MASTERING SYNTHESIS AND SOUND DESIGN DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD
An exclusive, accelerated online learning regimen for keyboardists, aspiring producers, and anyone else who wants to finally master their synth.
SYNTH UNIVERSITY
What if it were possible to learn more than you ever thought possible about synthesis, in a simple monthly lesson? What if the assumptions we've made about learning were wrong - and the time we associate with learning complex topics are all wrong?
What would you be able to do creatively with your gift, if you were no longer hindered by the difficulty of learning synthesis and sound design topics? What songs could be written, albums recorded, or sessions booked? At Synth University, we believe synthesis has remained a challenging topic to learn largely because of the way it is taught. Our goal is to demystify the otherwise complex world of synthesis and sound design.
ABOUT
Taught by Ian McIntosh of Jesus Culture, Synth University is a monthly training opportunity. Each month, students will get access to a new video lesson, 2-6 hours in length, going in depth into a specific topic of synthesis or sound design. The teaching style places a premium on context, relevance, and application... not just technical information based training. Meaning nearly everything you learn will be truly useful
- Learn about many aspects of synthesis and sound design - both the mundane and the esoteric
- Meet new people as passionate about learning synthesis and sound design as you are.
- Learn what REALLY matters - instead of spending hours on stale, engineer-approved definitions, Synth University focuses on USEFULNESS.
While it's easy to get overwhelmed at the massive amount of content available in our industry, at Synth University we believe the missing link for most people is the CONTEXT in which the knowledge learned actually makes sense. There are facets of synthesis and sound design that students will end up learning intuitively, without even needing a definition to understand them. This is because great examples can unlock far more than great definitions
At Synth University, we use a multiple of methods to share examples - including audible, hands on, and something new: visual. By visualizing waveforms, and the way certain aspects of the sound changes VISUALLY, our brains connects even more.
And it's pretty fun too!
WHAT IS SYNTH UNIVERSITY
10 years of professional experience - 30+ hours, 140+ videos.
STEP 1: LEARNING
MONTHLY VIDEOS: 2-6 HOURS IN LENGTH
12+ MASTERCLASSES ON SYNTHESIS, TONE, AND TECHNIQUE
On topics ranging from Subtractive Synthesis to Advanced Piano Tone to Sequencing and MUCH more.
- Applicable to all skill levels - learn the fundamentals, all the way up to advanced concepts.
- Live or at home - if you are unable to attend, all videos will be accessible to students via a convenient library app.
STEP 2: CONTEXT AND APPLICATION
NUMEROUS EXAMPLES, MULTIPLE SOFTWARES
HOW I ENSURE THE USEFULNESS OF THE PROGRAM
I take special care when preparing each video that it has MANY examples that show the usefulness of a concept or technique. I am a huge believer in context - if you don't know how to actually use something, it doesn't really matter how much you know about it
- Each video is stacked with contextual examples.
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Assignments are sent out each week with specific tasks to complete - these help connect the dots
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Examples are presented in different softwares - and I spread the examples out amongst the various softwares most use - including Ableton, Reason, and some Mainstage as well.
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The private community (see below) will help give a wide range of perspectives - each student will undoubtedly complete assignments differently, which will help to further connect dots
STEP 3: COMMUNITY
IRON SHARPENS IRON
A CORE GROUP OF PLAYERS - DEDICATED TO LEARNING
There is a private Facebook group full of people doing the exact same assignments you are - as time goes on, the community will grow, and students will help each other learn.
- Discussion - a safe place to share discoveries (or hardships) and learn.
- Sharing - as assignments are completed, students can share their work with others.
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Meet - being on Facebook makes it simple to connect and create lasting relationships.
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Belong - I will be merciless at keeping people who are hateful or judgmental out of the group. I want people who believe in themselves, from all skill ranges, to find a safe place amongst their peers.
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Access - I will be making every effort to be part of the group daily and will be answering questions, asking questions, and sharing funny stories.
Finding people who are in the same place in life can have such a profound impact on your ability to learn and grow. My hope is that this community can become that - a place where people who are serious about learning and going deeper can come and belong.
STEP 4: PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION
CREATE A JOB, FUEL A PASSION
THE SAME SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES I USE TO PRODUCE, WRITE, RECORD, AND PERFORM.
The examples I use are largely drawn from my experience as a professional musician, producer, song writer, etc. You'll be learning skills and techniques that will make you VERY employable.
- Keyboard Patches - learn to create amazing tones, textures, and patches.
- Recording Tricks - unique tricks I've used, on a variety of instruments - including acoustic, electric, bass, drums, and vocals
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Songwriting - there are things keyboard players can do to really aid in the songwriting process that doesn't have to (but can) involve singing
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Mixing - while I'm not specifically trying to teach mixing, there are many tricks that are 1:1 the same for mix engineers - eq tricks, compression tricks, stereo field tricks etc.
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Producing - the same tricks that create a hook that pops out in a song, cross over to being a great producer. So many of the things I've learned in the keys/synth/computer audio world have defined how I produce an album.
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More - I probably missed stuff. There's so much!
STEP 5: A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS
EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK
HERE'S A SELECTION FROM OVER 12 TOPICS
The examples I use are largely drawn from my experience as a professional musician, producer, song writer, etc. You'll be learning skills and techniques that will make you VERY employable.
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:
- Subtractive Synthesis
- Piano Tone Masterclass
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Effects Masterclass - 2 part mega class
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FM Synthesis
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Arpeggiator/Pattern/Rhythmic Masterclass
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Analog Synthesis - Junos, Moogs
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Song Writing as a keyboard/synth player
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Studio/Overdubbing Masterclass
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Synth Tone/Patch masterclass
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Out Of The Box - The weird and wild
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Production and Sequencing tricks
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...and MUCH more
FREE BONUSES INCLUDED WITH ENROLLMENT
I don't want students to have to wait until a specific month to get the answers to the most pressing issues that may exist right now, that's why I am including my workshops all about Live Performance - so you can setup an incredible live rig WHILE you're learning about Synthesis, Sound Design, and DAWs.
FREE Bonus Video Workshop: $29.99 Value
A-Z Live Tracks IN Ableton
A groundbreaking workshop and approach to live tracks that will DRAMATICALLY shortcut and simplify the path to a FUN and stable tracks rig in Ableton
FREE Bonus Video Workshop: $29.99 Value
Transform Your Live Rig
Setup the perfect live rig that will allow you to be in complete control of your patches and morph sounds on the fly.
Hi, I'm Ian McIntosh
I am a full time musician, and have worked in the music industry professionally since 2004. I've been a featured producer, song writer, or artist on over 107 albums and 1100 songs.
I have been a part of Jesus Culture since basically day 1. We developed out of youth group - it just sort of became something.
I have been a featured instructor at many different conferences and schools, including Synth University,Gateway Conference, Production Online, and Worship U.
Perhaps as a result of my "trial by fire" approach to learning, I've developed a sort of obsession with teaching people not just the things I know, but the CONTEXT behind them. It has become clear to me over the years that knowledge is plentiful - just get on YouTube and you can learn nearly anything. However, achieving true mastery of a subject requires a level of understanding that most people don't
ever reach - the actual context and usefulness lying right behind the knowledge people know.
As an example: Just buying a miter saw at Home Depot doesn't mean you can use it. Watching a video on YouTube may teach you how to use it, but it won't make you a carpenter. It's the last jump between skillful knowledge and mastery that I am fascinated by and strive to teach people.
I believe Synth University can and will leave a mark on you. I know the power of accelerated learning, and look forward to sharing it with you.
GET INCREDIBLE RESULTS LIKE THESE...
Nick De La Sorte
Student // Synth University
"Ian has a knack for distilling complex subjects into small topics and teaching those to others in a clear and fun way. I will continue to subscribe to anything that Ian produces in the future."
Devin Adkins
Shannon Weeks
Are you ready to finally master synthesis and sound design?
SYNTH UNIVERSITY
Instant access to monthly lessons, real time support from an exclusive community of musicians, and bonus files and workshops
- Monthly Video Workshops
- Access To Private Facebook Group
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Bonus Video Workshops Available Instantly
WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING
Luke Hendrickson
Bethel Music // Keys // Production // Mixing
"Ian has made a large contribution to the sound of modern worship music. His vast knowledge of synthesis has helped me tremendously."
Jeremy Edwardson
Producer // Jesus Culture // Kari Jobe // Chris Tomlin
"Ian has mastered the art of keyboard layering, live performance, and sound design. I highly recommend his resources."
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