Schedule

Fridays, April 5th - 26th
2pm - 4pm EDT

Description

"Ambient music must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular; it must be as ignorable as it is interesting.”- Brian Eno

Led by sound artist Samantha Simmons, this four-week course explores concepts, techniques, and processes for creating textural ambient compositions.

Throughout the course, participants will examine the origins of ambient music, alongside topics such as decomposition, sample manipulation, microsound, and granular synthesis. Practical demonstrations in Ableton Live will cover techniques including looping, sampling, genre-blending, resampling, and effects processing. Participants will also experiment with spatial effects, EQ techniques, and dynamic processing to further refine their mixes.

Weekly assignments will culminate in a final presentation.

This course is open to those with basic knowledge of Ableton Live.

This course will take place virtually via Zoom. All sessions will be recorded and made available to participants.

Please note: ticket registration closes 30 minutes prior to event start time.
Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Ambient Music
• Overview of ambient music concepts and pioneers (Claude Debussy, Brian Eno)
• Exploring juxtaposition and synthesis in composition
• Narrative structure in ambient music
• Synthesizing drones in Ableton Live

Week 2: Decomposition, Disintegration, and Sample Manipulation
• Looping, sampling, and resampling techniques in Ableton Live
• Exploring the works of Basinski, Lucier, and KMRU
• Experimenting with effects processing
• Using Live’s Saturator and Waveshaper: Understanding distortion and saturation

Week 3: Microsound and Granular Synthesis
• Introduction to microsound and granular synthesis
• Using Simpler, Sampler, and Granulator II in Ableton Live
• Creating cohesive tracks with limited samples
• Exploration of resampling and automation

Week 4: Finalizing Compositions and Feedback
• Spatial effects, EQ techniques, and side-chain compression
• Enhancing tonal qualities with resonators and harmonics
• Participants share and celebrate their work; critical feedback session

Hardware & Software Requirements

• Computer with Zoom and Ableton Live
• A second screen (optional but recommended)

Please email us at hi@soundial.org with any questions about the equipment list.

Instructor Bio

Samantha Simmons, a Berlin and Los Angeles-based sound artist and selector, investigates the transformative process of sound in contemporary culture through her research in sound installation and composition. Drawing from her experience in radio and residencies at platforms like WFMU, NTS, and Dublab, she explores how sound is recycled and re-consumed to shape our listening experience in a process she calls a recycled listening. She has received the DAAD Performing Arts Award, the California Institute of the Arts Provost Fellowship with Laurel Halo, and the MusikFonds Award.

https://www.samanthajsimmons.com/
Contact
hi(at)soundial.org
Website: soundial.org
Instagram: @sound.ial
Cancellation Policy

Ticket holders have the option to cancel their reservations and receive a full refund if they do so at least 48 hours before the event starts. However, please note that any cancellation requests made within 48 hours of the event start time or after the event has already begun will not be honored.

If you're unable to attend but have a friend who'd love to take your spot, you can transfer your reservation to them before the class begins.

To request a cancellation, please send an email to hi(at)soundial.org with the subject line "Cancellation Request." In the email, include the following info:

• Your full name
• Date and time of the scheduled event

For eligible cancellation requests, we will initiate a refund to the original payment method used during registration. Please allow a processing time of 5-10 days for the refund to be processed.

Soundial reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events if necessary. Despite our best efforts, unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues or unavailability of instructors may arise, requiring adjustments to the event schedule. We will make every effort to notify you promptly and provide alternative options or refunds as needed.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these situations!