Upcoming Events
We are now welcoming everyone to our new space in Lloyd Center, with events at least once a week, including workshops. We are also continuing our gear lending program, and have begun offering Studio Hours as well.
To stay up to date about future Synth Library events keep an eye on this always-updating webpage, follow our socials, and make you’re signed up for our newsletter!
Member Drop-In Hours
Members are invited to come to the space every Thursday afternoon from 4-7pm to play and ask our facilitators questions, no need to book time or RSVP!
Women and Nonbinary Electronic Music Meetup
All women and non-binary folks are welcome to join us for a monthly event series that encourages learning together, jam together, and connect with other artists in the area. We want to create a welcoming environment to help grow our community of electronic musicians for all femmes and enbies regardless of skill level or experience.
Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Recurs Every 1st Wednesday of the Month!
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free but RSVP required
Synth Library Open House
During this time the library will be open for all to explore our collection of gear and meet our facilitators! It’s also a great chance to learn more about member perks like our lending program, drop-in hours, and studio hours.
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Volt Per Octave - Composition Techniques for Eurorack
This workshop will begin with basic MIDI sequencing and explore more advanced techniques using quantizers, random voltage generators, looping delays and complex gate sequencing. Inspired by classical minimalism (Steve Reich, Phillip Glass, Terry Riley) and modern electronic composers (Caterina Barbieri, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Alessandro Cortini) we will discuss how to maximize the emotional impact of monophonic sequences and then expand on to explorations of polyphony within Eurorack.
Sunday, February 9th, 2025
1 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.com for no-cost tickets)
New Member Orientation
In this brief in-person gathering you can learn about our organization, how to begin checking out gear from our lending program, and how to access all our member resources including weekly drop-in hours, studio hours, and more!
Friday, February 14th, 2025
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Recurs Every 4 weeks
(Email us if your work schedule prevents attendence)
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
RSVP Required
Intro to Max/MSP
This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of how to build synthesizers and audio effects using the popular and versatile Max/MSP software. We will also discuss ways to use Max, such as interfacing with the DAW, with hardware, or in live performance. No experience with Max or computer programming is required.
Saturday, February 15th, 2025
12 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.com for no-cost tickets)
Synthesizer Petting Zoo
@ Milwaukie Ledding Library
A petting zoo, but with synthesizers! Drop in to befriend, pet, and play an array of electronic instruments courtesy of Synth Library Portland. This is an opportunity for library patrons of all skill levels to experiment and play with a wide variety of electronic musical instruments and learn how synthesizers make and shape sound. Don’t miss this unusual opportunity to experience these incredible musical instruments first-hand! All-ages welcome.
Saturday, Febrary 15th 2025
1 pm - 3 pm
(or any portion of the above time window)
@ Milwaukie Ledding Library
inside the Community Room
10660 SE 21st Ave.
Milwaukie, OR, 97222
Free, RSVP encouraged.
Origins of Acid: Programming the TB303 and TR606
Do you love 303’s and analog hardware, want to learn the basics of programming drum machines through the classic Roland XOX boxes, or pick up a few tips to help you make your next dance floor banger? If so, join us for a 2 hour beginner course covering the history, programming, and production of early Acid House.
Saturday, February 22nd, 2025
1 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.com for no-cost tickets)
Intro to Tape Loops
In this workshop you will learn the magic of tape loops—how they work, how to make them, and why they've been a beloved technique for years.
This two-hour workshop is beginner friendly--no experience is required.
We will be teaching you:
- how audio tape works,
- how cassettes and cassette players work,
- and how to hack a cassette to make a tape loop.
By the end of the workshop you will have made at least one tape loop and will go home with supplies to make some more on your own.
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
12 pm - 2 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$20
(tickets required to attend, email info@synthlibraryportland.com for low-cost tickets)
Intro to Modular Synthesis
Learn the fundamentals of modular synthesis in this beginner workshop with no prior knowledge necessary. Hands-on instruction puts concepts into practice. Open to all.
Saturday, March 1st, 2025
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.com for low-cost or no-cost tickets)
Intro to DJing: Master the Basics
Perfect for beginners, this 3-hour session will immerse you in the fundamentals of DJing, with a focus on Electronic Dance Music. In the first half, you'll get an insider's look at professional DJ equipment and learn essential techniques like beatmatching, mixing, and EQing. The second half is all about hands-on practice—step up to the decks and create your first mix under expert guidance. Whether you're aspiring to perform live or just want to explore a new hobby, this workshop will give you the skills and confidence to start your DJ journey.
Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
12 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$20-30 Sliding Scale
Open Channels
The mixer channels are open—bring some gear and share your sounds, or just come to see what happens. This monthly gathering is for electronic musicians of all experience levels to connect, experiment, and share with the community. Our goal is to lower the barrier to entry and bridge the gap between performer and audience. It's perfect for new musicians or experienced musicians looking to simply try out new material and techniques in a low-stakes environment.
Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
3:30 pm - 6 pm (Signups at 3:30 pm, Music at 4 pm)
Performance Timeslots are First Come, First Served
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Women and Nonbinary Electronic Music Meetup
All women and non-binary folks are welcome to join us for a monthly event series that encourages learning together, jam together, and connect with other artists in the area. We want to create a welcoming environment to help grow our community of electronic musicians for all femmes and enbies regardless of skill level or experience.
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Recurs Every 1st Wednesday of the Month!
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free but RSVP required
Synth Library Open House
During this time the library will be open for all to explore our collection of gear and meet our facilitators! It’s also a great chance to learn more about member perks like our lending program, drop-in hours, and studio hours.
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Portland Synth Improvisor Collective (PSIC) Meetup & Jam
A Wonderful group jam! Bring your own instruments and play electronic music with fellow community members.
Sunday, March 9th
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free to Attend but RSVP Required
Cassette Hackers Meetup
This event is a DIY meetup for people interested in hacking cassette tapes. Come make tape loops, hang out with tape friends, and talk tape. We'll provide tools and cassette players, BYO cassettes if you want to make loops, or bring your loops if you want to play them for others.
Sunday, March 16th, 2025
12 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$1-10 Suggested Donation, NOTAFLOF
Intro to Creative Breadboarding
In this hands-on DIY workshop, we'll explain how and why breadboards are used in creative circuit design and get you started building right away.
No experience with electronics, synthesizers, or breadboarding is required. Beginners are encouraged to come!
The cost of the workshop includes a breadboard and parts, which you can take home.
Sunday, April 6th, 2025
12 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$30
tickets and more info
DIY Video Glitcher
Learn to make your own analog video glitch device in our AVE-MOD workshop.
The AVE-MOD is a circuit-bent version of Radio Shack's Archer Video Enhancer, a set-top device for enhancing your TV image in an era when picture adjustments weren't common on TVs themselves. The bends allow you to create exciting glitch effects that will be the envy of your friends.
Workshop fee includes: a kit to build AVE-MOD, power supply, and RCA cables to connect it to video source and TV. Kits will be brought to the event the day of so you can simply show up and everything you need to build the video synth will be provided.
Sunday, May 4th, 2025
12 pm - 3 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$50
tickets and more info
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