I'm always ready to take a plunge with gear and software that I'm into. I've been using LIVE since version 3, so I'm no stranger to the concepts, but having recently upgraded to 8, there are "some things" I need to learn. Actually quite a lot of things. Actually an enormous number of things...! For me, the best way to do that is "trial by fire". While not "on stage" per say, working in the Dance Class forces me move quickly as the exercises are often short, and always at different tempos/time signatures. A slow 4; a fast 3; etc. I have to build up loops in LIVE, and then 30 seconds later throw them away and start over. And that happens about 30 times over the course of a single class.

Needless to say, I learn to work fast....!  It's daunting at first, but I find a "no fear" approach is best. I have a lot of instruments set up ahead of time (in a template); that way, hitting Record on various trax on the APC 40 gives me access to different sounds - marimba, strings, bass, percussion, and so on. Plus, I always have the piano to fall back on, if I simply can't get things going quickly enough.

And of course everything helps in my push to become a certified Ableton Trainer. :)

Here's the Class Rig I'm currently messing with:

The ozone is for entering little ostinatos: percussion, bass lines, pads etc. I hope to have some awesome demonstrative videos up soon, so keep a eye on this space (but don't hold your breath!).

Thanks! :) 

And the delightful Sam Hallam was in attendance, a brilliant young man and bassist who was just celebrating his birthday.