SOUND + AMPLIFY

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SOUND + AMPLIFY is a workshop series by Synthesize_Her in which we build > transmit > modulate sound.

Over the course of these workshops we

> build a SYNTH

> build a SPEAKER 

> learn how to SOUND DESK

We have developed this series over time, adapting it as we learn from participants about what works. The research +  learning methodologies come from co-creation + experimentation with artists + young people. It is designed for FLINTA* of all levels of familiarity with sound or building + open to anyone who would like to understand how analogue technology or sound generation works.

Two alternatively dressed people sit at a long white table with parts of a synth and speaker build in front of them. The person on the left is young with both red hair and a red hoodie. The facilitator, Viva, is on the right wearing a checked shirt with short dark hair. They are checking if the circuit on the partial speaker build is correct.
Viva facilitating a speaker build with Lava Javas, Limerick Youth Services, July 2026. Photo by Julie McLoughlin.

? what does this workshop series look like ?

Our analogue synth + speaker building workshops teach basic sound synthesis, engineering, + manipulation via electrical circuitry.

The series takes place over 3 days.

Each workshop lasts for 4 hours a day [with breaks].

This workshop contains

> Basic sound engineering

> Basic circuitry + electronics

> Soldering

> Drilling

> Oscillation manipulation

The learning outcomes are as follows

> Explain in simple terms how electricity creates sound 

> Explain the function of electronic components: energy source, transistor, capacitor, resistor, amplifier

> Assemble circuitry autonomously

> Connect synthesizer to sound desk and sound desk to speaker system

> Manipulate frequency of oscillator

Rather than a step-by-step

> We first discuss how we think and sound + electronics

> We use collaborative + somatic techniques to show how sound can move

> We pick apart the process from sound being generated to arriving in your ear

> To demonstrate the basic parts of the circuit, we use an analogy of water flowing with tarot cards designed by artist Sinead Kennedy [might put this credit under a photo of the cards instead]

> Then we make the synths + speakers + learn how to work them

Four analogue synth prototypes sit in consecutive order from earliest (2022) to newest (2026). The first synth is a circuit inside a small cardboard box, the second is a circuit without a board, the third is a small, clear, repurposed plastic Casio box, and finally a custom-build, small, wooden box synth with a laser-cut Synthesize_Her embellishment.
The development of our synth prototype, 2022-2026. Photo by Julie McLoughlin.

The structure of the series follows

DAY 1

We start by teaching fundamentals of sound - how it moves, how we listen.

We then go through the electrical circuit using tarot visualisers + physical, communal demonstrations.

Participants then make the circuit for the synth.

Once it’s been tested, they then assemble the case + controls for the synth [with encouragement of design modification//individualisation].

By the end of this workshop, participants will understand the basics of sound + have their own, self-made, analogue saw-tooth drone synth.

A pair of light-skinned hands hold 5 tarot cards with illustrations of different electrical components - voltage source, amplifier, capacitor, transistor, and resistor.
Circuit tarot cards by Sinead Kennedy. Photo by Julie McLoughlin.

DAY 2

We begin by recalling some of our previous discussions on sound, relating frequency to the shape + travel of sound.

We use that to discuss how a speaker system works + why it is set up the way it is.

Participants then make the circuit for their speaker.

We test the circuit then assemble the case + controls.

We then use the speaker with the synth from the previous day.

By the end of this workshop, participants will understand the basics of sound engineering + have their own self-made speaker that connects to their synth via aux.

In the process of speaker building. Photo by Julie McLoughlin.

DAY 3

We revise the learnings from the previous days, using the connection of the synth + speaker to go into tactile technical knowledge for sound//gig set-up.

We lay out many different cables, speakers, amplifiers, pedals + ask participants to connect them.

We then go through the ‘correct’ set-up, explaining amplification + why which cables do what they do.

Participants then learn on the sound-desk, experimenting with channels + modification of sound via their synths + speakers.

By the end of this workshop, participants will understand the basics of cable set-up, amplification, sound-desking + how to modulate live sound.

A fair-skinned hand modulates a channel button on a venue mixing board.
Photo by Julie McLoughlin.

If you would like us to deliver this workshop, or have any questions regarding it - please contact us.