This introductory workshop teaches the fundamentals of modular synthesis. If you are new to synths don't worry! Neither a traditional background in music nor a familiarity with electronic instruments are necessary to attend - in fact, the course is explicitly designed for total beginners.

This 90-minute workshop will start with a quick history and conceptual overview. Synthesis terminology will then be introduced and defined, basic synth modules like VCOs, VCFs, and VCAs will be described, and techniques showing how their individual functions interact together to form a complete patch will be discussed. We'll provide guided instruction that helps you get started making your own synth sounds. There will be an interactive Q & A at the end where you can ask questions and we will answer with patched examples, which participants are invited to do themselves for some hands-on experience. We invite participants to return to CV after the class where they can patch for themselves and get one-on-one instruction from the shop's knowledgeable staff.

This is a 90 minute abridged version of the class, but we also regularly offer 3 hour version with hands on portions on weekends in our space at Lloyd center.

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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025
5:30 PM - 7 PM

Control Voltage
@ 3742 N Mississippi Ave, 97227
All ages (10+ recommended)
$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.

We want to thank Control Voltage for their support which allowed us to resume offering regularly scheduled intro classes before we had our current space in the library. Control Voltage acts as a community hub and nurtures the local synth scene by offering the opportunity to try many niche electronic instruments in person, a geographically rare phenomenon. Next time you purchase gear, consider where your dollar goes and support local businesses.