CYNO Electronic Music Day with Jessica Beechey

Come and explore the mesmerizing world of electronic music and visual programming, and create a concert in a day! Sign up to this free day of hands-on sessions (for ages 13-17) to learn how to make entrancing electronic music using sampling techniques and modular synths, and stunning visual compositions using professional software. The workshops will lead to an exciting performance at the end of the day, inspired by the acoustics and surroundings of St Gluvias Church. You don’t need any experience, instruments, or musical knowledge to take part.

Book via Eventbrite: https://electronicmusicday2025.eventbrite.com

You’ll learn how to:

• Sample and layer sounds that make the most of the acoustics of St Gluvius Church (led by Jessica Beechey)

• Use state-of-the-art modular synths to generate and shape sounds (led by Matt Ashdown)

• Make visual compositions and concert visuals using free live programming software (TouchDesigner) and Xbox controllers (led by Jess Pemberton)

You’ll then plan and rehearse a piece of music, which you’ll perform in the evening in collaboration with Jessica Beechey. A recording of the performance will be sent to national radio. Experienced facilitators will support and guide you through the process, and equipment will be set up in such a way that you don’t need to worry about ‘getting it wrong’.

Some of the techniques you’ll learn are also applied in electronics or engineering careers in areas such as space, marine and renewables – so if you’re interested in technology, these workshops are for you too!

The event has been made possible thanks to support from Outlands Network (as part of the Network Exchange Commission), Arts Council England and Falmouth University.

The day will be run by an experienced team with appropriate safeguarding training (Level 3) and DBS checks in place. We keep volume to a safe and appropriate level, and free earplugs will be available, however there may be some complex and occasionally louder noises that may not be suitable for people with sensory issues. Similarly, while we will be aiming to create calm visuals, due to the nature of the software there may be flashing images or busy visuals on computer screens and projections.

Book via Eventbrite: https://electronicmusicday2025.eventbrite.com

FAQs:

What is a modular synth?

A modular synth is an electronic instrument that consists of different modules that the user connects together via ‘patch cables’ and then controls using dials, joysticks, sliders, buttons and more. Different modules are used to generate sound, shape sound, and control the behaviour of the sound over time. Synths have been used across genres for decades, appearing on tracks by some of the world’s biggest artists, from Aphex Twin to Charli XCX. You’ll be using state-of-the-art equipment, but we’ll also show you free software that you can use which is a standard for many professional touring musicians.

What is TouchDesigner?

TouchDesigner is free and accessible node-based programming software with which you can create and manipulate visual images. The user can connect blocks with different functions together and control them using a computer mouse, sliders, Xbox controllers and more. It is often used to create live visuals at concerts, digital art, or music videos. In our sessions, we’ll use it to create a ‘visual composition’ to both guide and respond to the music being created. It has many transferable skills and uses across industries because it includes signal processing and programming techniques. If you want to see if TouchDesigner is for you, then this is a great opportunity to have a go and find a path to get started with resources to take home to continue your journey.

What do you mean by visual composition?

Over the last century, many musicians have used alternative ways of creating musical scores instead of using traditional notation. Visual composition can use images, text, shapes, colours, animations to guide a performer and can be more open to interpretation. It is particularly useful if a musician finds traditional notation unsuitable – either because reading notation is a challenge or because traditional notation can’t express a certain sound (e.g. the sound of wind).

Will there be a break and should I bring food?

There will be regular breaks and a longer food break between the sessions and the concert. We will provide a cold buffet style selection of vegetarian food. Please note that food and drink will not be allowed near the equipment.

Can my child sign up for just the workshops and not the performance?

This day is part of a commission to create and record a concert, and we’ll be tailoring the workshops towards a performance – we’re experienced in providing supportive environments to make sure everyone enjoys themselves. We’ll soon launch other sessions for those interested in just the workshops.