Join us as we dive into crafting percussion from scratch! This workshop will introduce how drum sounds are made, both in principle and in practice. We'll explain the conceptual contrast between drum synthesis and sample-based percussion, highlighting the pros and cons of each. We'll explain how the uniquely flexible nature of synthesis allows for creative opportunities, both in composition and performance, that would be inconvenient if not impossible using a sample-based approach.

We'll analyze the physics and perception of striking drums, cymbals, and other real life objects, and show how their patterns of vibration can inform the patterns of voltage that comprise synthesis. We'll identify several component elements of a drum sound and match them to simple synthesis techniques that create an analogous effect.

We will explore several specific archetypal drum sounds that permeate electronic music history, noting their origins as implemented in classic hardware drum machines, then dissecting how each sound is made. This breakdown of common drum patches will illustrate how the fundamental techniques of synthesizing percussion are combined to create a complete sound

At the end of the presentation we will discuss how these commonly used simple techniques can be recombined in myriad ways to create your own percussive sound designs from scratch.

After the presentation we'll have a short time for hands-on exploration.

Date: Sunday February 2nd, 2025
Time: 3:30PM to 5:30PM
Location: Synth Library Portland
1256 Lloyd Center
Lloyd Center Mall, 2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Instructor: Max Jersak

$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.com for lower/no-cost tickets.