Do you struggle to put chords together, or find melodies that fit comfortably over them? Have you ever backed out of joining in on a jam or improv session because you don’t know your way around a keyboard? Have you ever wanted to study how your favorite artists put together chords, beats, and melodies, but weren’t sure how to start?  These are all problems that can be solved by music theory: the collected wisdom of musicians, composers, and performers over the centuries, from J.S. Bach to Boards of Canada. With a little music theory—and enough keyboard skills to plonk them down on an instrument—you can expand your musical toolkit, and learn the basic terms that musicians use to communicate with each other.

In this workshop, we will look at practical concepts in music theory and keyboard playing for beginners and self-taught musicians looking to improve their skills. Forget complicated harmonic hierarchies, endless scale practice, and medieval Italian vocabulary—this is music theory and keyboard knowledge that you can actually use as a modern electronic musician and performer. Using instruments at the Synth Library, tools from Ableton Live, and musical examples from this century, students will get a chance to practice and discuss these ideas with our instructors, along with some helpful exercises to try at home.

Taught by Clayton Davis

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Sunday, May 3rd 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
All ages, 10+ recommended - beginners absolutely welcome)

$20 general admission
$10-19 sliding scale
Tickets are required to attend. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so email info@synthlibraryportland.org for lower/no-cost tickets.