This workshop provides an introduction to the principles, history, and practice of granular synthesis, a method of sound generation and transformation based on the manipulation of very short audio fragments, or “grains.” Participants will trace the development of granular concepts from early musique concrète and electroacoustic works through to modern digital and modular implementations.

The session will combine theoretical discussion with practical demonstration. Topics include the origins of the sound-particle concept in the work of Dennis Gabor, the evolution of grain-based composition, and the implementation of granular techniques in both software and hardware. Participants will explore granular synthesis with free software tools as well as modular hardware including the Mutable Instruments Clouds, and Intellijel Multigrain, applying these systems to create evolving textures, time-stretched transformations, and complex soundscapes.
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No prior technical background or experience is required.
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Date: Saturday December 13th, 2025
Time: 1:00PM to 3:00PM
Location: Synth Library Portland
1256 Lloyd Center
Lloyd Center Mall, 2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Instructor: Stuart Frederich-Smith

$20 general admission
$10-19 sliding scale
Tickets are required to attend. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so email info@synthlibraryportland.org for lower/no-cost tickets.