Serge HT23
2023 marks 50 years since Serge Tcherepnin introduced the first iteration of ‘The People’s Synthesizer’. It was originally made as a cheaper, DIY alternative to the Buchla and other large ‘institutional’ modular synthesizer systems. The eight panel system at EMS dates from a later iteration (late 70s/early 80s). It retains the ‘patch programming’ philosophy of making multiple functions possible by hooking up the modules in different ways, but also incorporates more options for audio processing and sequencing.
The aim of this course is to increase knowledge of how the Serge system works and to share ideas, strategies and techniques for the practical use of the system in making new work.
When: Wednesdays at 18.30 - 21.00 between oktober 18 – november 11, 2023
Where: Elektronmusikstudion, Söder Mälarstrand 61, Stockholm
Teacher: John Chantler
Fee: 3 000 SEK (incl.VAT)
Deadline for applications: september 24, 2023
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of the Serge Synthesizer is required however, participants are expected to be curious about and ideally have at least some experience of synthesis in general (eurorack, buchla, vcv rack, super collider, pd, etc), but curiosity and a desire to make some work of your own with the Serge is more important.
The course is given in English with support available in Swedish if required.
Course plan and implementation
Weekly group classes of up to 7 participants.
The course breakdown below gives an indication of the topics we will cover, but we will try to cover the basics quickly and get down to the real world application and problem solving required to make work on the Serge system.
Class 1 (18/10) Introduction / Getting started
System/studio connection (Audio/MIDI)
Ins / outs / signal types
System philosophy
Basic Subtractive Patch + variations
VCA options
Class 2 (25/10) Audio Processing
Delay, Phaser, Freq Shifter, Res EQ
Audio Feedback
Incorporating External signals
Class 3 (1/11) Patch-programming
DUSG basics
DUSG tips & tricks
CV feedback
Class 4 (8/11) Sequencing
Gates, Triggers & timing
TKB
Sequencers
Ncom
Class 5 (15/11)
Q&A / Project Support
About the teacher
John Chantler is a musician/composer/organizer living in Stockholm, Sweden. He mostly works with digital and analog synthesis to create unpredictable, highly dynamic music where passages of spare, alien beauty bridge held chords, saturated in harmonic distortion. He has been working with the Serge Synthesizer since his first visit to EMS in 2012 as an International Guest Composer.
In 2019 he started building a system for performance consisting of multiple battery powered synthesizer/speaker things that can be variably suspended, swung, spun and set in locations without depending on the typical concert/club infrastructure and classical modes of performer/audience interaction. He holds a Masters Degree in Electro-Acoustic Composition from the Royal College of Music (KMH) in Stockholm.
Originally from Australia he spent a decade in London before moving to Sweden in 2014 where he directs a small annual festival for ‘other music’ in Stockholm called Edition. https://www.inventingzero.net/ | www.edition-festival.com
Application and terms
Selection
Elektronmusikstudion is part of Musikverket (Swedish Performing Arts Agency).
Musikverket is a gender-integrated authority with a gender equality and norm-critical perspective throughout its activities.
If selection for the course has to be made due to limited number of participants, the selection will be based accordingly with Musikverket’s perspectives.
Elektronmusikstudion's studio users will be prioritized.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Application
When you send your application you will receive a confirmation that it has been registrated.
After the selection process, an admission letter will be emailed to you. When offered a seat at the course, you need to confirm that you want to attend the course. A few days later you will recieve another email with the invoice. The fee must be paid in advance to participate in the course.
Cancellation
Cancellation must be received in writing by email as soon as possible to lisa.stenberg@elektronmusikstudion.se
Non-attendance
If you miss a class there is no possibility to repeat the class free of charge later in the course, or receive financial compensation for the missed class.
Payment
The fee must be paid in advance to participate in the course.
The payment must be done by direct wire transfer to our bank in Sweden.
The payment must be made in Swedish currency SEK.
It's not possible to pay by PayPal or similar.
Canceled or rescheduled course
Elektronmusikstudion reserves the right to cancel the course, change dates for classes, teachers, revision of course plan and course fee. If this happens, you will be notified by email. Any paid course fees will be refunded if course is canceled. No other compensation is paid.
For inquaries about the course, please contact Education Coordinator at Elektronmusikstudion: lisa.stenberg@elektronmusikstudion.se
Apply here: Ansökan EMS kurser - Elektronmusikstudion EMS