Level: Beginner to Intermediate

This workshop will show participants how to build their own audio visual performance using TouchDesigner and Ableton. TouchDesigner is a visual programming language for real time interactive multimedia content. Using the TDAbleton tool, a vast array of audio elements within Ableton can be used to automate an audio reactive visual show.

Session Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

• Understand the TDAbleton tool

• Link a number of audio elements in Ableton to drive visual content in TouchDesigner

• Begin to build their own audio visual set for live performance

• Consider different approaches to audio visual performance and creation.

Session Study Topics

• TDAbleton tool

• Triggering different TouchDesigner visual sets with Ableton midi clips.

• Controlling TouchDesigner visual parameters with Ableton macros

• Touchdesigner operators- TOPS, Maths Chop.

• Performance Mode.

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A Touchdesigner free license (https://derivative.ca/download)

• Ableton Live 10 or 11 ( for Live 11, you will need to use the latest version of TouchDesigner and select the TDAbleton beta plugin)

About the workshop leader 

Nilly Brook lectures various visual technologies across a number of institutions including: The National Film and Television School, Central Saint Martins, Wimbledon School of Art, London South Bank University and Private clients.

She is also a musician, producer and audio-visual performer working on two separate solo projects.

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

The creative path is not a straight line. In this workshop, you will develop a workflow focused on experimental approaches utilizing randomization, stochastic methods, polymeters, polyrhythms and more using Live and M4L. Experimental audio processing and non-linear mixing activities will be included in the compositional process to create unique sound qualities as well as overcoming creative blocks.

Session Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

• Examine various forms of (non)linear compositional strategies

• Identify approaches that provide musical contingency

• Select Ableton’s techniques & M4L devices to use in the writing process

• Design generative methods for complex compositional systems based on the Ableton and M4L environments

Session Study Topics

• Randomization & Stochastic methods

• Polymeters & polyrhythms

• Racks, Audio & MIDI FXs chains

• Max4Live LFO, Shaper, Buffer shuffler, Multimap pro

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A web cam and mic

• A Zoom account

• Access to a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite, or Ableton Live 10 with a Max For Live license

About the workshop leader

Simone Tanda is a musician, producer, multi-media artist, tech consultant, and educator.

Based across London & Berlin he is currently creating music for his own project, as well as multidisciplinary artists, film, and commercials.

Level: Intermediate

Ableton and Cycling 74’s Max For Live offer a vast playground of opportunities to create unique and rich electronic music performances. In this workshop you will create a performance instrument. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to begin exploring improvised performance in Ableton Live and Max For Live.

Session Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

• Discuss various forms of performance approaches in Ableton and Max For Live plus their advantages and weaknesses.

• Explore one approach that gives most flexibility and ease for performing.

• Gather assets in Ableton and Max For Live to use in the performance and how to fit them into our chosen approach.

• Develop the approach into a complex performance orientated instrument based in the Ableton and Max For Live Environments

Session Study Topics

• Deploy Ableton and Max For Live devices to create a musical performance.
• Load and organize sounds into Ableton’s Drum Rack.
• Enhance the performability of our instrument using midi processes.
• Develop the approach using Ableton and Max For Live effects.

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A good working knowledge of computer systems

• A basic awareness of music theory and audio processing

• Good familiarity with Ableton and Max For Live

• Access to a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite, or Ableton Live 10 with a Max For Live license.

• A midi controller is desirable.

About the workshop leader

Ned Rush aka Duncan Wilson is a musician, producer and performer. He’s most likely known best for his YouTube channel, which features a rich and vast quantity of videos including tutorials, software development, visual art, sound design, internet comedy, and of course music.

Level: Intermediate

Ableton and Cycling 74’s Max For Live offer a vast playground of programming opportunities to create unique compositions and rich sound designs. In this workshop you will create musical and sonic ideas using abstract techniques of composition. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to begin exploring generative composition and complex sound design.

Session Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

• Discuss the relevance of using generative processes in certain musical contexts.

• Explore how we can use these processes to create musical ideas.

• Look at ways to capture these ideas to use for future projects.

• Exploring various sound design techniques to add colour and shape.

Session Study Topics

• Deploy Ableton and Max For Live devices to generate musical content.

• Develop this content with various devices such as instruments and effects.

• Capture, edit and consolidate the content.

• • Reflect on the content we created and discuss ways to develop the project further.

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A good working knowledge of computer systems

• A basic awareness of music theory and audio processing

• Good familiarity with Ableton and Max For Live

• Access to a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite, or Ableton Live 10 with a Max For Live license.

About the workshop leader

Ned Rush aka Duncan Wilson is a musician, producer and performer. He’s most likely known best for his YouTube channel, which features a rich and vast quantity of videos including tutorials, software development, visual art, sound design, internet comedy, and of course music.