Music Performance in Ableton Live
This six-week online course will help demystify the process of building a custom live electronic music performance system that is based around use of Ableton Live.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Tuesday evenings on 21 Apr – 26 May 2026
- Course times:
- 6.45pm–8.45pm, BST (UTC+1)
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £295
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 17 April 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- Online
- When:
- Online Short Courses | Evening Courses | Summer Courses (April–June)
Course info
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 16 February. Join our mailing list before Friday 13 February to receive priority booking.
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Tuesday evenings on 21, 28 April, 5, 12, 19, 26 May 2026
6.45pm-8.45pm, BST (UTC+1)
About Music Performance in Ableton Live
This six-week online course will help demystify the process of building a custom live electronic music performance system that is based around use of Ableton Live. You will explore the various hardware and software options to enable live sequencing, arrangement, sound design and mixing. You will be encouraged to design and build your own bespoke setup, with opportunities for tailored feedback.
The course is designed as a holistic overview of building a live performance system from the ground up, mirroring the progression from a reliance on playback through to more complex workflows that includes improvisation.
Who is the course for?
Anyone aged 18 and over interested in learning about live performance of electronic music using Ableton Live. Although we will be revisiting certain fundamental topics, some prior production knowledge in a DAW is advisable.
We will be using the industry‑standard software Ableton Live, which is designed around a non‑linear, performance‑focused workflow. Because performance techniques can develop alongside production skills, you are welcome to join this course at any stage of your music‑making journey.
What can I expect?
This course is practical and hands‑on, with session‑specific exercises and tasks that you can work through in your own time to deepen your understanding.
We will foster a supportive, collaborative classroom environment where active participation, questions, and discussion are encouraged throughout.
You will explore how to use Ableton Push controllers and other physical control devices to build an ergonomic, intuitive setup for real‑time music creation and performance. Discussions will also include approaches for developing a hybrid or hardware-only system.
You will learn about the following topics:
- An explanation of different live performance systems
- Designing and building a bespoke system using Ableton Live
- Working with audio for live remixes
- Integrating MIDI for more flexibility and improvisation options
- MIDI mapping and working with controllers
- Integrating external instruments and effects
- Building and refining a full live show
By the end of the course, you can expect the following outcomes:
- Comprehension of a performance-orientated Live project process
- Understanding the capabilities of Ableton Live with regards to real-time composition
- Being able to construct a personalised live performance system using Live
Do I need anything for the course?
- Computer/laptop
- Recent edition of Ableton Live (you can download a 30-day trial for a majority of the course)
- MIDI controller/keyboard
- Pen/pad
Course Fee
£295
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 16 February. Join our mailing list before Friday 13 February to receive priority booking.
Eligibility
- We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
- A basic understanding of Ableton Live and the concept of digital music production
Online Short Courses Requirements
All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.
To participate in online classes you will need the following:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
- Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
- A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client
If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses please contact us.
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by Nick Feldman.
Nick Feldman has over 25 years of electronic music production and performance experience having performed at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Shambala and across Europe and Japan. He grew out of the DIY free party scene and became more experimental in his work.
Since 2012 he has been teaching music and video courses and is currently finishing a book on creative music production for publication in 2025. He has managed the London Ableton User Group and co-runs Crux – a series of audiovisual live performance events and electronic music/video jam sessions that recently celebrated a decade with a festival at Rich Mix.
Nick has been a professor in the electronic and produced music department of the school since 2017. He is a specialist in Ableton Live and has been teaching the software for music production, sound design and performance since 2012. He has used the software extensively for his own musical projects since the program first appeared on the market. He was previously running the London Ableton User Group.
Find the Short Course that's perfect for you
Explore our Short Courses & Summer Schools
