[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]When it hit me, my frustration abruptly turned to laughter. I had been making it so hard, and it didn’t have to be… at all.
In Studio vs. Live
As a solo artist, I have struggled for the last few years to find a technical solution that will allow me to play live chamber music with myself. In my recording studio, I can layer numerous parts to create my soundscapes.
While I love these results, duplicating them in a live setting has proved problematic. I have learned plenty of techniques that would allow me to create and then launch the varied layers my music requires… if only I could find the technology to allow me to do so.
The Search
My explorations began with a stand-alone loop pedal. Without getting too technical, I will summarize by saying it wasn’t ideal for use with my instrument.
I then invested in a software solution with midi pedal. This one worked much better with my instrument, but it had limitations on flexibility.
Now I am looking at Ableton, a program that I have been told time and again would be perfect for my application. Before I make another investment, however, I want to be sure. I am now halfway through a 30-day free trial. My attempts at learning through the tutorials have shown mixed results. I understand the concepts they teach, but they always seem to demonstrate with guitars or other direct-input instruments. And, their software always seems to behave much better than mine.
I have gotten so frustrated that my husband, a technical wizard, has started sitting down with me to help. He has found tutorials that show elements not covered in the Ableton materials.
Now for the punch line. In one of those tutorials, the speaker introduces his “roadie,” Dennis DeSantis… who, as it turns out, was one of my undergraduate classmates and friends. He is now in charge of all documentation for Ableton in New York!!!
Knowing that I know Dennis – who is in charge of helping people like me understand his company’s software – is, well, just too funny.
I’ve just sent him a message re-connecting after many years. I look forward to sharing this story with him… and getting his help in figuring out how to best perform live.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
