ALMA WINTER ARTS WEEKEND: Electronic Music and Live Visuals Workshop 13+

In these hands-on sessions attendees will be split into small groups to learn how to make electronic music on modular synths and how to create visuals using live programming software. Attendees will get to use state-of-the-art equipment, and be shown free software and resources to continue learning at home. No musical, technical, or artistic experience is needed. Due to the nature of electronic music creation and live visuals, it may not be suitable for some people with sensory issues. It is aimed at ages 13+. Participants under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Modular synths are used in a wide range of contemporary music genres, including by some of the biggest artists from the last few decades such as Aphex Twin, Sampha, LCD Soundystem and Suzanne Ciani. Modular synths generate music through signal paths, and attendees will not only learn musical techniques, but elements of electronics and engineering too - for example, the same tools are used in deep space communications. In this part of the workshop, musicians Matt Ashdown (Mildred Maude) and Martin Pease (Seamouse) will guide you through everything you need to know to get started, and you’ll join in an electronic music jam.
Live visual programming is often used at shows to create visuals that can be changed and manipulated over the course of a performance (it can even automated from audio signals) and by artists as standalone work. It uses a similar process to modular synthesis to create exciting and dynamic digital art. In this part of the workshop, you’ll learn some of the techniques to get started on the software, and have a go at manipulating parameters of the visuals using midi controllers. This part will be with artist Jess Pemberton (who provides visuals for local club night ESC and has recently been part of the IMMENSIVA residency and Arebyte Gallery’s Hotel Generation programme.

Venue: Church Hall / St. Michael's Church, TR7 1RA Newquay

About Moogie Wonderland:
Moogie Wonderland is a groundbreaking live art organisation in Cornwall. It has been running the Cornwall Youth Noise Orchestra since 2022, which has been featured by BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 3, The Guardian and Electronic Sound. Its recent Electronic Ensembles project saw young people perform electronic music on modular synths, and create concert visuals using live programming software and midi controllers. It has showcased performances at a number of exciting concerts, often using quadraphonic audio (four speaker surround sound).

We are proud to be part of the Be Newquay festival. Commissioned by Cornwall Council project Experience Newquay. It is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Host or Publisher Alma Artspace