This weekend crash course will help demystify the process of building a custom live electronic music performance system that is based around use of Ableton Live. We 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. We will be using industry-standard software Ableton Live, which remains focused around a non-linear and live performance paradigm. The development path for performance can run in parallel with production work, so you are welcome to join this course at any stage of your music production journey. You do not need to be proficient in using Live but are expected to be familiar with the software – learning resources from Ableton, first steps guide. 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 and improvisatory workflows. We will learn about using the Ableton Push controllers, as well as other physical control devices, to construct an ergonomic and intuitive system for real-time music creation. There will also be discussion around a hybrid or hardware-only system too, with a chance to try out different setups. The workshop will be delivered by Nick Feldman, an experienced lecturer, course developer, course leader, and mentor with a strong track record in contemporary music education. He holds regular teaching positions at esteemed institutions including BIMM, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). What you will learn: – 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 improvisatory options – MIDI mapping and working with controllers