This course introduces performing musicians and composers to the creative and practical possibilities of the music software Ableton Live. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will gain a broad competence with a tool that supports a wide range of musical paths: live performance, instrumental study, recording, composition, production, sound art and more. Topics include practice and rehearsal tools, audio editing, midi, effect design, sampling, remixing, generative music, musique concrète, and strategies for integrating acoustic and electronic performance together. An independent final project will give students the opportunity to be coached as they bend this open-ended software to their personal artistic interests and goals. No prior knowledge of Ableton is required, although basic computer skills are expected.

This course introduces performing musicians and composers to the creative and practical possibilities of the music software Ableton Live. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will gain a broad competence with a tool that supports a wide range of musical paths: live performance, instrumental study, recording, composition, production, sound art and more. Topics include practice and rehearsal tools, audio editing, midi, effect design, sampling, remixing, generative music, musique concrète, and strategies for integrating acoustic and electronic performance together. An independent final project will give students the opportunity to be coached as they bend this open-ended software to their personal artistic interests and goals. No prior knowledge of Ableton is required, although basic computer skills are expected.