Description
“Make some Waves – semester no 2”
Berlin School of Sound Semestral Course of Sound Design & Music Production
Duration: February 1 – April, 2026 (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 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 1,2)
Instructor: Antje Vowinckel
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:
Instructor: RETHE
Live performance techniques: combining hardware & software (Elektron Digitakt & Digitone, Ableton Live)
MODULE II:
MODULAR SYNTHESIS & ELECTRONICS (Weeks 4-6)
Instructor:
Stephane Lefroncois
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: Complex patching strategies, cross-modulation and feedback loops. Using sequencers and randomization for generative patches. Creating evolving textures and self-playing systems. Modular in live performance context.
MODULE III: MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN FOR GAMES
Instructor: Antje Vowinckel
Week 6: Field Recordings & Extended Techniques. Advanced field recording methods.Space and object resonance exploration. Processing field recordings electronically. Site-specific sound installation concepts.
Instructor: Dario Beckmann
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: Georg Werner
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)
Instructor:
Henning Grambow
Week 9: Electronic Music Production. Music production fundamentals. Studio workflow and creative processes. Abletone Live. Pro tools. Recording techniques
Week 10: Advanced Music Production. Professional mixing techniques and workflow.
Mastering principles and chain processing. AI plugins in mixing: practical applications. Music business basics: publishing, sync -licensing, royalties. Sound design for film and media.
Week 11:
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. 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 process. Short 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.
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 ACUD. Veteranenstraße 21. 10119 Berlin Mitte
This intensive 12-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.
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