Matthew Ryals
























© 2025 Matthew Ryals. All rights reserved.

Patching With Modular Synthesizers Virtual Edition

About the Online Workshop





An online, 4-day beginner workshop on modular synthesis using VCV Rack. This workshop is designed to provide a solid foundation in modular and general synthesis, empowering you to start creating music with modular synthesizers.

Open to participants worldwide! For musicians & non-musicians alike. No prior experience with music or synthesizers is needed!

You’ll be patching along as we explore module types, signals, basic building blocks of a patch, subtractive synthesis, sound design, making full tracks, & more!

Classes occur on four consecutive Saturdays: Jan 18, 25 & Feb 1, 8. Classes run from 11am-2pm (EST) with a 30min lunch break in the middle.

Classes are online via Zoom! The workshop is limited to 15 participants. 

Classes will be recorded in case you miss a day and available for future viewings.

No hardware synths required! You only need a computer with VCV Rack (free) and Zoom (free) installed. 💻 

You’ll be invited to my Discord server - a place to talk shop, exchange patches, & inspire each other!

There are no refunds. Please consider this when booking. Thank you for understanding!








Workshop Overview

Day 1
  • Introduction to the history of modular synthesizers 
  • Overview of fundamental principles, modules, terminology
  • 3 or more class patches to learn the fundamentals. I’ll be leading in VCV Rack & my own modular synth, while you follow along in VCV Rack! 🎛

Day 2
  • Students can share any patches made at home (screen share in Zoom), and I’ll help with any questions and give further guidance.
  • ✨ New Patches ✨ We’ll dive deeper into concepts

Day 3
  • Same as day two, but new patches & topics 💥 
  • This day will be partly dedicated to looking at strategies for creating full songs / compositions with the synth 🎶 

Day 4
  • Share a “complete” patch with the class you made (no pressure to do so, but for those who were able to work in between classes and would like to share)
  • We’ll cover some advanced concepts as time allows
  • Chat about how to get started with building a synth & acquiring modules 💡 

Pricing

The full course fee is $200. That comes to only $20 an hour!

There are discounts for signing up early, BIPOC folks, & practicing artists. Please only use these discount codes if they apply to you and if you need them. Paying the full price helps make this course possible. Thank you!

  • Early Bird Code - EARLYPATCHER
    • $20 off
    • Limited to three people
  • BIPOC Code - PATCHFRIENDS
    • $30 off
    • Limited to three people
  • Practicing Artist Code - ARTISTPATCHING
    • $30 off
    • Limited to two people








Student Testimonials


“With almost zero knowledge, this class helped me learn exactly what I needed to get a firm understanding of Modular Synthesis!“ - Dylan Fish

“I was a complete beginner to the world of synthesis when I joined this online class with Matthew, and it was both fun and highly educational. We got to do some simple patches, and Matthew explained the theory from the basics, making it much easier to understand. The class was packed with fantastic resources, and Matthew explored questions in depth, generously sharing additional insights along the way. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who’s interested in getting started with synthesis.” - Corliss Ng

“Tysm for providing this class!!! I had a great time and even though I’ve been working with modular synthesis for years, I learned a lot. It’s already helping me take my patches to the next level!!! 🙌❤️🙌” - Cameron Farash
“ I learned from day one the logic behind modular synthesis, which helped me to build my first patch and play it right away in my music gig. The follow up course gave me a great set of tools that I will continue exploring, a whole new universe!”  - Amanda Gutierrez
“PWMS was an amazing class! I appreciated how accessible it was, especially as someone without a musical background. Now that I’ve completed the course, I feel confident and excited to dive into modular synth on my own. I’m also thrilled with the wealth of resources available to me and the added bonus of being part of Discord community!” - Megan Broyles“Matthew is a veritable font of information about modular synthesizers. The patching class opened up the world of modular synthesis for me in a way that YouTube tutorials simply couldn't--being able to ask questions and learn from Matthew and my classmates (who were all approaching modular synthesis from different backgrounds) was really valuable to me. I highly recommend this class for anyone beginning or expanding their musical practice.” - Chelsea Hall