or perhaps you want to experiment with live recordings and instrumentation as well.

What you will learn

In this course I'm showing you all the different methods available to you in Ableton: I talk about creating a traditional DJ set, I talk about playing Instruments live, I talk about performing complex music, Live Looping, Transition Techniques, iOS Devices, MIDI, Scripting, Ableton Extensions and much much more.

After working your way through this 3.5 hour course you will have a deep understanding about Ableton, and how it interfaces with all sorts of controllers, via Python Scripts, MIDI CC's, Custom Text Files, or even over a WiFi network.Additionally you will receive an Ableton Template, including stems to practice with. You'll get a bunch of thoughtfully designed Audio Effect Racks, and you'll get an instrument rack which allows you to play along with your own music on a MIDI keyboard.After showing you all the different ways of communicating with Ableton in a live situation I also share lots of practical tips on how to blend your tracks together to create a continuous stream of music, this is also where I explain my own liveset, and the methods that I chose from all the different techniques that we've talked about.

So, long story short, this is the most complete course you're going to be able to find on performing live with Ableton. You can challenge me on this and receive a full refund if you are able to find something more in-depth and/or complete. So, yeah, let's dive in.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Live performing
  • Ableton live
  • Midi
  • Remote scripts
  • Osc

Syllabus

Perform Live by using MIDI Learn methods, Remote Scripts, User Scripts, ClyphX or OSC Messages

On this page you'll find the additional resources for the course.
The files are not required to follow along with the course but they can give you a good starting point for further explorations, especially the Template should be useful for this.
Included:

  • Device Racks

  • An Instrument Rack

  • Ableton Template

The Ableton template is compressed in multiple parts, to extract them put these files in the same directory:

  • abletonTemplate.z01

  • abletonTemplate.z01

  • abletonTemplate.zip

And open abletonTemplate.z01 with an Unarchiver or Zip utility.

Read more
01 - Preparation
02 - Importing Stems
03 - Clip Launch Box
04 - DJ Setup
05 - Audio Effect Racks
06 - Instrument Racks
07 - MIDI & MIDI Learn
08 - MIDI Remote Scripts
09 - User Scripts
10 - iOS and Android Devices
11 - ClyphX
12 - Transitions
13 - My Liveset

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores MIDI, remote scripts, and OSC, which are essential for customizing Ableton Live for unique performance setups
Provides an Ableton template, device racks, and an instrument rack, offering practical resources to kickstart live performance experimentation
Covers a range of performance methods, including DJ sets, live instruments, live looping, and transition techniques, catering to diverse musical styles
Teaches how to use iOS and Android devices with Ableton Live, which expands performance possibilities beyond traditional setups
Requires students to extract the Ableton template using an unarchiver or zip utility, which may pose a challenge for some beginners
Features ClyphX, which is a powerful Ableton Live extension that enhances live performance capabilities through custom control and automation

Save this course

Save Performing Your Music with Ableton Live to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Performing Your Music with Ableton Live with these activities:
Review MIDI Basics
Solidify your understanding of MIDI fundamentals to better grasp how Ableton Live interacts with external controllers.
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining MIDI concepts.
  • Experiment with a virtual MIDI keyboard.
  • Map a MIDI controller to a software parameter.
Practice Clip Launching
Improve your timing and coordination by practicing launching clips in Ableton Live to create seamless transitions.
Show steps
  • Create a set of loops in Ableton Live.
  • Practice launching clips on the beat.
  • Experiment with different clip combinations.
Follow Advanced MIDI Mapping Tutorials
Learn advanced MIDI mapping techniques to create complex and expressive control schemes for your live performances.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on advanced MIDI mapping in Ableton Live.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Adapt the techniques to your own setup.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Read 'Ableton Live 11 Tips and Tricks'
Discover advanced techniques and hidden features in Ableton Live to enhance your live performance capabilities.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read through the chapters relevant to live performance.
  • Experiment with the techniques described in the book.
Build a Custom Ableton Live Template
Create a personalized Ableton Live template tailored to your performance style to streamline your workflow.
Show steps
  • Design a layout that suits your needs.
  • Configure MIDI mappings for essential controls.
  • Save the template for future use.
Record a Live Performance Set
Record a live performance set using Ableton Live to analyze your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Prepare your Ableton Live set.
  • Record your performance from start to finish.
  • Listen back and take notes on what went well and what could be better.

Career center

Learners who complete Performing Your Music with Ableton Live will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Live Performer
A live performer engages audiences by performing music or other forms of entertainment in real-time. This role requires stage presence, technical proficiency with performance equipment, and the ability to connect with an audience. This course, focused on performing with Ableton Live, directly addresses the technical skills needed for a live performer to organize their sets and control their music in real time. With the course covering MIDI, remote scripts, ClyphX, and OSC, a live performer can create complex live performances that are both engaging and dynamic.
Electronic Musician
An electronic musician composes and performs music using electronic instruments and software. This work often involves studio production, live performances, and experimentation with different sounds and techniques. This course, which shows the different methods available in Ableton Live, is very helpful to an electronic musician who is looking to take their music to the stage. By learning about live looping, transitions, and the use of various controllers, an electronic musician can translate their studio work into a unique live experience.
Touring Musician
A touring musician performs music live in various venues, and often has the responsibility of running their own show. They must know how to manage their equipment, adapt to different environments, and engage live audiences. This course, which shares insights into various live performance methods using Ableton, helps a touring musician understand how to prepare and execute their live set. Covering topics from MIDI to scripting, the course provides a touring musician with the tools to craft a reliable and dynamic live show.
DJ
A DJ creates seamless mixes and performances for diverse audiences. This role requires skills in music selection, beatmatching, and live performance techniques. This course, which begins by discussing the setup of a traditional DJ set within Ableton, may help a DJ who wishes to incorporate Ableton into their workflow. With the course exploring different ways to communicate with Ableton, including through MIDI, remote scripts, and custom text files, a DJ can enhance their performance by taking full advantage of the software's capabilities.
Music Producer
A music producer oversees various aspects of music creation from recording to mixing. Often, a music producer will also perform live, or wish to transition their studio work into the live realm. This course, dedicated to performing live using Ableton, helps a music producer understand how to adapt their studio techniques for the stage. The course's coverage of live looping, transition techniques, and the use of MIDI controllers directly translates to live performance skills, allowing the music producer to bring their tracks to life in front of an audience.
Remix Artist
A remix artist takes existing tracks and reinterprets them by adding new elements, effects, and structures. This work requires creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of different genres. This course, which covers live looping, transitioning, and the use of audio effect racks, helps a remix artist experiment with the different ways to manipulate existing material and perform the result. By mastering the different performance methods, such as MIDI learn and remote scripts, a remix artist will use this knowledge to add complex automation to their live sets.
Experimental Musician
An experimental musician challenges traditional notions of music by exploring new sounds, forms, and techniques. This role requires a deep curiosity, technical expertise, and a willingness to break convention. This course, which covers unique ways to interface with Ableton during live performance, may be useful for an experimental musician. Because this course provides a broad exploration of the possibilities, from MIDI to custom scripting, experimental musicians may discover new ways to interact with and control their music.
Music Technology Consultant
A music technology consultant evaluates and advises on the technical tools and setups used in music production and performance. This role requires expertise in various software and hardware, and the ability to recommend solutions tailored to specific needs. This course, which covers the different approaches to performing with Ableton, including MIDI, scripting, and controller integration, is extremely useful for a music technology consultant. The course allows a consultant to understand the multiple ways that modern instruments may be incorporated into a live performance, and to suggest best practices to their clients.
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates audio elements for various media, such as video games, films, or live performances. This role requires a deep understanding of sound synthesis, manipulation, mixing, and live arrangement, and a sound designer should know the different methods to perform live. This course, covering live looping, instrument racks, and the use of audio effect racks in Ableton, may be useful for a sound designer who wishes to expand their live capabilities. The course's focus on custom control techniques using MIDI, scripting, and OSC gives a sound designer the tools needed to create unique and expressive live performances.
Audio Software Trainer
An audio software trainer educates individuals on the use of digital audio applications and music production techniques. This role requires a deep understanding of the software, teaching skills, and the ability to communicate technical concepts to a variety of learners. This course, offering a comprehensive exploration of live performance in Ableton, helps an audio software trainer develop expertise in one of the most critical functions of the software. The course's focus on different methods of performance, MIDI, and scripting, gives the audio software trainer a wide base of knowledge to share with students.
Multimedia Artist
A multimedia artist combines various forms of artistic expression, such as music, visuals, and performance art, into a single experience. This role requires technical skills in multiple areas and the ability to create immersive and engaging presentations. This course, which teaches how Ableton Live can interface with controllers and devices, helps a multimedia artist integrate their audio into a larger multimedia performance. With the course covering how to use MIDI, scripting, and OSC, a multimedia artist will be able to create custom setups for synchronized audio and visual performances.
Audio Visual Artist
An audio visual artist creates art that merges audio and visual elements, often performing live at events. This role requires a deep understanding of both audio and video technologies, and methods of combining them into a cohesive artistic statement. This course, which covers live performance methods using Ableton, helps an audio visual artist learn how to manipulate audio in real time for synchronized performances. The course introduces topics such as MIDI, scripting, and OSC, allowing an audio visual artist to create complex, synchronized multimedia events.
Live Audio Engineer
A live audio engineer is responsible for ensuring high-quality sound during live performances. This work involves setting up and operating audio equipment, mixing sound levels, and troubleshooting technical issues. A course like this one, which provides detailed instruction on performing live with Ableton, helps build the technical skills necessary for a live audio engineer to manage audio signals and effects. Since this course covers MIDI, scripting, and the use of controllers, it may be useful for any engineer who wants to integrate digital tools and customized workflows into their live setup.
Creative Technologist
A creative technologist works at the intersection of technology and creative expression, often using digital tools as a medium. This role requires a deep understanding of both technology and art, and the ability to develop new, innovative, and engaging experiences. This course introduces a variety of methods to approach live performance with Ableton, including MIDI, scripting, and remote control. A creative technologist may find this useful as they develop innovative ways to apply musical performance to installations, interactive art, or software art.
Game Audio Designer
A game audio designer is responsible for creating and implementing sound effects and music in video games. This role requires a technical understanding of software and hardware used in game development and interactive music. This course, which explains how to use Ableton Live to perform live, may be useful for a game audio designer who wishes to understand the potential of interactive audio performance within their work. The course's exploration of remote control via MIDI, OSC, and other scripting tools provides techniques useful to game audio, as many games are built with similar concepts.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Performing Your Music with Ableton Live.
Provides a wealth of practical tips and tricks for using Ableton Live effectively. It covers a wide range of topics, from workflow enhancements to advanced production techniques. This book is valuable as additional reading to expand on the techniques covered in the course. It is commonly used by both amateur and professional music producers.

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