Performing with Ableton Live

Erik Hawkins

Authored by Erik Hawkins

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Course Code: OMPRD-281

Build and perform dynamic live sets in Ableton Live, using clips, controllers, and external gear to create real-time performances. This undergraduate music production course focuses on hands-on performance workflows. In addition to building custom Live sets, you’ll learn how to trigger clips, remix tracks, sync external gear, and design performance setups for bands, DJs, solo artists, and multimedia performers across live and hybrid environments.

Level 2
Intermediate
Modality
Online
Duration
12 Weeks
3-Credit Tuition
$1,575
Semester Starts
Apr 6
Accreditation
NECHE

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Design and perform real-time Ableton Live sets using clips, scenes, and MIDI controllers
  • Remix, mash up, and manipulate audio in real time using warping, looping, and Ableton Live’s performance tools
  • Integrate external hardware, DJ systems, and controllers into synchronized Live performance setups
  • Build and execute flexible live performance workflows for solo, band, and DJ-based contexts
Overview Syllabus Requirements Instructors Related Music Career Roles
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Course Description

Learn how to use Ableton Live for real-time, dynamic live performances such as triggering backing tracks for your band, creating a live DJ/remix set, or recording and assembling an entire song, on the fly, in front of an audience. This course will give you the opportunity to learn and practice these performance skills using Ableton Live, your MIDI controllers, and your instruments. You will learn how to build your own Live sessions, customize them for your specific performance needs, and be able to skillfully and artfully perform with Live using a variety of setups and techniques. This course is designed for students with diverse backgrounds—from singer/songwriters, music producers, DJs, and electronic music artists to music directors, podcasters, pastors, and YouTubers.

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By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Employ MIDI mapping and controller customization to shape expressive, hands-on performances
  • Control effects, racks, and third-party plugins in real time during live performance
  • Use handheld devices to trigger clips, control lighting, and manage performance cues
  • Create a studio-quality mixdown and master of a recorded Ableton Live performance
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Syllabus

Lesson 1: Live Electronic Music Performance 

  • The Evolution of Audio Loops in Today’s Live Electronic Music
  • The Development of Live
  • A Brave New World
  • Help Resources
  • Exploring Live’s In-Program Help
  • Review: Session View
  • Review: Launching Clips
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Recording Your Performance
  • Live Performance Tips

Lesson 2: Complete Control

  • Exploring Basic MIDI Controllers
  • Other MIDI Controllers
  • Controller Envy
  • Review: Launching Clips and Scenes from Your Controller
  • Work With What You’ve Got
  • Browser Experience
  • Review: Understanding Live’s Browser
  • Review: Hot Swapping
  • Drag, Drop, and Play
  • Review: Clips and The Browser
  • Live Performance Tips

Lesson 3: Djing with Live

  • The DJ Saved My Life
  • Review: Understanding Warping
  • Song Section Clips
  • Give Me Warp Drive
  • Cue This Up
  • DJ Controller Setups
  • Extreme DJ Setup
  • Recording Your DJ Set

Lesson 4: Using Live with a Band

  • Band Aid in Action
  • Who is the Conductor?
  • Got a Band?
  • Expanding the Cue Mix
  • Click and Sync
  • Freeform Beat Match
  • Get in the Cue
  • Review: Managing Clips
  • Review: Managing Scenes
  • Clips, Scenes, and Sync

Lesson 5: Live Loop Performance Recording and Playback

  • These Amazing Artists
  • Performance Approaches
  • Live Loop Recording Fundamentals
  • Looper
  • Controller Help
  • Loop Record Yourself
  • Loop Recording and Performance Tips
  • Rehearse Then Record

Lesson 6: Real Time Effects Manipulation

  • Effective Artists
  • Review: Killer Stock Effects
  • Are You Effective?
  • Review: Rack Effects
  • Macros for More Control
  • Straight Through with Effects
  • Real-Time Effect Manipulation
  • External Effects
  • Synchronization Considerations
  • Mid Way Skills

Lesson 7: Real-Time Remixing

  • The Real Remix
  • Setting Up Songs
  • Setting Up Your Clip and Sample Libraries
  • Mash It Up
  • Adding Your Own Elements
  • Third-Party Plug-in Effects
  • Remix Live

Lesson 8: Controllerism Meets the Stage

  • Controllerism in Action
  • Ever Seen a Show Like This?
  • Example Setups
  • Mapping Parameters and Limbs
  • MIDI Controller Preferences
  • External MIDI Sound Modules and Drum Machines
  • Synchronized Computers
  • Summary of Setups
  • Diagram a Multi-Controller and Performer Stage Setup

Lesson 9: Handheld Device Control

  • Real-Life Examples
  • Identifying Uses and Platforms
  • Basic Connections
  • Troubleshooting
  • Got Handheld Control?
  • Max for Live
  • Controlling Stage Lighting
  • Handheld in Action

Lesson 10: Building a Live Performance Set (Part 1)

  • Review Set Types
  • Performance Goals
  • The Power of Locate Markers
  • Group Tracks for Organization
  • Into the Set
  • Live Set Check
  • Dress Rehearsal

Lesson 11: Building a Live Performance Set (Part 2)

  • Words of Experience
  • Too Organized to Fail
  • Check In
  • Clips and Scenes on the Fly
  • More MIDI Mapping Fun
  • Real-Time Performance Review
  • Final Review
  • Curtain Call

Lesson 12: From Stage to Studio

  • Live Performance Album
  • Make it Live
  • Understanding the Scenario
  • Set Up, Enhance, Manipulate
  • Mix Down Approaches
  • Mastering
  • Which Approach Works for Your Project?
  • Everybody Is a Critic
  • Mix Down and Master
  • Where to Release

Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Ableton Live Fundamentals, or equivalent knowledge and/or experience.

Textbook(s)

  • No textbooks required

Recording

  • Students are required to record video for their assignments. Options for recording video include:
    • Smartphone
    • Digital camera
    • Webcam (using either video recording software, or the video recording tool that is built into the learning environment)

Software

  • Ableton Live 10 (Suite or Standard) or higher

Hardware

  • MIDI controller (a dedicated Live controller is recommended)
  • Audio interface with at least one mic preamp (multi-input and output recommended)
  • One of the following studio monitoring options (both recommended):
    • Studio monitors (pair), as well as necessary cables
    • Over-ear studio headphones, such as Sennheiser HD 600, Sony MDR-7506, Philips SHP9500, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, etc.

Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

Mac Users

  • macOS Monterey 12.0 or later

PC Users

All Users

  • Latest version of Google Chrome
  • Zoom meeting software
  • Webcam
  • Speakers or headphones
  • External or internal microphone
  • Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

Erik Hawkins
Erik Hawkins

Author & Instructor

Erik "Hawk" Hawkins is an EDM artist, producer, composer, remixer, label owner, and author. His music has been used by major television networks and film studios, including ABC, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and New Line Cinema.

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Dozens of his articles have appeared in the Industry's top publications, including Electronic Musician, Mix, Remix, and Keyboard. He has authored several books, including Complete Guide to Remixing and Producing Drum Beats. His Berklee Online course, Programming and Producing Drum Beats, won the 2012 UPCEA Award. He also manages his own busy YouTube channels and has collected way too many vintage synths. Read Less

What's Next?

When taken for credit, Performing with Ableton Live can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:

Related Certificate Programs

Related Degree Majors

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career roles:

Synth Programmer

Technology Trainer/Specialist

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.

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