High schoolers can learn production at Eastman this summer: interview

If you’re in high school, take note — and if you’re not, this may make you wish you were. Electronic music production gurus Dennis DeSantis and Erin Barra are hosting a week-long intensive at the storied Eastman School of Music. I wanted to know how Erin and Dennis would approach the program, so they’ve shared their ideas about music tools, creativity, and pedagogy with us.

Play together with Ableton Live: how Circle of Live sets up for improvisation

“It’s okay to not have a plan — it’s okay to just jump and see what happens”: Circle of Live is an event that brings together artists for spontaneous improvised performance. Ableton filmed Clark, Rival Consoles, Sebastian Mullaert, and the organizers at a recent event. Here’s what we can learn from how they work (plus some more Circle of Live selections).

Peter Kirn - May 4, 2026

Next-gen MPE: Expressive E adds smarter control, $999 MIDI keyboard

Expressive E is making its expressive, multi-dimensional keyboards more accessible, with 49- and 61-key controller Osmose options starting at $/€999. And across the full range, the company’s sound ecosystem is expanding with updated software, including the new Ctrl-e platform for sound. That means it’s easier to afford and get started with these unique MPE keyboards, and you’ll more quickly find ready-to-play sounds.

Peter Kirn - April 29, 2026

Play together with Ableton Live, pt. 2: playing in time

Peter Kirn - April 28, 2026

MSteppySnap for Ableton Live makes modulation playable, maleable

Peter Kirn - April 24, 2026

Ableton has a rare flash sale with 25% off for a week, including upgrades

Peter Kirn - April 23, 2026

CLÄPP II from Beardyman is the perfect Ableton Live clap — and more

Peter Kirn - April 6, 2026

Play together with Ableton Live, pt. 1: playing in tune

Peter Kirn - March 31, 2026

Sonify data in Ableton Live with a free MIDI Tool; weather data walkthrough

Peter Kirn - March 25, 2026