Upcoming events
at Berlin School of Sound:
Berlin School of Sound Winter Course Program 2025
“Make some Waves”
Duration: October 1 – December 24, 2025 (12 weeks)
Format: 3 groups of 7-10 students each
Schedule:
Group 1: Mondays 17:30-21:30
Group 2: Tuesdays 17:30-21:30
Group 3: Wednesdays 17:30-21:30
Total: 11 sessions × 4 hours = 44 hours per group
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Create original sound art compositions using various techniques
Operate modular synthesizers and electronic music equipment
Understand historical and theoretical contexts of sound art
Develop personal artistic voice and methodology
Professional music production, mixing, and mastering skills
Understanding of music business and AI tools in production
Knowledge of interactive audio for games and media
Document and present their artistic work professionally
Course Structure (12 weeks)
MODULE I: SOUND ART FOUNDATIONS (Weeks 1-3)
Instructor: TBC
Week 1: Introduction to Sound Art
History and theory of sound art
Semiotics of sound
Analysis of pioneering works (Henri Chopin, Isidore Isou)
Deep listening exercises
Introduction to experimental composition
Week 2: Text and Sound as Intermedia
Sound poetry fundamentals
Experimental spoken word techniques
Hands-on microphone and voice recording
Basic audio editing principles
Language-based sound works Week 3: Expanded DJing Techniques
Prepared turntables methodology
Advanced DJ setup with 8 turntables
Loop structures in contemporary sound poetry
Practical exercises with vinyl manipulationSound publishing concepts
MODULE II:
MODULAR SYNTHESIS & ELECTRONICS (Weeks 4-6)
Instructor: Katharina Bévand
Week 4: Introduction to Modular Synthesizers
Modular synthesis fundamentals
Patch cables and signal routing
Oscillators, filters, envelope generators
Creating first ambient/drone compositions
Understanding voltage control
Week 5: Noise, Experimental, Drone
Aesthetics of noise and experimental music
Generative art and machine authorship
Long-form compositional techniques
Collaborative sound creation
The sublime in sonic atmospheres
MODULE IV: MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN FOR GAMES
Week 6: Field Recordings & Extended Techniques
Advanced field recording methods
Space and object resonance exploration
Processing field recordings electronically
Site-specific sound installation concepts
Aural architecture principles
Week 7 : Game Audio & Interactive Sound Music for games:
FMOD, Unreal Engine, Wwise (Guest Instructor)
Interactive audio design and implementation
Adaptive music systems and triggers
Game sound effects and environmental audio
MODULE IV: PERFORMANCE & MEDIA ART
Instructor:
Week 8: Audio-visual Installation, Performance & Documentation
Fundamentals of audio-visual installation art
Spatial sound design for gallery spaces
Performance art with sound elements
Body, voice, and space in performance
Professional documentation techniques for live art Creating performance portfolios
MODULE V: PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY (Weeks 8-11)
Instructors: Henning Grambow, Vojto Monteur
Week 9: Electronic Music Production
Music production fundamentals (Henning Grambow)
Studio workflow and creative processes
Abletone Live
Logic pro x
Recording techniques
Week 10: Advanced Music Production
Professional mixing techniques and workflow (Guest Instructor)
Mastering principles and chain processing
AI plugins in mixing: practical applications
Music business basics: publishing, sync-licensing, royalties
Sound design for film and media (Henning Grambow)
Week 11:
Session Content:
Part 1: Advanced Mixing (2 hours)
• Parallel Processing Techniques – parallel compression, EQ, and effects
• Creative Sound Design in Mixing – using mixing as a compositional tool
• Spatial Audio Mixing – stereo imaging, mid-side processing, binaural techniques
• Problem Solving – dealing with difficult recordings and frequency conflicts
• Hands-on: Students mix their own compositions from previous weeks
Part 2: Professional Mastering (2 hours)
• Mastering Chain Architecture – EQ, compression, saturation, limiting in sequence
• Reference Standards – LUFS, dynamics, frequency analysis
• Genre-Specific Mastering – different approaches for experimental vs. commercial music
• Mastering for Different Formats – streaming, vinyl, digital release preparation
• AI Mastering Tools – when to use them, limitations, hybrid approaches
Week 12: Project Finalization & Professional Development
Final project mixing and mastering (Henning Grambow & Vojto Monteur)
Professional presentation and portfolio development
Industry networking and career guidance
Music publishing and distribution strategies
Creating professional demo reels FINAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Each student will create:
5-10 minute sound composition/installation
Written documentation of creative processShort presentation of concept and methodology
Technical rider for live performance (if applicable)
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Guest Lectures from international sound artists
Collaborative Projects between different groups
Final Concert at Kunsthaus ACUD (December 29, 2025)
Group Critiques and peer feedback sessions
Technical Workshops with specialized equipment
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Create original sound art compositions using various techniques
Operate modular synthesizers and electronic music equipment
Understand historical and theoretical contexts of sound art
Develop personal artistic voice and methodology
Professional music production, mixing, and mastering skills
Understanding of music business and AI tools in production
Knowledge of interactive audio for games and media
Document and present their artistic work professionally
PREREQUISITES & REQUIREMENTS
Basic computer literacy
Openness to sonic experimentation
Willingness to collaborate in group settings
Basic English proficiency (for technical instructions)
Own headphones (professional recommended)
Notebook for reflection and documentation
EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS PROVIDED
Access to modular synthesizer systems (studio)
Professional recording equipment
Field recording devices
Microphones and audio interfaces
Mixing desk and monitors
Vinyl turntables and DJ equipment
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Participation & Engagement (30%)
Weekly Exercises (30%)
Final Project (40%)
VENUE
Kunsthaus ACUDVeteranenstraße 21
10119 Berlin Mitte
This intensive 11-week program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on
practice, connecting students with Berlin’s vibrant experimental music
and sound art community while developing their individual artistic voice.
