History, Mission, and Programs

Synth Library Portland, the world’s first synthesizer library, opened in May 2016, originally as part of the larger S1 community art space and music venue in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. In 2017 we moved with S1 to a location on NE Sandy Blvd, but had to close that space in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 we began operating our gear lending program from the office of 4ms Company and hosting workshops in various borrowed spaces, and in 2024 we moved into our own dedicated space in Lloyd Center. In 2026 we will move to a new space due to the imminent closure of Lloyd Center!

Synth Library Portland is a collectively-run arts non-profit providing low-cost access to electronic music gear and education. We build community and empower people to experiment, learn, and create.

Our flagship Lending Program allows members to borrow synthesizers, effects pedals, drum machines, video synthesizers, and other equipment. With over 250 items in lending rotation and 4,400+ loans completed since 2021, it is the cornerstone of our effort to democratize access to electronic music gear.

While we ask our Lending Program members for a monthly fee, we keep dues as low as possible and offer sliding-scale pricing. No one is turned away for lack of funds and anyone can access our programming free of charge. 22% of our members currently utilize free or reduced-cost memberships based on financial need.

Beyond lending out gear, we offer weekly educational workshops. Topics range from beginner-friendly introduction to synthesis to advanced music and video art production. Instructors include both enthusiastic community members and internationally-recognized performing artists.

Our Studio Hours program gives members unlimited individual instruction and open access to our studio.

We host regular meetups and open performance opportunities to foster an engaged creative community. Each summer, we organize free monthly outdoor concerts in Portland parks. We have also partnered and collaborated with other local nonprofit organizations focused on music and education, such as CETI, Ethos Music Center, Friends of Noise, My Voice Music, p:ear, PICA, Roots and Beats Project, Sana Sana, and Teen Tech Center at OMSI. Our programs are mostly volunteer-run, and we invite you to join our team!

Staff and volunteers

Nolan Ashley, Patrick Barber, Teddy Beauparlant, Geoff Belcher, Hazel Bertrand, Jonah Bloom, Tim Brenner, Joel Brinson, Alejandro Cabezas, Kenneth Conolly, Jon Daries, Clayton Davis, Audrey E., Jill Fang, Thomas Fang, Ross Fish, Stuart Frederich-Smith, Michelle Frostell, Scott Garman, Bryan Gibbs, Lewis Guignard, Max Jersak, Jakob Kintzele, Josh Kirschenbaum, Paul Kovitz, Maeve Leake, Kelly Merrill, Kevin Meyer, Joseph Montanez, Andy Mummert, Akemie Murphy, Ben Murphy, Jonathan Nasrallah, Jose-Luis Olivares, Claire Oliver, Raul Cueto Osorio, Sean Owen, Nathalie Owen-Fitzsimmons, Pan, Nicholas Peeters, Mae Pettit, Jordan Porto, Matthew Rempes, Aaron Ross, James Rucker, Jerett Sierad, Kira Sassano, Brian Shapiro, Charlotte Stanleigh, Armant Touche, Beth Wooten.

Board Members