Synth School! Creating Sound with Hardware and Software Music Synthesizers

From 62.29 £ /h

Have you bought a synthesizer or modular rig and are not sure where to start? Tired of using stock presets when working with softsynths in your DAW? Ready to learn how it all *works*?

Learn from a pro - Andrew built Studio D, the electronic music suite at Omega Studios in Washington, DC. He created and ran the electronic music curriculum at Omega's School of Recording Arts and Sciences, where his students included industry professionals and recording artists like BT (EDM/trance pioneer, DJ and soundtrack composer).

Andrew holds a degree in Electronic Music from the American University, and is an avid synthpop producer himself, via his band Birmingham Electric, where he regularly works with collaborators including Peter Hook (New Order), Malcolm Holmes (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), Marco Pirroni (Adam and the Ants, Sinead O'Connor, Siouxsie and the Banshees) and Mark Reeder (MFS Records, Factory Records). He performs with synths live on a regular basis as well,

Andrew is a firm believer in going back to the root fundamentals and gaining a deep understanding of how sound works, as well as experiencing synthesis hands-on to build "muscle memory for programming. Learn at your pace - whether you're an absolute newbie or further along and exploring where to go next. It's possible to learn in Andrew's studio in Haarlem, or in your own space on your own gear. You don't need to have any synths to get started, but if you do, we can use them.

Topics including -
- How sound works (a little friendly physics)
- Ways we model sound and the major types of synthesizers
- Hands-on with different synthesis techniques
- Translating sound ideas to synthesis
- Using synths in music composition
- Performing live with hardware and/or software synths
- How to choose synths or plugins for your studio
- Setting up your workspace - and workflow

Ready to up your synth game? Book a lesson with Andrew today!

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At student's location :

Around Haarlem, Netherlands

At teacher's location :

Vredenrijkstraat, Haarlem, Netherlands

About Me

I've taught electronic music, sound synthesis, and digital audio workflows to all ages and abilities - from kids to some of the industry's most seasoned pros. I especially connect with people who want to go deeper into the "why" of electronic music rather than just learning rote instructions. I prefer teaching while students actually use the gear so that there is instant feedback as we work together - either in my studio or on your own gear.

Education

BA Electronic Music, The American University (via AU's highly-regarded Audio Technology Program)
MS Biotechnology / Bioinformatics, The Johns Hopkins University

Experience / Qualifications

Instructor and curriculum designer, Electronic Music and Sound Synthesis - Omega School of Recording Arts and Sciences, Washington DC
Producer and Lead Singer, Birmingham Electric (synthpop collaborative project with electronic pop pioneers)

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Computer generated music

Sound (music)

Audio production

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

At teacher's location

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Valeria

5.0

(1)

I am a classical and baroque bassist. Graduated from Amsterdam Conservatory (Bachelor and Master )
With more than 15 years playing my instrument and 3 years of teaching young kids and people from all ages and levels!

If you always wanted to learn the double bass is never to late to start!

Kirsi-Marja

5.0

(1)

Have you always wanted to play an instrument that is extremely diverse and used in many different music styles? Have a dream to learn to play the trumpet but never knew where to go and where to start? Have you been playing in the past and now you want to pick it up again, or continue learning with a teacher?

Your situation might be described above or be something different, it doesn't matter. I'm offering high-quality, student-centered trumpet lessons with years of teaching experience. My goal is to help you to reach your goals with whatever you want to learn with the instrument, and also equip you with good instrument technique and general music theory knowledge. I have studied both classical and jazz music and played also pop, funk and other styles of music. I have recently graduated from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. In addition to trumpet playing, I'm also a singer and composer. I would be more than happy to teach you what I know from these fields of activities. I hope to see you at my lessons!

Kirsi

Santiago

5.0

(1)

Learning to play the guitar can be an amazing experience at every stage of the process! My ultimate goal is to help my students to develop their skills and musical understanding by learning and playing music that they like.

Therefore I adapt my teaching methodologies to the tastes and needs of every student. Throughout every lesson, we will work on three main courses of development: technical aspects, theoretical knowledge, and performative practice.

My classes are open for anyone who would like to enjoy exploring the universe of music: beginners and advanced, children and adults, you are all welcome to book the first lesson.

Fani

5.0

(1)

After my classes you will be able to conceptualise, record, mix, and publish your own podcast or audio book in any language. The course is adjusted to your level and needs. If you have no idea where to start, I can help you with equipment, the basic principles of audio production, and how to publish your podcast. If you already know the basics, I can teach you mixing and production techniques, how to work with voice, and how to tailor this knowledge to your podcast. Furthermore, you can dive into creative sound design, develop your own unique style, and turn your podcast into a piece of art.
Contact me to discuss the possibilities!

Bookings | Payment | Scheduling
I offer discount for multiple bookings as well as lesson packages depending on your needs and requests.
My availability on the platform is indicative, get in touch for details or bookings outside the available time-slots.

Diana

5.0

(1)

Hallo! If you love cello, it is the right time to start learning!

As a teacher with 12 years of experience I offer private lessons for all ages and all levels.
I have learned my teaching skills from famous cello pedagogues from all over the world. I have experience in teaching to children as well as adults and I consider essential that we both have fun while learning such a wonderful thing as playing music! Lessons will be adapted to your needs and we will develop together your musicality and technical skills.
Also possible to ask for academic support with the instrument, music theory or history.

Lessons can be in English, Spanish, French and Dutch. If you still don't have an instrument yourself, I can give some suggestions about where and how to find it - please don't hesitate to contact me if interested!

Hope to hear from you soon!
Diana

Dimitra

5.0

(1)

Currently, I am studying Composition at the Conservatory of Amsterdam.

I have been playing guitar for more than 15 years and I have participated in music bands and live shows.

I am also working on electronic music through my laptop and hardware devices (synths, drum machines, etc)

I would be happy to teach you how to play the guitar, music theory tips, and some basic production skills!

In the beginning, we will work on your favorite songs. At some point, you will be able to make your songs and you will have the opportunity to record your ideas and share them with the public!

For the super young ones: We will start with easy tunes and then, we will work on your favorite songs!

- It is never too early or too late to learn an instrument!

- Music theory is a very important tool to go further in playing, don't be scared of it. You can do it!

-Guitar techniques to apply to your playing :)

- Interested in making your own music? I will help you to do it! Get your music online and don’t be afraid to share it! I will show you the basic ways to record and produce. It is the best feeling to share & listen to your own music.

If you are interested feel free to contact me! The available hours can be discussed and changed according to your availability.

Xico

5.0

(1)

Music is Play! and everyone is it's own game.
Read, understand and make only the music you like. I think if it isn't fun, it can't be music:)

I studied a classical piano bachelor, and later a jazz master and a live electronics master. In the meantime, I have been teaching music. It's longer than 9 years now!
Most of my students learn piano. With the starter ones, I use my own system to equally help them grow all the needed skills: body consciousness (to avoid lesions or bad habits), music theory (including writing and reading) and improvisation.
Usually most songs are made of melody, chords and rhythm. From there, I can help you understand how a song works, how is it written, how does it translate to the piano... and voilá! You'll know the song by heart, and will be able to play it a bit different every time, because you won't be following a set of pre-imposed instructions. You will understand how a small system (a song) works.
This way of learning can be applied to any song, from any century or style. Understanding is key! Play Chopin, write rock songs, play Monk, Bill Evans, the Beatles, make a lo-fi beat, play Beethoven, play the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Star Wars, play video game music, play salsa! bachata and make people dance, laugh or cry.
Music is very powerful!

PD: I have also experience imparting electronic music lessons in Ableton Live and Max MSP, which is now a very important part of my professional practice. In case you are interested, it is also possible to mix the two worlds and create a any kind of path between piano, synths, beats and home studio techniques.
Ask me anything, I'll tell you how I could help!

Iara

5.0

(1)

Hi there! Have you always wanted to learn the flute or do you feel like picking up this beautiful instrument again after a break?

As a teacher with more than 6 years of experience, I offer private lessons for all ages and all levels.
I learned my teaching skills from famous flute teachers of our time. I have experience teaching both children and adults and I think it is essential that we both have fun while learning something as wonderful as playing music! Lessons are adapted to your needs and we will develop your musicality and technical skills together. In addition to Classical music, we can also work on other music styles if necessary. For example, I am familiar with Brazilian folk music, Baroque music, Modern Music and Jazz.
It is also possible to request academic support with the instrument, music theory or history.

Lessons can be given in English and Dutch. If you don't have an instrument of your own yet, I can give some suggestions on where and how to find/rent one - don't hesitate to contact me if you're interested.

I hope to hear from you soon!
Iara

Jim

5.0

(1)

Hi, my name is Jim. I'm an electronic music producer with a Master’s degree in Music from the Fontys Academy of Arts (Rockacademie) in Tilburg, Netherlands. Music has always been my way of exploring the world — through raw field recordings, synthesis, and emotional storytelling. Over the past 12 years, I’ve developed a complete, self-sufficient creative process: from concept to composition, sound design to vocal production, mixing, mastering, and live performance. I’m passionate about helping others gain those same end-to-end technical skills — so they can bring their own musical vision fully to life.

As Malvae, I’ve written, sung, recorded, produced, mixed, mastered, and performed all of my work. My music reached #17 in the Spotify Viral 50 charts in the USA, gathered millions of streams, and featured in international film productions including King of the Streets and Netflix’s Terrace House Japan. One of the most formative moments in my career was my Amazonas album project, where I traveled into the Amazon rainforest to record and manipulate natural sounds. 90% of that album was created entirely from these field recordings, reshaped through granular synthesis and advanced sound design into a cohesive sonic journey. That experience deeply shaped how I approach my music and how I teach sound design and composition.

I’ve headlined shows at iconic venues like Melkweg Amsterdam with immersive, self-built audiovisual live sets using Ableton Live, modular gear, sequencers, and Resolume for live integrated visuals. I curated my own events and performed at venues like A’dam Tower, OT301. I also teach at studios such as Wisseloord in Hilversum, guiding students through the technical and creative intersections of sound and performance.

Selected Works & Collaborations:

My EP Like Bees to a Hive began as a soundscape for fashion brand Lobomar’s collection Final Orders, Please, presented at the Amsterdam World Museum. I collaborated with South African poet Julia-Beth Harris, integrating her spoken word into a seamless, atmospheric release. From sequential Prophet 6 textures to ADX1 drum machine layers and detailed field recordings, I handled every layer, from concept through multitrack production to the final live performance in London.

My Chrysalis EP, released as a limited-edition heavyweight red vinyl, pushed that even further, combining ethereal vocals, analog grit, and unique textures to craft an emotionally rich release. I personally led every part of the project’s technical and creative execution, from arrangement and vocal production to final mixing, mastering and vinyl press preparation.

In addition to my own projects, I’ve worked as a vocal producer and mixing engineer, including on Esther Veen’s EP Before I Go, where I handled recording, complex vocal layering, creative processing, production, multivocal arrangement and final mixing to deliver a polished, high-impact sound.

About the lessons:

My sessions are fully customised to your experience level, goals and grounded in real-world music production. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your technical ability, you’ll learn how to develop professional workflows and the creative independence to finish what you start.

We can explore:

- Building advanced music production workflows and creative strategies
- Recording, Composition, arrangement, and storytelling through sound
- Full-stack mixing and mastering — from bedroom setups to pro-level delivery
- Synthesis and sampling — from sound shaping basics to high-level manipulation
- Multi vocal production, vocal recording, editing, layering, FX, and creative processing techniques
- Translating your music into a compelling live set with Ableton Live
- Applying music theory practically in electronic, cinematic, and contemporary music

Lessons are available online or in-person at my studio in Amsterdam. For online students, I use high-quality real-time tools that allow us to collaborate with full-resolution audio directly from your DAW — no screen sharing limitations, just real work in real time.

My own musical path often started by blending the sounds I encountered in the world, whether from distant rainforests or my own voice , into something personal and expressive.
I found my sound that way, and I’d love to help you find yours.

(And don’t worry — we won’t have to go to the ends of the earth to do it. I’ll show you how to turn the sounds you already have into something truly your own.)

Whether you're just starting out or ready to go deeper, I look forward to helping you grow through structured, creative, and technically grounded electronic music education.

Enrico

5.0

(1)

Hello everyone, I'm Enrico and I come from Italy. Right now I am in Utrecht where I am doing a master's degree in cello under the guidance of Timora Rosler.
During my years of studies I always had the possibility to teach music, in fact while I was doing my Bachelor in Italy at the Conservatory of Turin, I taught cello and music theory in a private music school called "Isla de Musiqueros", in this school I had the opportunity to teach people of all ages, including children under 4 years old.
When I moved to the Netherlands little by little I started to find students and many many concerts.

I believe that playing is the best way to have fun and express your emotions, the work I want to do is work on tensions and try to help you melt away while playing, in this way you can have more sound and feel more free.
Technique is also very important in the everyday life of a musician, together we can see the best exercises for you, to help you improve and have more confidence with the instrument.

Juho

5.0

(1)

I am a film composer with experience working on Netflix and over 40 other film and TV productions. My lessons are tailored to meet your experience level and interests, suitable for all skill levels.

I can help you create your own music and teach you how to produce and mix it yourself. Additionally, I offer instruction in music theory, ear training, and improvisation.

I teach at my own studio in Amsterdam

Hilde

5.0

(1)

Do you want to translate songs into beautiful recordings and full-fledged productions? Do you need guidance in finishing music? Do you want to learn to capture your inspiration? I am happy to help you discover the world of music production. Music production is super broad - together we can look at the issues you are facing and whether we are a good match. I am also happy to help you on a music theory level, if there is a need for it!

I graduated from the conservatory in 2022. Since then, I've been working full-time as a bassist and producer. My own regular projects are CHARLOT and Cocobolo; I also work with and for others. I started out as a live musician and bring that perspective to music production.

Lucy

5.0

(1)

For artists, songwriters, and creatives ready to shape their vision.

Are you working on your own songs and feeling stuck?
Do you have a head full of ideas but struggle to bring them together into one clear artistic story?
Or maybe you’ve already created something you're proud of, but you want to take it further — deeper, bolder, more you.

I'm here to help you connect the dots.

As a singer, songwriter, producer and creative director working on my own debut album, I know how overwhelming the creative process can feel. There’s so much more to being an artist than just making music. Your sound, your visuals, your story, your live performance — it’s all connected. That’s where I come in.

In our sessions, we can explore whatever part of your creative world needs support:

🎵 Songwriting – melody, lyrics, structure, harmony
🎧 Production Direction – from early sketches to refined ideas
🌙 Artistic Identity – visual storytelling, aesthetics, branding
🎤 Performance & Presence – connecting with your audience
💡 Creative Strategy – organizing ideas and unlocking new ones
🌀 Intuitive Guidance – sometimes you just need a sounding board

You don’t have to do this alone.

Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced artist, we’ll work with what’s already inside you — your instincts, your taste, your questions. Sessions are fully personalized and can be a one-time deep dive or part of a longer creative journey together.

Deniz

5.0

(1)

In this class, we use Ableton Live as a creative tool to explore music production, composition, and sound design. Whether you're a beginner or already producing, the lessons are tailored to your goals. whether that’s making beats, writing songs, or designing experimental soundscapes. You'll learn how to turn your musical ideas into finished tracks, while gaining practical knowledge of arrangement, audio effects, MIDI, sampling, and more. Theory is introduced in a simple, intuitive way to support your creativity, and improvisation is encouraged to help you find your own sound. My goal is to give you the tools—and the confidence—to create music that feels truly yours.

Yehorii

5.0

(1)

If you've ever wanted to record your own song, make a beat, create a musical demo, or bring a musical idea to life, you'll need some basic knowledge of a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and how music recording works.
I can help you set up your home studio and guide you step-by-step through using Ableton Live or FL Studio.

If you don’t have a background in music theory, no worries — I’ll also introduce you to the basics of music theory and piano playing. This will give you the tools to create your own music from scratch, without needing to go to a studio — everything can be done right from your home.

During the lesson, we can create a beat or work on an idea you’d like to turn into reality.
My goal is to give you the tools that will help bring your musical ideas to life.