We now offer regular public access hours through our Open Sessions.
These sessions are bookable in advance through our booking system.
These sessions give you hands-on access to our collection of classic and modern synthesisers, drum machines, effects, and modular systems.
Whether you’re looking to experiment for the first time, develop an idea, or spend time with instruments you don’t normally have access to, Open Sessions are a space for free exploration, practice, and connection.
Each session runs for three hours with up to seven workstations available. A GLOSS librarian will be on hand to help with setup, troubleshooting, and guidance if needed. You’re welcome to come with a plan, collaborate with others, or simply explore the sounds on offer.
Who it’s for: Open to both members and non-members. Beginners and experienced musicians alike are welcome.
Members have priority access to booking Open Sessions (4 weeks in advance). Remaining spaces will be made available 2 weeks prior to date of session.
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Please book your place in advance - spaces are limited.
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Bring headphones if you’d like - we also have some available to use if you'd prefer.
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If you’d like to record, bring your own laptop, recorder, or phone. Some of our workstations are equipped with SD multitrack recording mixers (bring your own SD card), and we also have an analog 4-track cassette recorder.
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If you have any special requests for specific gear that we have available in the library, please leave a note along with your booking. Please limit this to one request.
Before You Arrive
On Arrival
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Sessions begin at the assigned time - access to GLOSS will not be available before this time.
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We ask that you take your shoes off on entry to GLOSS - slippers are available at the door.
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Check in with the GLOSS librarian when you arrive.
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You’ll be shown to a workstation - each is set up with a mixer and headphones.
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Take your time to familiarise yourself with the space, look around at what’s available and get yourself comfortable. Please speak to our librarian before taking gear from shelves - they will help you get set up.
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Feel free to swap instruments or share stations during the session, just check with the librarian first when wanting to take out instruments that aren't currently in play or put back instruments.
During The Session
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Respect the space and others - keep conversation volume at a reasonable level, remembering that people are exploring sound, and take turns if needed.
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Treat the instruments with care. These sessions are open-ended exploration sessions rather than guided workshops but, if you’re unsure about using a piece of gear, just ask the librarian.
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Collaboration is encouraged, but solo exploration is equally welcome.
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To enable more opportunities for collaboration, we will operate a traffic-light system where you will be offered a colour to sit at your workstation for the session:
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Green: Would like to collaborate and explore instruments with others.
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Amber: Content with working solo but open to working with others.
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Red: Would like to work solo.
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You’re free to bring along a friend for £10 if booked in advance.
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Tea, coffee and other refreshments will be available during the session but drinks are not to be taken to workstations, and instead enjoyed in our seating area - accompanied by a selection of books and magazines.
At The End
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Please leave your workstation tidy - return headphones, leads, and any borrowed items. Our librarian will assist and guide with this.