David Duffy - Workshop: From Silence to Spectacle: Integrating Technology and Storytelling in Live Performance

In this workshop, musician, composer, and technologist David Duffy shares insights from a 15 year career spanning nearly every corner of the music industry, from orchestral pits and recording studios to international tours, AV installations, and festival stages.

Drawing on his experience as a bass player, producer, and creator of multimedia performances, David will explore how to craft the arc of a show, the dramaturgy that transforms a setlist into an emotional journey. Participants will discover how silence, raw acoustic moments, full band intensity, projections, lighting, and electronic effects can be woven together to shape a compelling live experience.

Along the way, David will demystify the technologies that make this possible, from Ableton and QLab to lighting control and live audio processing, always in service of the story the music is telling.

Participants will gain:

An understanding of dramaturgy in live music and AV performance

Tools for designing contrast and flow (from intimate to spectacular)

Practical knowledge of integrating sound, light, and projection technologies

Inspiration from real case studies across David’s wide ranging career

Whether you are a musician, technician, or multidisciplinary artist, this workshop offers a rare inside view into the artistry and craft of building unforgettable live performances.