Synthesis and Sound Design

Electronic music production and sound synthesis have developed rapidly in recent decades, driven by powerful digital audio workstations (DAWs), software instruments and modular synthesis emulation software.

On this course you will learn how electronic sounds are created and shaped, developing the practical skills to design original sounds and produce electronic music using modern synthesis techniques.

This online sound synthesis and sound design course introduces the history, theory and practice of electronic composition and music technology. Through guided online lectures, demonstrations and creative exercises using professional software instruments, you will develop a practical understanding of how synthesised sound is used in contemporary music production and sound design.

You will explore the foundations of analogue synthesis, including oscillators, filters, envelopes, modulation and signal flow, and examine how these principles are applied in digital synthesisers and modular systems. Using free or low-cost software tools such as VCV Rack, Surge XT, Moog Mariana and Logic Pro, you will learn how to design sounds and develop electronic compositions.

The course also places synthesis within the wider history of electronic and experimental music, connecting twentieth-century developments to contemporary practices in sound design, digital composition and electronic music production.

Drawing on the expertise of the Department of Performing Arts at City St George’s, University of London, the course combines academic insight with creative practice. By the end of the course, you will have the technical understanding and confidence to create original sounds and apply synthesis techniques in your own music or sound design projects.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for musicians, producers and audio professionals looking to develop skills in sound synthesis and sound design. It is also suitable for creatives working in media, film or games, and beginners interested in electronic music production. No prior technical experience is required.

Timetable

• Spring 2027
• 10 evenings 18:30 - 20:30
• Online

Benefits

This short course brings together selected material drawn from our BSc Music, Sound and Technology programme, which is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), and delivers it in an intensive and accessible online format.

Students will benefit from:

• University-level teaching in sound synthesis and music technology
• A structured introduction to analogue synthesis, modular systems and electronic composition
• Practical experience using professional sound design and synthesis software
• Insight into the historical development of electronic music and experimental composition
• Creative application of synthesis techniques to contemporary music production and sound design

Through lectures, demonstrations and guided exercises, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how to design and manipulate sound using both discrete synthesis building blocks and integrated electronic instruments.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Develop a strong understanding of analogue synthesis architecture, including oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation
• Create and manipulate synthesis patches using virtual modular synthesiser environments
• Understand key compositional techniques in electronic and experimental music, including sequencing, drone composition and generative music systems
• Explore the historical development of electronic music, sound synthesis and music technology across the twentieth century
• Connect historical approaches to contemporary sound design practices used in modern electronic music production
• Apply synthesis techniques to the creation of original electronic music and sound design projects
• Record, perform and produce an original electronic composition or sound design work

The course culminates in a creative assignment in which students produce an original electronic music composition or sound design project. You will receive feedback from the course tutor to support your creative and technical development.

Participants who attend at least 70% of the classes will receive an official City St George’s, University of London certificate of completion.

Please note that short courses are designed for professional development and personal enrichment and are not formally accredited qualifications.

No prior knowledge of sound synthesis or electronic music production is required.

Students will need access to a computer capable of running free or low-cost music production software. During the course you may use tools such as:

• VCV Rack
• Surge XT
• Moog Mariana
• Logic Pro

Guidance will be provided on installing and using these tools.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course, as teaching, discussion and learning materials are delivered in English.