Schedule

Saturdays, April 13th and 20th
12pm - 1:30pm EDT
Virtual

Description

In this two-part workshop, we explore building our own drone bank and groovebox-style synth, sequencer, and drum machine combo using Pure Data (Pd).

During the first session, teaching artist Henrik Soederstroem will cover the fundamentals of the Pd workspace, including node structure, data types, objects, and inputs and outputs. We’ll conclude the session with constructing a drone bank synthesizer. This synthesizer produces continuous, sustained sounds which can be used to add ambient texture or build layers in electronic and experimental compositions.

For our second session, participants will learn to design their custom groovebox-style synth, sequencer, and drum machine combo. A groovebox allows you to easily layer synth melodies, program drum patterns, and sequence music in real-time.

This is an introductory workshop and no previous knowledge of Pd or other programming languages is required. Working knowledge of synths (digital or hardware) and familiarity with terms like oscillators, filters, and MIDI is useful but not necessary.

Pure Data is a free visual programming language for music and multimedia applications. It allows users to build custom-made instruments and tools, making it ideal for experimental electronic music, generative composition, multimedia installations, and video game music. It has been used by artists such as Kali Malone and Autechre, and in the 2008 game Spore by Electronic Arts.

This event will take place virtually via Zoom. The sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants.

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

Session 1: Overview of Pure Data and Constructing a Drone Bank Synthesizer
• What is Pure Data and why use it?
• Getting started with patching
• Oscillators and Digital to Audio Conversion
• Additive synthesis
• Making our drone bank
• End of day remarks

Session 2: Designing our Groovebox-style Synth, Sequencer, and Drum Machine
• Refresher
• Designing a step sequencer
• Sequencing our oscillator
• Working with envelopes, filters, effects, and samples
• Building a drum sequencer
• Extras: variable pitches, beat repeat, time signatures
• End of day remarks

Hardware & Software Requirements

• Computer with Zoom and Purr Data 2.19
https://puredata.info/downloads/purr-data
(this is a version of the classic Pure Data application with an updated interface)
• A second screen (optional but recommended)

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

Instructor Bio

Henrik Soederstroem is a Swedish musician and artist currently based in Los Angeles. He has been active in the underground experimental electronic music scene since his early teens, under his own name and with projects such as Händer Som Vårdar and Third Eagle. He has performed extensively in Sweden, Europe and the US, with releases on labels such as Posh Isolation, Total Black and Järtecknet. He works with analog and digital instruments, samples and concrete sounds, tape manipulation, creative coding, computer graphics, games and simulation. He holds an MFA from the UCLA Media Arts program.

https://hsoderstrom.international/
@henrik_life
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!