MESS School / Course

Foundations in Electronic Sound Production 2024

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

Course Details

Applications are closed Detailed course outline

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.

Apply now

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.

March 18
March 25
April 1 – no class
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29 – no class
May 6
May 13
May 20
May 27
June 3 – no class
June 10
June 17
June 24

View dates on Google Cal

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.