Install a digital audio workstation, DAW, which is any program that allows you to record, mix, play and generate music on your laptop. For live performance purposes, install a program that allows you to separate music parts, such as drums, bass and guitar, into individual layers. Choose a program that supports MIDI because MIDI allows you to generate music directly on your laptop. Useful programs include GarageBand, MixCraft, Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, FL Studio and ACID.
Connect a MIDI controller to your laptop. A MIDI controller is a device that allow you to use your laptop as an instrument. For example, a controller keyboard looks like a music keyboard, but it allows you to play music through the laptop rather than through keyboard speakers. You can find USB MIDI controllers at music supply and electronics stores. Some programs, such as GarageBand, Logic, LMMS, Reason and FL Studio, allow you use your computer keyboard as a controller. You usually can access the option from your menu bar options.
Open the software, and create a MIDI track. Click on "Create Track" or "New Track" in the menu bar. A prompt to choose a type of track appears. The prompt options include "Audio," "MIDI," "Software Track" or "Instrument Track." Select the appropriate track type to enable your MIDI controller for live performance. Tracks appear as horizontal bars on the project window and are designed for layered recording and playback.
Select a "Voice" or "Instrument" for your MIDI controller. Your instrument menu appears on your main project window or mixer window, which appears as a series of vertical strips. You can select different sounds, such as keyboards, guitars, strings, drums and sound effects. When you play the keys on your MIDI controller, your laptop plays the corresponding notes using the instrument you selected on your screen.
Record any backing tracks, which is background music, that you need. For example, if you want to perform a piano piece, you might create a drum-based backing track for your percussion accompaniment. Save the backing track, and play it back during your performance. Select an instrument for your MIDI controller, and then use the "Record" feature on your program to record backing tracks. Record as many as you need.
Create a new MIDI track specifically for live performance. On this track, leave it blank so that you can play a selected instrument while your backing tracks play. Select your blank MIDI track, and press "Play" on your software window. While the backing tracks play, begin playing your MIDI controller for your live performance.