ABOUT THIS EVENT

For our 161st event, Rocky Mountain Synthesizer Meet is introducing SYNTH & TELL: Rapid Fire Presentations, an online event where electronic musicians deliver concise 5-minute demonstrations of specific techniques, workflows, or tips related to their synthesizers, instruments, rigs, or studio setups.

The primary goal is for members to exchange focused, practical knowledge that informs, inspires, and connects the community while facilitating discovery of new techniques, approaches, and ideas across a wide variety of synth topics.

The event begins with 3 curated presentations to break the ice and showcase the format.

[Update: All presenters have been selected. Plenty of slots open for attendees.] 

We'll select 4 additional presenters from members who request a slot during registration. If you're interested, read the Guidelines for Presenters below, then use the ticket type "I Plan to Attend + Request a Presenter Slot". This ticket type will be available until August 6th. Presenters will be notified 48 hours prior to event.

By combining curated presentations with member contributions, this format creates a fun collaborative learning environment.

Questions?

If you have questions, send an email through our contact form.

GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTERS

Thank you for your interest in presenting at RMSM's SYNTH & TELL. 

To ensure a smooth and valuable experience for presenters will need to follow these guidelines:

Member in Good Standing

You must have attended at least 2 previous events to be eligible to present.

Adhere to this Format

• Time Limit: 5 minutes per presenter
• Visual Setup: Prepare either an overhead shot of your rig or a screen share of your software
• Audio Demo: Include up to 1 minute of sound demonstration (pattern, clip, or sound design example)
• Show & Tell: Use the remaining 4 minutes to explain your technique, workflow, or tip
• Takeaway: End with one or two clear takeaway or question for the audience
• Q & A: Brief MC-led Q&A will follow each presentation.
  
  

Be Concise

• Be Specific: Focus on a single instrument, technique, or workflow aspect rather than your entire setup. Remember to include audio examples during your presentation

• Practical Value: Prioritize actionable tips that others can apply to their own work

• Originality: Share unique approaches or creative solutions you've developed

• Accessibility: Explain concepts in a way that's understandable to various skill levels

Technical Requirements

• Audio Quality: Test your microphone and audio routing before the event

• Camera Setup: Ensure proper lighting and a stable camera position for hardware demonstrations

• Backup Plan: Have screenshots or recordings ready in case of technical difficulties

• Practice Run: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it fits within the time limit

Examples of a Focused Presentation

1. Imagine you perform live with an Octatrack as your rig's centerpiece, connected to external MIDI instruments and a guitar pedal for effects. Instead of describing your entire setup, focus on one specific technique or solution you've developed. For instance, you might explain how you repurposed the Cue Mix functionality as an effects send.

2. As a second example, you might showcase how you use a wavetable synth like Serum 2 to create evolving pads by automating the wavetable position. You could demonstrate how you've mapped multiple parameters to a single macro control for complex one-knob modulations in your live performances.

3. Start or finish your presentation with an audio based demonstration of the synth or piece of equipment you are presenting. This keeps it interesting for the viewers and helps bring the demonstration to life.

Day of Event

• Join Early: Log in 15 minutes before your scheduled time for a tech check.
• Be Ready: Have all necessary equipment powered on and software open. Be prepared for a brief MC-led Q&A session after your presentation.
• Respect Time: Honor the time limits to ensure all presenters get their full slot.