MESS School / Course

Foundations in Electronic Sound Production 2024

A 12-class course in the fundamentals of electronic sound production.

Foundations in Electronic Sound Production is a 12-week course designed to develop your skills across all facets of electronic sound production – from a deeper understanding of complex forms of synthesis to exploring and gaining hands-on experience with the tools to create and shape your work.

Build creative confidence by expanding and solidifying your craft in electronic sound creation while benefiting from the focus of a solid outcome with a deadline. Each week, a new lesson will cover one of the fundamental areas of sound production combined with the opportunity to apply what you learn to your work, utilising our extensive collection of unique instruments. Benefit from the guidance and support of MESS Staff and your fellow coursemates. Present your work in development and final form to peers and MESS staff.

Who is it for?

This course is for people with minimal knowledge of sound synthesis and electronic music/sound production. Applicants should have experience creating electronic sound, which must be demonstrated in the application. This course is appropriate for people with knowledge or experience in creating electronic sound and music. Ideal candidates will be able to attend all course classes. 

This course is open to participants aged 18+.

Application Process

Course attendance is by application only. We will accept applications until 6:00 pm, Wednesday, 28th February 2024 (28/02/2024). All applicants will be contacted with their application results by 5:30 pm, Tuesday 5th March 2024 (05/03/2024).

Please note: Due to the number of applications we anticipate, we cannot offer feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We are happy to offer two fully subsidised fee-free placements open to individuals with limited funds for whom the course fees represent a significant financial challenge. Please indicate on your application form if you wish to be considered for one of these two placements.

Course fees must be paid in full before the start date. We are unable to refund course fees after the course has commenced.

Class Schedule and Delivery Mode

Each week’s class consists of a 1.5-hour lecture presentation and 2 hours of practical time in the MESS Studio. During the course, participants can also access 12 free MESS Studio sessions (1 per week). 

Time:
Monday 6:30 pm – 10 pm AEDT
From March 18 until June 24

Class dates:
Please note that classes are not consecutive due to public holidays and operational closures.

  1. March 18
  2. March 25
    April 1 – no class
  3. April 8
  4. April 15
  5. April 22
    April 29 – no class
  6. May 6
  7. May 13
  8. May 20
  9. May 27
    June 3 – no class
  10. June 10
  11. June 17
  12. June 24

Course Facilitator

Jonnine Nokes (they/them) is an artist and freelance audio engineer working across venues in Naarm (Melbourne). They have mixed and mastered music for local musicians across a wide range of genres. They have designed sound and score for theatre and dance productions, installation work, and web content. They have also worked as a synthesiser and production workshop facilitator for Melbourne Sound School.

Jonnine writes music under their current solo moniker, Horse Pills, and has composed primarily with eurorack modular synthesis for over 10 years. They have played in various electronic ensembles and under several solo guises over the past 15 years. They are currently a member of synthpunk outfit Screensaver, and formerly one half of industrial/synthwave duo Activities of Daily Living.

Jonnine is a co-founder of local record label Tender Collection, devoted to releasing queer/feminist electronic, punk and outsider music.

Location

All course sessions will be held in person at the MESS Studio.

Price

Price
MESS members $900
$75 per class

Non-members $1,200
$100 per class 

Course fees include 6 hours self-guided studio time, and GST

Places

This course is limited to 14 places in total. Attendance is by application only. 

Course Dates

March 18 until June 24
Mondays 6:30 pm – 10 pm AEDT

Course Overview

Learn more about the course, prerequisites, requirements and class schedule.

Apply Now

Applications are now closed.
This course is by application only.

Applications close at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, 28th February 2024.

All applicants will be contacted with results by no later than 5:30 pm, Tuesday 5th March 2024.