Synthesis and Sound Design 2025

The field of electronic music synthesis and sound design has exploded in recent years with high-quality software synthesis emulation software, and with expert guidance students can achieve a high technical level in a short time period. With online lectures using software instruments, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how to use discrete circuits as well as composite electronic instruments capably, confidently and above all creatively. You will learn how to apply the techniques, philosophies and approaches covered over the course to a modern practice of synthesis leveraging the knowledge, expertise, and renowned sound studios of the Department of Performing Arts at City St George’s.

This course will run for 10 evenings from 6pm-8pm.

Course Description

This online course introduces you to the history and practice of sound synthesis, electronic composition, and sound design. It brings together subjects drawn from our existing BSc programme in Music, Sound & Technology accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) focused into a new intensive online environment The course is targeted at both music professionals who wish to expand their skill set, and non-professional musicians who wish to acquire high-level musical knowledge that fits their work schedule. 

The course is led by William Stokes: producer, member of avant-psych band Voka Gentle, writer of the Sound on Sound modular synthesis column and podcast, and writer on music and music technology for The Guardian, MOJO, The Financial Times and more. No prior knowledge or equipment is necessary, although students will be required to purchase licenses for low-cost software that may include VCV Rack, Surge, Moog Mariana, or Logic Pro X. The course will culminate in a creative assignment where students receive feedback on their ​original compositions. Learn more about William Stokes:

https://www.soundonsound.com/author/william-stokes

https://www.instagram.com/william_j_stokes/