This workshop provides an introduction to the principles, history, and practice of granular synthesis, a method of sound generation and transformation based on the manipulation of very short audio fragments, or “grains.” Participants will trace the development of granular concepts from early musique concrète and electroacoustic works through to modern digital and modular implementations.

The session will combine theoretical discussion with practical demonstration. Topics include the origins of the sound-particle concept in the work of Dennis Gabor, the evolution of grain-based composition, and the implementation of granular techniques in both software and hardware. Participants will explore granular synthesis with free software tools as well as modular hardware including the Mutable Instruments Clouds, and Intellijel Multigrain, applying these systems to create evolving textures, time-stretched transformations, and complex soundscapes.

Instructor: Stuart Frederich-Smith

Saturday, December 13th 2025
1 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
(This is an intermediate level class but no prior technical background or experience is required. Beginners are absolutely welcome!)

$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)