Course Details
Time:
Mondays, 6pm-10pm at MESS
Class dates: March 20, March 27, April 3, April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 19 (Note: classes are not held on public holidays)
Places:
Course places are limited to 12 people. Attendance is by application only.
Price:
MESS members $880 incl. GST ($73.30 p/class)
Non-members $990 incl. GST ($82.50 p/class)
Scholarship places:
We are happy to offer 2 fully subsidised scholarship placements open to individuals with limited funds for whom the course fees represent a significant financial challenge. Please indicate on the application form if you wish to be considered for one of these 2 placements.
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 music production – from gaining a deeper understanding of complex forms of synthesis to exploring and gaining hands-on experience with the tools to create and shape your own track.
Think of this as a MESS Beginners Guide to electronic music production – you’ll have the opportunity to use our extensive collection of unique instruments, the guidance and support of a small course group, and the opportunity to present your work in development and final composition to peers and MESS staff.
This course is for people with minimal knowledge of sound synthesis and electronic music/sound production. Applicants should have some experience in creating electronic sound and this must be demonstrated in the application by submission of material. This course is not appropriate for people with no knowledge or experience in creating electronic sound and music. Ideal candidates will be able to attend all course classes.
Course information
Course classes will be held in-person at MESS in North Melbourne (map) on Monday nights from 6.00pm – 10.00pm running from March 20 through to June 19, 2023.
Each week will focus on a different subject. View the full course outline here.
The sessions will be split between 1.5-2hr of lecture/Q&A and 2hr of practical studio time.
During the course, participants will have the opportunity to book 4 free self-directed sessions at MESS during regular studio session hours. These sessions must be booked between Week 1 – Week 12 classes. These free sessions cannot be used after the course has finished.
We will use Google Classroom to share resources and course material throughout the course.
Course attendance is by application only. We are accepting applications until 11.59pm on Thursday, March 9 2023, all applicants will be contacted by Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Please note: due to the number of applications we are anticipating we are unable to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications.
We are happy to offer 2 fully subsidised scholarship 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 2 placements.
Course fees must be paid in full prior to the start date. We are unable to refund course fees after the course has commenced. This course is open to participants aged 18+.
For any questions or if you require assistance completing the application form, please contact us.
Course Facilitators
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.
Photo by Karl Halliday
Lauren Squire is an electronic music producer, synthesist, DJ, audiovisual artist, sound designer and production manager based in Naarm, Melbourne. Her practice is focused on experimental and ambient music, underground dance music, audiovisual installation art and the spaces where these disciplines intersect.
As an artist, Squire works with her partner Matthew Wilson in an audiovisual duo called OK EG. Together they create wholly immersive live sets, superbly textural, ambient techno that ensconces all listeners in reach. Squire also produces and DJs under the alias Zosia Kossak. This project explores the relationship between the human voice and that of synthesisers whilst incorporating heavyweight bass and rhythm into the mix.
Drawing from her experience as an artist Squire contributes to the scene across many roles including creative and technical producing, production management and is the current Studio Manager at Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio.
Read the Course Overview
Learn more about the course, prerequisites, requirements and class schedule.
Apply Now
Applications have now closed.
This course is by application only. Click the button below to apply. Applications close at 11.59pm Thursday, March 9 2023.
