Kestrel Songs Lab
Kestrel Songs Lab is a small offline laboratory on sound and music composition built around listening, experimentation and live performance. Over six group sessions we will explore different ways of working with recorded sound, string instruments, sound processing and digital tools, treating sound not as a fixed object but as a companion that can respond, surprise and shape the direction of a performance.
The laboratory combines listening sessions, short theoretical introductions and hands-on practice in Ableton Live. Together we will move from individual experiments with guitar or your own instrument, recordings and sound processing to collective composition and the preparation of a live performance.
The course consists of 6 group sessions (2–3 hours each) over three weekend mornings/afternoons. The group is limited to 6 participants, allowing everyone to work closely with the material and receive individual guidance.
The course is open to everyone, from complete beginners to professionals — the outcomes may simply vary depending on each participant’s background and experience.
A group chat, homework assignments, and consultations outside of class will also be provided.
Participants will need to bring:
— a laptop and headphones (required)
— a MIDI controller (highly encouraged)
— a musical instrument (optional)
To sign up for the course starting in September 2026, get in touch via
instagram
or
email.
A free introductory session will take place on August 28 at
Subsequence.
If you're a beginner and are worried that the course might be too challenging, there will be an option to withdraw if you find that the level or topic isn't right for you. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to know more about how this works.
Course Structure
— Introduction to the course concepts: analog and digital sound, string sound, and working in dialogue with recorded material
— Listening sessions exploring strings, drones, alternate tunings, minimalism and related musical approaches
— Practical work with guitar, sound processing and digital instruments in Ableton Live
— Creating individual compositions from recordings made during the laboratory
— Exploring additional sound sources, including field recordings, microphones, feedback and resonators
— Developing a collective composition and preparing a collaborative live performance
— Final open presentation of the group's work
Short Program Daily
Day 0 — Ableton Live and plugin installation
Individually, online, several days before the first session
Day 1 — Introduction to the whole course program
— Talk on digital and analog sound, string sound and dialogues with recorded sound
— Live manipulation with electric guitar, sound processing, mapping and playing with recorded sound
Day 2 — Listening to Strings, Drones & Alternate Tunings
— Listening to string-based music: electric guitar, cello, bass guitar, violin, drones, alternate tunings, minimalism and just intonation
— Working with Guitar Processing and Pre-Recorded Material
Day 3 — Listening Session and Other Sound Sources
— Listening Session: sharing and discussing your homemade compositions
— Looking at your projects and breaking down the technical process behind them
Day 4 — Working as an Orchestra
— Building a Collective Composition & Preparing a Live Performance
Day 5 — Setting up for Live Performance
— Continue building collective composition and setting up instruments and space for recital
Day 6 — Live Performance
— Refining live performances & final event