Modular synthesist and composer-improviser Matthew Ryals leads a workshop on how to begin integrating improvisation into your practice as an electronic musician. We’ll explore instrument setups, practice methods, and approaches to developing a personal improvisational language. The workshop examines how improvisation can unlock new sonic possibilities, transform your relationship to sound-making, and deepen your connection to live performance.

Open to electronic musicians working with any setup including modular synthesizers, laptops, hybrid software-hardware systems, and electro-acoustic instruments.

There are two ways to participate:

1. Soundmakers – These participants bring their own setup. Each Soundmaker will have dedicated time to talk about their work, share their instrument / setup, and optionally do a short performance. They’ll receive direct feedback from Matthew, as well as from the group in a supportive discussion format. Some experience is recommended, but you don’t need to be “advanced.”

2. Soundthinkers – These participants are there to observe, ask questions, and engage in discussion. However, they won't bring equipment, perform, or receive individual feedback. Soundthinkers can be of any experience level.

Loose Schedule:

2:00 PM - Presentation

Matthew will introduce his background in improvisation and how it’s become integral to his own practice.

Discussion on designing an instrument / setup for improvisation, building an improvisational vocabulary, approaches to practicing improvisation, and related topics.

Matthew will give an overview of his own modular synthesizer setup, share some of the thinking behind it, and demonstrate some of its capabilities.

3:30 PM - Break

4:00 PM - Participant Performances

Matthew will facilitate a session in which Soundmakers (see above) each present their own setup and ideas, demonstrate sounds, and optionally perform a 10-minute improvisation. Each set will be followed by direct feedback from Matthew as well as the group. The emphasis will be on positivity, encouragement, and idea-sharing. (Actual set times may adjust due to number of participants.)

Matthew Ryals
Matthew Ryals is a NYC-based synthesist and composer-improviser. Described as “a sonic explorer on the frontier of experimental music” (Plastic Mag), Matthew has been praised for treating sounds “as if they were alive, breathing” to create something “truly immersive and unforgettable” (Beats Per Minute).

Matthew has released three studio albums and a series of EPs on 3OP, SØVN, and dingn\dents, and will release a solo record on Infrequent Seams in Fall 2025 and a collaborative album with Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie on Oxtail Recordings in 2026.

An active performer as both a soloist and in group configurations, Matthew has performed internationally across Europe, Asia, and North America, and will be featured on High Zero Festival in Baltimore and Ex Nihilo Festival in Omaha in Fall 2025. He has collaborated with such artists as Madison Greenstone, Nava Dunkelman, and Stephan Haluska. Matthew received a 2025 Art Omi: Music Residency, 2025 Foundation of Contemporary Arts Grant, a 2022-23 New Music USA Award, and a 2021 IEA Electronic Media Residency.

A dedicated educator, Matthew teaches worldwide, including workshops for Art Science Connect at THE GRADUATE CENTER CUNY and an upcoming workshop at Indexical in Santa Cruz, CA.