Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Something that has never sat well with me is when people say, “just plug things in & explore!” to someone who is confused about how to learn modular synths / electronic instruments.
While I’m a BIG fan of experimentation, sometimes the thought of “just exploring” can feel like TOO big of an invitation.
What do I do first? What if it breaks? Where does the sound even come from??
It’s almost like telling someone who is nervous about learning how to swim to just jump in & move your arms around.
Sure, this works for some folks. But I also know there are many super creative, talented folks out there for whom that leap will feel like too much, so they’ll give up before they try.
Or who think they’re stupid when it doesn’t just click after a bit of exploration.
^^I was one of those people. 👋
Early on, I wanted to make music with modular synths SO badly, but every time I was told to just explore, I’d get paralyzed.
I felt like I was *clearly* not smart enough for synthesis—because nothing “just clicked” for me, at all.
Here’s the truth: OF COURSE I was smart enough. You are too.
I just needed a bit of guidance & structure—before I could jump in.
At this point I have taught modular synthesis to 1000’s of people & I have seen folks who were convinced they weren’t “techie enough” absolutely THRIVE & make incredible electronic music—countless times.
Like many of my students, I started with no tech skills & needed to review things 500x. Even then, it took a LOT of repetition & practice.
This is why I’m so passionate about teaching modular synthesis—AND why I feel I’ve gotten pretty good at it over the years. (Can I just say that? Well, I said it 😂)
The fact that I struggled to figure things out means I have DOZENS of ways to approach every problem.
Don’t let things not clicking right away deter you from jumping into something you’re passionate about. We all learn at different speeds & in different ways.
Some things take time, & that’s ok. ❤️
This is YOUR musical journey, you deserve to do it in the way that best supports you.
Something that has never sat well with me is when people say, “just plug things in & explore!” to someone who is confused about how to learn modular synths / electronic instruments.
While I’m a BIG fan of experimentation, sometimes the thought of “just exploring” can feel like TOO big of an invitation.
What do I do first? What if it breaks? Where does the sound even come from??
It’s almost like telling someone who is nervous about learning how to swim to just jump in & move your arms around.
Sure, this works for some folks. But I also know there are many super creative, talented folks out there for whom that leap will feel like too much, so they’ll give up before they try.
Or who think they’re stupid when it doesn’t just click after a bit of exploration.
^^I was one of those people. 👋
Early on, I wanted to make music with modular synths SO badly, but every time I was told to just explore, I’d get paralyzed.
I felt like I was *clearly* not smart enough for synthesis—because nothing “just clicked” for me, at all.
Here’s the truth: OF COURSE I was smart enough. You are too.
I just needed a bit of guidance & structure—before I could jump in.
At this point I have taught modular synthesis to 1000’s of people & I have seen folks who were convinced they weren’t “techie enough” absolutely THRIVE & make incredible electronic music—countless times.
Like many of my students, I started with no tech skills & needed to review things 500x. Even then, it took a LOT of repetition & practice.
This is why I’m so passionate about teaching modular synthesis—AND why I feel I’ve gotten pretty good at it over the years. (Can I just say that? Well, I said it 😂)
The fact that I struggled to figure things out means I have DOZENS of ways to approach every problem.
Don’t let things not clicking right away deter you from jumping into something you’re passionate about. We all learn at different speeds & in different ways.
Some things take time, & that’s ok. ❤️
This is YOUR musical journey, you deserve to do it in the way that best supports you.
