This advanced Ableton Live class explores the art and mechanics of creating performances that feel genuinely live, spontaneous, and responsive. Students begin by examining the science of synchronization and human entrainment, learning why audiences unconsciously connect to a performer’s rhythm, energy, and timing. From there, the class develops the idea of live performance as a conversation rather than a one-way playback experience, showing how electronic performers can create that sense of dialogue between instruments, effects, loops, and live-played elements. Students will explore advanced approaches to controllers, MIDI mapping, routing, filters, one-shots and loops, and the strategic use of Ableton’s Session and Arrange Views. The emphasis throughout is on balancing structure and control with risk, improvisation, and real-time responsiveness.
Students will also learn techniques for making electronic performances feel dynamic and unpredictable, including follow actions, loop-length variation, sampler randomization, modulators, LFOs, automation, and sophisticated sound-switching strategies. The class covers multiple-controller setups, custom Drum Rack techniques, layered routing, filter-based expression, two-keyboard performance systems, chain selectors, and other methods for changing sounds and musical elements without interrupting the performance. By combining programmed automation with manual control and a tangible live-playing element, students will build performances that can react to the moment rather than simply reproduce a predetermined track. The ultimate goal is to develop an Ableton Live setup that gives the performer both the reliability needed to stay musically coherent and the freedom to take risks, make decisions in real time, and create a compelling connection with the audience.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops with Ableton Live installed to follow along but it's not required.
Presented by Jonathan Haidle (AKA Pink Buddha)
Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM- 4:00 PM
-
Location: @ Synth Library Portland
123 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 012
Entrance is on the 2nd ave side
Free parking from 1-5 on Saturdays but you must follow procedure (info and kiosk code inside) and display ticket from the kiosk on dash during time parked
-
$10-20 Sliding Scale
Tickets are required to attend.
No one turned away for lack of funds - email info@synthlibraryportland.org for low/no cost tickets if needed.