Monday 23 June – Friday 18 July 2025 | Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Deepen your expertise in modular synthesis with this advanced course, designed for experienced electronic music producers and sound designers. Expand your creative horizons, master complex modular systems and push the boundaries of sound design through hands-on experimentation and iteration. 

Even with a solid foundation in synthesis, you may find yourself searching for that next breakthrough in your sound. This course is designed to help you refine your approach, unlock modular workflows and discover advanced techniques that can elevate your sound to new heights.

Guided by modular experts and producers, you’ll explore both the technical and creative aspects of modular synthesis. We encourage students to bring their own modular systems, as campus units are limited. Working with your own setup, you’ll learn to build complex patches and think modularly, integrating generative techniques, advanced modulation, and custom signal flows into your work. From advanced signal routing to integrating modular setups with DAWs and other hardware, you’ll gain the knowledge to take your skills to the next level.

Through masterclasses with diverse tutors, you’ll experience a range of philosophies and unique approaches to modular synthesis, showcasing how it can be used not just as a tool but as a creative problem-solving instrument. You’ll explore how different artistic perspectives can shape your engagement with modular systems—whether it's through minimalist setups, generative composition, or experimental soundscapes. By the end of the course, you'll have developed a personalised approach to sound design that will continue to fuel your artistic journey for years to come.

Get hands-on access to cutting-edge facilities and tons of bookable gear.

Our tutors are industry-acclaimed experts in their field, with a passion for passing on their knowledge to others. Here are some of the tutors that will be supporting you throughout your learning process.

Mixing & Mastering Electronic Music – Short Course

Electronic Music Production & Performance BA & HE Certificate

Our Modular Synthesis short course is for experienced electronic music producers and sound designers looking to deepen their expertise in modular synthesis. Over 4 weeks, you'll master complex modular systems and push the boundaries of sound design through hands-on experimentation and iteration.

Modular Synthesis – Short Course

Meet Martina Bertoni, originally from a small town in the North East of Italy near the Slovenian border. However, for Martina, home is the vibrant city of Berlin. She joined Catalyst in September 2023 and currently tutors on the Electronic Music Production & Performance programme, specialising in composition and sound design.

Martina's artistic journey began as a classically trained cellist. She then progressed through modern music, improvisation, experimental and music for film, ultimately evolving into a composer for her solo electroacoustic works. At Catalyst, Martina's favourite part of her role is interacting with students, delving into their experiences and being challenged by their eagerness to learn. Outside Catalyst, you'll find her in her home studio, surrounded by family and cats.

What excites Martina the most in life is the prospect of learning new practices and being challenged by fresh sources of inspiration, particularly those expanding her map of sound-related knowledge. And, of course, she has a soft spot for great food. Her life tip is simple yet profound: Get comfortable being out of your comfort zone; that's where the biggest surprises await. And always be kind to yourself.

Martina tutors on the Electronic Music Production & Performance programme. Click for more information.

Martina Bertoni

Courses that Martina tutors on:

Find Martina online: