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Sound Design & Synthesis

MP181 MP183

The main goal of this course is to develop an open-minded approach to Sound Design, using whatever combination of techniques and instruments available. With this practical outcome in mind we cover different synthesis techniques, in their abstract form and as implemented in popular instrument designs, alongside extensive use of effects and other sound-shaping techniques.

Graduates from the Sound Design & Synthesis course can get work from music instrument manufacturers, television, cinema, theatre, video-game companies, or use these skills for their own productions.

What you will learn

  • Introduction to synthesis, 'fake' and 'real' instruments
  • Brief history of synthesis and synthesis techniques
  • Analogue subtractive synthesis and digital counterparts
  • Oscillators, filters, amplitude
  • Modulations sources and destinations, modulation matrix
  • LFO and envelopes
  • CV/gate or midi control
  • A modular approach to sound design
  • Mellotrons and digital sampling
  • Other synthesis techniques: FM, wavetable, granular, physical modelling
    (Native Instruments FM8)
  • Hybrid synth designs
  • Native Instruments Massive
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Native Instruments Absynth

Full-time or part-time?

Attending this module full-time will give you unlimited access to the school's facilities and includes the module Structure, Form and Creativity too.

Part-Time requires attending only one class per week but you will need to have all the equipment you need to practice at home (see requirements below)

Course requirements

To be accepted onto this class you should have a Music Production 101 Certificate.
Diplomas from a different school or equivalent knowledge and experience may be accepted, subject to a preliminary interview and possibly an entry exam.

Students on a part-time course will need to have access to a computer equipped with Pro Tools (M-powered, LE or HD), Logic Studio or Express, and Native Instruments' Komplete.

Students enrolled in the full-time course can use the school's facilities.

Native Instruments' Komplete can be purchased at a special discount price during the course.

Course details

course code MP181
length 16 weeks
schedule MP181: 1 day per week, 12:00-17:00
entry requirements preliminary interview, MP101 certificate, entrance exam
course fee £2270 + registration fee
registration fee £500

Next available dates

22 February 2010

22 September 2010

How To Apply

Email info@londonschoolofsound.co.uk or call +44 20 77206183 to arrange a personal interview

Is this course too basic or too advanced for you?

Contact our office and speak to one of the lecturers

Course resources