2synthesize
The Synthesizer Is the Instrument of the Year 2027
We need to refocus on the connection between music, science, and technology.
Through schools, music schools, shopping centers, and events throughout Germany, we are giving you the opportunity to get to know this instrument and express yourself with it.
Would you like to take part in a course? All courses here.
Are you a music teacher, workshop leader, or something similar and would like to offer a course? All the information here.
Would you like to support the project in another way?
Would you like to find out more about the project? All the information here:
1927
… a first performance featuring the touchless, playable Theremin—an electronic musical instrument—took place in Berlin in the presence of Albert Einstein.
What is a theremin?
Over the following 100 years, engineers, inventors, creatives of all kinds, and musicians developed countless other experimental instruments for exploring sound freely, as well as many musically valuable tools for tonal playing. We are now honoring their development in Germany.
2027
The synthesizer is our official Instrument of the Year.
In all its beautiful, crazy, and innovative forms, and with all its possibilities for music, the synthesizer should be seen, heard, and understood more widely than ever before. The synthesizer—especially the modular synthesizer—is also a bridge to mathematics, physics, computer science, and back again. It provides access to music for anyone who thinks freely and dares to invent or develop something new.
2SYNTHESIZE
We want to show where and how, in the “Year of the Synthesizer”, people who are interested meet people with knowledge in order to play together, constructively explore new paths, learn from one another and come together.
Through natural sciences, electricity, frequencies, waves and noise, we learn music through playing, constant experience and experimentation. Music for Everyone!
Us
… we work on a voluntary basis. We are looking for funding and support for paid staff, qualified instructors, necessary accessories and instruments from manufacturers and other partners. With these resources, we support events throughout Germany to the best of our ability.
The state music councils of Germany (Landesmusikräte = LMRs) are registered non-profit associations (e.V.). For donations of more than € 100, they will be happy to issue a donation receipt if the donor’s address is included in the payment reference. The intended purpose of the donation should also be stated in the payment reference, e.g. Instrument of the Year 2027, Synthesize by A. Schneider, Akazienweg 12, 28217 Oldenburg.
Donation account Landesmusikrat Berlin e.V.:
IBAN: DE18 1001 0010 0077 9081 06 / BIC: PBNKDEFF
The LMR Berlin has confirmed its participation as our partner; all other LMRs have been contacted.
All state music councils in Germany, including their contact details, can be found here.
Contact
Would you like to support or promote our project, or do you have a question? Please contact us using the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you very much in advance!
Workshops, Recommendations
Modular Synthesizer Ensemble (a full school day)
As an experienced modular synthesizer user and artist based in Vienna, Gammon developed a workshop together with SUPERBOOTH in 2017 for school classes, introducing up to 24 children at a time to sound generation with modular synthesizers and electronics. After four hours of playing and workshop activities, they present a joint performance using these sounds and tones on the large stage at FEZ-Berlin—or elsewhere (?).
Booking inquiries: mail at gammon dot at
www.modularsynthesizerensemble.at
Introduction to Modular Synthesis (3 hours)
SchneidersLaden in Berlin is a leading specialist store for synthesizers and electronic music. Weekly workshop evenings offer an accessible introduction to the world of synthesizers; they are free of charge and well attended. A specialist advisor or the manufacturers themselves explain the basics of the subject using the instruments. Afterwards, participants are invited to try things out for themselves—the presenters generally assist and help out over a cold drink. Approximately once a month, the same format is also held by and for “FLINTA and friends.”
Usually Thursdays at 7 PM; current program at www.schneidersladen.de
Inquiries for groups of <12 young people / students to Timm Stobbe ts@schneidersladen.de
DIY Workshops (by and) with Manu Richter (3 to 6 hours)
Manu Richter has been running DIY workshops for approximately 15 years and has operated a specialist store in this field since 2016. Manu managed the DIY section at SuperBooth for many years, offering numerous beginner-friendly—and often very simple—kits during its early development. Currently, according to Manu’s website, workshops held outside the store are offered only in the Leipzig area (?) and online. Here is a documented online workshop to give you a first impression:
Inquiries to: mail@leaf-audio.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjGvA152B0U
www.exploding-shed.com
“Build Your Own Synth” Quick-Start Soldering Workshop
(max. 6–8 participants, suitable for all age groups and children aged 10 and over, duration: approx. 3 to 4 hours)
Sascha Knoch is a co-initiator of 2SYNTHESIZE and an experienced manager of the Do-it-Yourself (DIY) area at SUPERBOOTH. Through his project Soundcrafters, he combines his expertise as an experienced sound engineer and teaching trainer with his studies in psychology to create a range of experiential formats based on the motto “Sound as a Resource.” At his initiative, we offer workshops in which we jointly assemble open-source projects in the form of various soldering kits (DIY kits) with short assembly times and low material costs. Beginners of all ages in particular are introduced to sound synthesis, soldering techniques, and basic electrical engineering. You take the result of the workshop home with you: your very own self-built synthesizer.
Inquiries to info@soundcrafters.de
HerrSchneider’s Synthesizer Carousel
The carousel is a very slowly rotating piece of furniture containing six different, mixed modular systems. The sounds are output through speakers and/or transmitted in a mixed form to external systems. The stations can be synchronized rhythmically, making the carousel suitable as an attraction at events where curious visitors can experiment with sound. Sometimes the overall result resembles music; it is often initially perceived as disturbing and only understood—or even loved—later.
Not available for setups lasting fewer than three event days.
An example of its use.
Inquiries to a@schneidersbuero.de
Synthesizer History, Popakademie, Arno Müller
The Popakademie Baden-Württemberg has a university department specializing in electronic music, headed by Arno Müller. This committed and experienced producer and musician has designed and developed modules for this unique program, which have since been replicated at other institutions across Europe.
His project for the “Synthesizer Year” is a touring exhibition featuring devices and instruments from the 1980s and 1990s, classic techno-production studios and their tools, as well as hybrid and video synthesizers. The premiere at the CCC in Hamburg is confirmed.
Not available for setups lasting fewer than three event days.
Inquiries to arno.mueller@studies.popakadeD;ie.de
Do you offer your own workshops?
Would you like to contribute to workshops or provide equipment?
Do you have any questions?
Events, Dates
For events and dates in Germany and around the world, there are sorting options by location, federal state or similar. The following entries are initially sorted chronologically and provide a clear overview of the current situation as at 22 September 2026.
2026
04.11.26 / Berlin (Berlin)
LISTEN TO BERLIN:YOUTH summit @ Nhow Hotel
For the third time, the Berlin Music Commission is organizing talks, panels, and information events for young musicians (in parallel with Most Wanted: Music): backgrounds and career profiles in the fields of booking, management, label work, production and live music, as well as communication and other areas, will be explored.
With a small exhibition of various devices and instruments in the foyer, we will open the discussion about the Instrument of the Year with young musicians and other participants in order to explain perspectives and opportunities involving this special instrument.
Admission is free with timely registration.
Tickets are limited: listen-to-berlin.de
21 to 27 NOVEMBER 2026 / Hamburg
Elbphilharmonie, modular synthesizer workshops for at least 16 y.o.
Led by a synth specialist participaters learn here, how to generate sounds from voltage, how to generate noise and melodies. Twelve analogue modular synhthesizers are available to experiment, improvise and perform your own compositions and creative sounds on the fly.
Elbphilharmonie instrments world, open workshops, for at least 16 years old,
exact starting times and limited tickets for approx 24 € available on
elbphilharmonie.de
27 to 30 December 2026 / Hamburg (Hamburg)
40C3, Chaos Computer Congress
As part of the leading conference on the state of computer science and the digital challenges facing our world, several installations exploring the theme of electronic music and synthesisers are the subject of discussion.
events.ccc.de
(Tickets are generally limited and hard to obtain)
2027
21 January 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
“Synthesize Berlin” press conference, Kraftwerk
The comprehensive program for the Instrument of the Year, along with the planned events and workshops, will be presented and explained during a small ceremonial event. Patron JakoJako will explain her particular perspective on the possibilities and horizons of the synthesizer and give the mayor (tbc) an initial introduction to the subject. The initiative, the State Music Council, and the Berlin Music Commission will also address the audience.
(Private event for invited guests)
TBC: 30 January 2027, Downtown Los Angeles (USA)
Buchla & Friends (Satellite)
A historical overview of the A-100 modular system, presented as an exhibition accompanied by explanations and an introduction from employees of the German manufacturer "DOEPFER", will illustrate the 30-year development of the so-called "Eurorack" modular system and its current significance. The event is hosted by American synthesizer pioneer Buchla alongside the NAMM Show and presents a popular selection of this special instrument category over two days.
instagram.com
TBC: 15 February to 6 March 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
Shopping mall #1
The cultivation of marketplaces is an attempt to revive open communication with consumers through electronic music. Concerts and performances will spark interest, while the three-week installation will offer a deeper introduction to the subject through workshops for young people and adults.
27 February 2027 / Leipzig (Saxony)
Synthesize
With workshops and concerts by Manu Richter, Leander Seige, Tunegirl, and Rob Strobe, as well as the support of manufacturers based in Saxony, such as Vermona and Leaf-Audio, the Saxony State Music Council is planning a synthesizer event at Distillery Leipzig.
Tickets and workshop tickets coming soon,
Event in preparation (= tbc.)
03 TO 09 APRIL 2027 / Hamburg
Elbphilharmonie, modular synthesizer workshops for at least 16 y.o.
Led by a synth specialist participaters learn here, how to generate sounds from voltage, how to generate noise and melodies. Twelve analogue modular synhthesizers are available to experiment, improvise and perform your own compositions and creative sounds on the fly.
Elbphilharmonie instrments world, open workshops, for at least 16 years old,
exact starting times and limited tickets for approx 24 € available on
elbphilharmonie.de
9 to 11 April 2027 / Nuremberg (Bavaria)
Special exhibition area at the Akustika Music Fair
2SYNTHESIZE and its cooperation partners will host a special exhibition area dedicated to the synthesizer as Instrument of the Year at the trade fair for acoustic musical instruments. Vintage synthesizers for listening and trying out, modular-system workshops, and DIY workshops are in preparation.
akustika-nuernberg.de
3 May 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
2SYNTHESIZE society & education @ Felleshus (Icelandic Embassy)
The relevance of early childhood music education to the development of our society, and its role in schools and society, has motivated us to open a discussion on the subject. At the international trade fair, we will use the synthesizer as an example to compare practices and results from different countries and discuss what we should improve. Iceland, the leading country in music, and SUPERBOOTH will invite members of the press and cultural policymakers from European countries to the panel to discuss researched positive examples, opportunities, and challenges.
(Private event for invited guests)
6 to 8 May 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
SUPERBOOTH international tradeshow and festival
SUPERBOOTH is the world’s leading trade fair for electronic musical instruments and synthesizers. In a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere, international visitors, countless media professionals, trade journalists, and members of the general public meet across the indoor and outdoor areas of FEZ Berlin, among stages, exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Trade visitors often arrive in the city as early as Monday for SUPERBOOTH and attend associated concerts and events or do business with the many small companies based in Berlin that operate in this special industry.
superbooth.com
14 to 16 May 2027 / Nantes (France)
Synthfest France
This local synthesizer event in France takes place in Nantes shortly after SUPERBOOTH. It presents the latest developments from around the world and showcases the creative world of sound exploration and electronic music to a local audience in its national language. A synthesizer exhibition focusing on the instrument as a learning tool connecting creativity and the natural sciences, workshops, or a brief history of the synthesizer—as a greeting to Germany’s “Instrument of the Year”—are under discussion.
synthfestfrance.com
16 and 17 May 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
MiniBOOTH, Beats, Sounds and Synthesizers!
For children (and their parents), MiniBOOTH is an introduction to electronic music. Various manufacturers and innovative developers present simple and creative ways of making music that are great fun and make learning and playing accessible to everyone in a relaxed way.
fez-berlin.de
TBC: 31 May to 19 June 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
Shopping mall #2
The cultivation of marketplaces is an attempt to revive open communication with consumers through electronic music. Concerts and performances will spark interest, while the three-week installation will offer a deeper introduction to the subject through workshops for young people and adults.
05 TO 11 JUNE 2027 / Hamburg
Elbphilharmonie, modular synthesizer workshops for at least 16 y.o.
Led by a synth specialist participaters learn here, how to generate sounds from voltage, how to generate noise and melodies. Twelve analogue modular synhthesizers are available to experiment, improvise and perform your own compositions and creative sounds on the fly.
Elbphilharmonie instrments world, open workshops, for at least 16 years old,
exact starting times and limited tickets for approx 24 € available on
elbphilharmonie.de
TBC: 26 June 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
Long Night of the Sciences
In cooperation with the Mathematical Society, we would like to demonstrate how scientific principles and insights can be made easier to understand through playful experimentation with modular synthesizers.
langenachtderwissenschaften.de
3 to 7 September 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
IFA International Radio Exhibition
2SYNTHESIZE and its cooperation partners will host special exhibition areas dedicated to the synthesizer as Instrument of the Year at the IFA International Radio Exhibition. Vintage synthesizers for listening and trying out, modular-system workshops, and DIY workshops are planned.
ifa-berlin.com
TBC: 13 September to 2 October 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
Shopping mall #3
The cultivation of marketplaces is an attempt to revive open communication with consumers through electronic music. Concerts and performances will spark interest, while the three-week installation will offer a deeper introduction to the subject through workshops for young people and adults.
TBC: 1 to 20 November 2027 / Berlin (Berlin)
Shopping mall #4
The cultivation of marketplaces is an attempt to revive open communication with consumers through electronic music. Concerts and performances will spark interest, while the three-week installation will offer a deeper introduction to the subject through workshops for young people and adults.
26 & 27 November 2027 / Mannheim (Baden-Württemberg)
Electronic Music Day
The Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, with its degree program in electronic music, will conclude its Year of the Synthesizer with a local presentation of its synthesizer exhibition, which is planned as a touring exhibition throughout Germany, along with talks and workshops.
The closing event of the Synthesizer Year will also serve as the Popakademie’s opening event for the Stockhausen Year and as a bridge to cultural offerings with a similar thematic focus.
popakademie.de
Partners, Links and Tips
Our Cooperation Partners and Supporters
* Landesmusikrat Berlin e.V. / Rita Sosedow
* Landesmusikrat Bremen e.V. / Solveig Schneider
* Sächsischer Musikrat e.V. / Christina Schimmer
* Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, Arno Mueller
* SUPERBOOTH Berlin, Andre Kaufmann
* SchneidersLaden, Timm Stobbe
* Exploding Shed, Manu Richter
* Doepfer Musikelektronik, Holger Zapf
* Modular Synthesizer Ensemble, Gammon
* Analogue Systems Ltd., Edd Butterworth
* Rides in the storm, Uwe Giegler
* Tobinski Audio, Danny Tobinski
Press and Media
* Amazona.de: Interview Franziska Stoff, LMR Berlin
* Synthesizer-Magazin: Interview Andreas Schneider und Olaf Kretschmar
* Jessica Kert about their Workshop during Summer University at UdK Berlin
Literature
* Die Macht der Musik (german)
* Modulare Synthesizer – Verstehen, Bauen, Spielen v. Hainer Kruse (german)
* Modular Synthesizers – Understand, Build, Play by Hainer Kruse (english)
* A Guide to modular Worlds v. Rolf-Dieter Lieb und Ulf Kaiser (english)
* SynMag Sonderausgabe: Modulare Synthesizer
