GLOSSARY: Introduction To Synthesis

Learn to synthesize: A hands-on introduction to creating, sculpting and conjuring synthesized sound using hardware synths. This is a relaxed guided group workshop for folk that are new to, or would like a refresher on everything from connecting to programming and recording your sounds. Led by artist, musician and GLOSS co-director Lewis Cook.

This friendly and relaxed session is a chance to get a guided hands-on experience with the hardware synths of GLOSS, learning the language of subtractive synthesis and immediately using it to create your own sounds. This workshop will cover topics like how to connect up a synthesizer, create patches from scratch and experiment with sonic alchemy. The casual group environment is a great chance to ask questions, explore the synths in our library with professional support and learn collaboratively.As well as learning new skills, participants will be invited to explore sound together using these skills - an exercise in listening, creating and sharing with a group.

Who is it for?
This is an ideal primer for those who are interested in getting involved with the instruments in GLOSS but not sure where to start. Suitable for those who are new to hardware synthesis and also for those who would like a refresher.

Ages 14+ (those aged 14-16 should be accompanied by a guardian)

Participants will have access to our wide range of synths in GLOSS but please feel free to bring your own synthesizers if you’d like.

If you have specific access needs or questions, please get in touch. There is lift access, and sessions will be held in a relaxed, informal setting.

Lewis Cook is a Glasgow-based musician, producer and visual artist whose work slips between club music, experimental electronics, pop and psychedelic drone. He’s best known as one half of Free Love (formerly Happy Meals), a project that has toured across Europe, North America, Russia and India, performing at festivals including Glastonbury, Roadburn, Green Man and Iceland Airwaves. Free Love have released music with Night School, Optimo Music, Lost Map, Domino and Because Music, produced remixes for artists like Django Django and Charlotte Gainsbourg, and recorded sessions and mixes for BBC Radio 6 and NTS radio.

Alongside performance and production, Lewis co-directs Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound, and has led hands-on electronic music workshops for several years. He’s currently developing new solo work under the name Lugas Europ as well as working on collaborations and new music with Free Love.