Back by popular demand! We've expanded our Modular Synthesizer Workshop with Ryan Smith to a two-day workshop on April 27 & 29.

Learn to create electronic sound with VCV Rack, an open-source, virtual modular synthesizer. Artist Ryan Smith will teach a hands-on workshop introducing modular sound synthesis and electronic sound creation using VCV Rack. In this workshop, learn to create a ‘patch’ to produce electronic sound and leave with the tools for limitless sound creation.

Workshop Outline
• Brief history of modular synthesis, terms and techniques with A/V materials and short demonstration on physical hardware.
• Introduction to VCV Rack virtual modular, module browser, connecting to your laptop’s audio output.
• Making your first sounds by building a basic VCO VCF VCA patch in VCV Rack.
• Expanding the sonic possibilities of a basic patch with Gates, Envelopes, LFO, Sequencers, and other specialized modules.
• Understanding building block modules: VCO, VCA, VCF, LFO, Scope, Audio Interface
• Saving and recalling and sharing your patches. Resources for further synthesis and VCV Rack learning.
• Sharing our sounds together on our laptops and instructor’s hardware synths.

Instructor
A long time touring musician with the band Caribou, Ryan Smith also produces futuristic techno music under the moniker Taraval, makes modular ambient music in the live electronic duo Bathing and has a long running collaboration with Jeremy Greenspan of the Junior Boys, both producing experimental electronic music and running the label Geej. He is an expert level user of Ableton and Max For Live, VCV Rack (virtual modular synthesis environment), numerous hardware instruments and an accomplished guitar player.