Modular Synthesis – Short Course

The course content will focus on the following subject areas:

• Experimental Sound Design: Embrace open-ended experimentation in modular synthesis, where exploration and unexpected results become opportunities for new creative directions.
• Indeterminacy and Chance: Discover the philosophy of indeterminacy, using patching and knob-tweaking to let chance guide the artistic process, resulting in spontaneous and unique soundscapes.
• Presence and Process: Learn to focus on the act of sound creation itself, emphasising presence and immersion in the process of synthesis rather than aiming for a predetermined outcome.
• Embracing Imperfection: Explore the tactile nature of modular synthesis, embracing organic “imperfections” as valuable characteristics that bring authenticity and texture to your work.
• Immersive Sonic Environments: Develop the skills to craft evolving soundscapes, creating immersive audio experiences that transform sound into a living environment.
• DIY Culture and Customization: Understand the DIY ethos behind modular synthesis, with hands-on experience in customising and building your own unique sound setup.
• Non-Linear and Decentralised Composition: Experiment with non-traditional approaches to composition that challenge conventional structures, allowing each piece to evolve without a strict framework.
• Human-Machine Synergy: Explore the dynamic interaction between artist and machine, viewing modular systems as collaborative partners in the creative process.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of your creative process, honing the ability to critically reflect on your artistic choices and techniques.
• Identify and apply a variety of modular synthesis techniques to create complex, original sounds.
• Embrace an adaptive approach to sound-making, using chance as a creative tool to guide and inspire your work.
• Establish a mindful workflow that prioritises presence and immersion in the act of creating, leading to more authentic results.
• Use hands-on techniques to add texture and character to your sound, integrating subtle imperfections as part of your artistic voice.
• Create immersive soundscapes that invite audiences into an evolving auditory experience.
• Customise your modular setup to reflect your unique style, building an individualised system that supports your creative goals.
• Develop flexibility in your composition methods, skillfully balancing structured and spontaneous elements.
• Build confidence in working with technology as a collaborative tool, adapting modular systems to support your creative direction.

Whether you want to spend four weeks immersing yourself in modular synthesis and connecting with like-minded individuals, or you’re preparing to advance to our longer Creative Production (Music) MA programme, this short course will equip you with hands-on experience and unique insights into the world of sound design.

You’ll develop and receive feedback on projects relevant to career paths such as sound design, film scoring, instrument development and sound engineering, helping you build a portfolio that showcases your technical abilities and creative range.

Enrolment fee*: €495

Course fee: €1,755

Total: €2,250

Early Bird Discount: Enrol in a Summer Short Course before the end of February 2025 and receive a discount of €150 off the tuition fee.

Multi Course Discount: Enrol in both a Summer Short Course and a degree course with us in the same year, and receive a discount of €500 off the total tuition fee.

*Enrolment fee is non-refundable.

We can’t provide an exact timetable until we know how many students will attend the course. However, you will have an average of 16 hours per week of workshops.

Our campus facilities are open for the students to use beyond the timetabled workshop hours. Studios and listening spaces are bookable from 10:00 until 19:45 during the Short Course term. 

You can expect to be in a class of 12 to 16 students.

The most important prerequisite for attending this course is that you must be passionate about building and developing your skills in modular synthesis. You are encouraged to bring your own modular system to work on, if you have one, as we only have a limited number available on campus.

Our Short Courses are designed to be accessible to anyone, so we do not require any level of academic certification to apply. If you’re applying to an intermediate or advanced course, we trust you to make this judgment for yourself. To qualify, you should usually be aged 18 or over. If you're coming from outside the EU, a holiday/travel visa will usually suffice.

For more information, please contact a member of the Admissions team. We love to chat! Please reach out to us at admissions@catalyst-berlin.com or call us at +49 30 2900 9052.

Once a course is full, we will no longer accept more applications, so applying as soon as possible increases your chances of getting a place. The official deadline for applying to a Short Course is Friday 23 May 2025.

Get a feel for Catalyst and our courses at a range of both online and in-person events. Join us at a Virtual Open Day or an Open Day at our campus in Berlin, check out our facilities with a campus tour, join an Admissions Q&A, or try a taster workshop.

Designed for those wishing to join our main programmes, but lacking the formal education requirements to apply through standard entry.

These free workshops run at the same time as your short course programme and cover writing skills, reading, structuring arguments, debate and understanding context.

They utilise task and project-based learning methodology to ensure that you’re prepared and ready for our longer HE Certificate or BA programmes.