SESSIONS
There are plenty of ways to get involved at GLOSS. Whether you're looking to spend a few hours getting to know an instrument, meet other people making music, learn something new or work on a project of your own, we've got different kinds of sessions happening throughout the week.
Some are fairly open-ended, others have a particular focus, but all are opportunities to get involved with the library and the people who use it.
OPEN SESSIONS
Open Sessions are our regular opportunities to spend three hours exploring the library and its instruments.
There's no fixed programme or particular outcome expected. Some people come with projects they're working on, others have an instrument in mind that they're keen to try, and plenty are happy to turn up without much of a plan and see where things go.
When you arrive, one of our librarians will have a chat with you about what you're interested in and help you get set up. We can suggest instruments and combinations of equipment, show you the basics of how things work and help with questions as you go.
You're welcome to work away on your own, come with a friend or collaborate with somebody else in the room. You can also bring your own instruments or laptop if you'd like to record or incorporate the library's equipment into something you're already working on.
No previous experience is necessary, although it's worth bearing in mind that Open Sessions aren't structured lessons. We're happy to get you started, but much of the time is yours to spend figuring things out, making music, experimenting or just having a play about.
£30 non-members / £12 members
Each session lasts three hours.
Our clubs bring people together around different musical interests and approaches. Some involve making music together, others are more about sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas or having a bit of time to work on things in the company of other people.
Each has its own character, but they're all fairly informal and encourage people with different levels of experience to get involved.
CLUB SESSIONS
Every two weeks, GLOSS librarian, musician and sound designer Susan Bear hosts Ableton Sunday Club - a relaxed gathering for people who use Ableton Live.
It's a peer-to-peer learning group rather than a workshop. The idea is to share what you know, ask questions, swap production tips, show people what you've been working on or learn something from somebody else's process.
There are sometimes themes, activities or creative challenges to get stuck into, but you're equally welcome to bring your laptop, stick your headphones on and quietly work away on something of your own.
Think of it as a coffee morning for Ableton users. There are snacks, plenty of opportunities to get into conversations about music production and no obligation to have anything finished or particularly impressive to show.
(Mention Pro Tools at your own risk.)
£15 non-members / £8 members
ABLETON SUNDAY CLUB
Our monthly Dungeon Synth Club is led by Glasgow-based dungeon synth artist Mountainfog.
Taking inspiration from fantasy, dark ambient, black metal, soundtracks and all sorts of other strange musical worlds, dungeon synth covers a surprisingly broad range of sounds and approaches.
These sessions are fairly open-ended. You can come along to work on your own dungeon synth masterpiece, explore unfamiliar instruments, share ideas and techniques or simply meet other people interested in the genre.
Mountainfog is around to offer inspiration and guidance, with Mountainfog and a GLOSS librarian on hand to help with the equipment. All levels of experience are welcome, and there's no pressure to finish or present anything.
Dressing for the quest is entirely optional.
£15 non-members / £12 members
DUNGEON SYNTH CLUB
Run in collaboration with Signal Sounds and led by Signal Sounds’ Luke Palmer, Synth Club is a chance to make music with people you might never have worked with before.
Participants are divided into small groups, usually mixing different levels of experience, and draw a random creative prompt from a box. Each group then has an hour to work on a piece of music together before sharing what they've come up with at the end.
It's a good way to meet folk, try different approaches to making music and see what happens when a group of people, a room full of synthesisers and some slightly unpredictable instructions come together.
Synth Club originally started at Signal Sounds before moving over to GLOSS, where it continues as a collaboration between the two organisations.
£15 non-members / £12 members
SYNTH CLUB
WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASSES
If you'd prefer something more structured, our programme includes regular workshops covering different aspects of electronic music, from the fundamentals of synthesis and sound design to more specialised techniques and approaches to sound.
Our regular Introduction to Synthesis workshop is a good place to start if you're completely new to electronic music. We also invite artists, musicians and instrument makers to lead workshops and masterclasses, sharing their own approaches to sound and making music.
Some workshops are aimed at beginners, others get into more specialised territory. Each listing will tell you what to expect and whether any previous experience is useful.
FAQ
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. If you're completely new to electronic music, an Open Session is a good opportunity to have a play about, while our introductory workshops offer more structured guidance. Our clubs are also open to people with different levels of experience.
Do I need to be a member?
No. You can book Open Sessions, clubs, workshops and other events without becoming a member. Membership gets you discounted access and other benefits, while helping us keep GLOSS running.
What should I bring?
You don't need to bring anything in particular. We have instruments, mixers, audio interfaces and headphones available. You're welcome to bring your own headphones, laptop or instruments if there's something specific you'd like to work on. Some sessions, such as Ableton Sunday Club, are best attended with your own laptop.
Will somebody show me how to use the equipment?
During Open Sessions there's one librarian on hand to introduce you to the collection, help get things connected and answer questions. How much individual help they can offer depends on how busy things are. If you're after more in-depth instruction, we'd recommend one of our workshops.
Can I record what I make?
Absolutely. Our workstations have mixers and audio interfaces available, and you're welcome to bring your own computer and preferred recording software.
Anything else I should know?
GLOSS is a shoes-off space, so please leave your shoes at the door. There's tea, coffee and snacks available, but we ask that food and drinks are kept away from the instruments. We also ask that you check with the librarian before plugging in or powering up equipment.
If you've got any questions before booking or would like to discuss any access requirements, please get in touch.