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Synthesizer programming is a deep topic, unfortunately many new synth players, DJs and producers get lost in the complexity, and unfortunately most never bother picking up a book on synth programming. There is certainly a lot of info available online, however, nothing can take the place of sitting down and working through an excellent book. You will find that it will save you time and money, as you’ll be able to get the kind of results you want without having to stop and research will the creative juices are flowing.
SynthJunky has done the research for you, and come up with these five titles, all of which will propel you to the next levels of your musical career. We also hope this will be a useful list for anyone searching for a gift for their favorite synthesist, without spending $10 grand on a new Moog Modular!
5: The Secrets of Dance Music Production
David Felton’s The Secrets of Dance Music Production is a modern classic. Hailed by many readers as an ultimate guide to creating EDM, it is also thought by many that the title undersells its usefulness. The techniques and approaches taught here can be applied to many genres.
4: Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers
Many people who pursue music production fret over their lack of music theory knowledge. Some even boast that their ignorance of theory is what makes their music unique. But anyone who has set aside even a little bit of time to learn some theory immediate realizes two things: 1.) They wish they’d done it sooner, and 2.) It’s really not hard. Dr. J. Anthony Allen PhD has taught over 50,000 students in his online classes, and this Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers effectively condenses the best of that material into a short, simple format. You’ll wish you had read it sooner, so don’t put it off any longer!
3: Make: Analog Synthesizers
Into making music, but also miss shop class? Ray Wilson’s Make: Analog Synthesizers is widely considered the definitive guide for anyone interested in the DIY craft of hand-building synthesizers. Based around a single project that develops the necessary foundation for more ambitious building, one thing is certain: you will finish this book having built a useful and extremely cool analog synthesizer.
2: The Synthesizer
Mark Vail’s The Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording the Ultimate Electronic Music Instrument is considered an outstanding introduction to those who are new to synthesis, but is also chock-full of information valuable to the most seasoned professional.
1: Welsh’s Synthesizer Cookbook
Earning a well-deserved place at the top of our list is Fred Welsh’s absolutely legendary guide, Welsh’s Synthesizer Cookbook: Synthesizer Programming, Sound Analysis, and Universal Patch Book. It’s earned a bestselling status and five-star reviews ever since its release in 2006, and continues to be regarded as the essential text on the subject. There is even a Vol. 2 which is equally well-loved.
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Categories: Synth Learning
