Creative Resource Library
Synth Session
A monthly free-to-all electronic music workshop & synth session held in the Gray Area lobby.
Monday May 13, 2024
6PM Mini Workshop
7PM Group Jam Session
Free RSVP (Limited capacity)
View our FAQ page for more info, or contact us at [email protected] with any accommodation requests.
Gray Area, ZERO1, and Crowbar Corner are proud to present Synth Sessions, a free hands-on workshop and group jam open to all levels to expand your sonic horizons.
Every month, participants learn about a new synthesis topic (drones, sequencing, sound design, etc.), then collaborate on a group jam that will propel the workshop sounds into the beyond!
Participants are encouraged to bring their own electronic instrument or use one from the Creative Resource Library (limited availability). Participants can also preview the instruments available from the Library and sign up to borrow one after the session. We have full modular systems, desktop synths and drum machines and a selection of Macbooks, iPads, midi controllers, and audio interfaces.
The workshop begins promptly at 6pm, followed by group jam time beginning at 7pm. There will be time at the end of the workshop for general questions and advice about synthesis. Please arrive in time to set up your instrument(s) before the jam begins.
This month's topic is:
The Sound of Space: Using Effects to Create Depth
Led by Ryan Smith, our mini workshop this month will explore spatial effects, including reverb and delay, as well as dynamic effects like modulation. To close off the session, we will also explore granular synthesis and how to use it to build soundscapes.
About the Instructor
Ryan Smith
A long time touring musician with the band Caribou, Ryan 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 produced a collaborative performance of a 1973 graphics score by avant-garde composer Frank McCarty called Tactus Tempus, a controlled improvisational process for 9 audio visual performers live at Gray Area. 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.
The Creative Resource Library is a collaboration between Crowbar Corner, ZERO1, and Gray Area.
