Cook every day: read Suzanne Ciani’s 1976 Buchla Cookbook, for free

In 1976, Suzanne Ciani reported back to the USA’s National Endowment for the Arts with a report on her compositions, in the form of a modular cookbook. Now you can read her notes and follow along using entirely free software, complete with sound examples. I love overusing the cookbook metaphor, maybe just because food is […]

Kevin Saunderson teaches a free 909 workshop, online and in Detroit

The best 909 Day reveal yesterday was this: on Saturday, Kevin Saunderson, techno originator and one of the Belleville Three, teaches a free workshop on the 909 with Roland (with Dustin Good). You can tune in online, and until tomorrow, there are in-person slots in Detroit, at Waajeed’s Underground Music Academy.

Peter Kirn - September 10, 2026

Nuclear test equipment inspired this new Eurorack module

Boxcar averagers, used in vintage nuclear test equipment, inspired the latest creation from AI Synthesis. What you get is the AI250 BXR: it’s an oscillator, a voltage generator, and an audio mangler all in one. And it’s a pathway into DIY modules, even on tight budgets.

Peter Kirn - September 2, 2026

A $5 modular drum circuit, a free online course, and how it grows into more

Peter Kirn - August 21, 2026

Handmade experimental synths and DIY from Argentina’s Los Aparatos

Peter Kirn - August 17, 2026

Ableton quietly launched Learn, powered by the engine from Note, Move

Peter Kirn - July 7, 2026

There are already some great uses of Ableton Extensions, and more coming

Peter Kirn - June 12, 2026

TouchDesigner POPs course gets your brain around geometry for visuals

Peter Kirn - May 20, 2026

High schoolers can learn production at Eastman this summer: interview

Peter Kirn - May 15, 2026