Workshop System Individual Build Workshop

with Tom Whitwell

When: Saturday, April 11, 10:00–18:00, 2026
Where: Elektronmusikstudion, Söder Mälarstrand 61, Stockholm
Fee: 5 625 SEK (incl.VAT)
Sign up: Limited capacity. Buy a ticket via link at the bottom of the page.
Registration is binding. Language is English. No streaming, no participation online.

Build a complete Workshop System Modular Synth which you can bring home at the end of the session, with help from Tom Whitwell, designer of Music Thing Modular.

Music Thing Modular Workshop System is a complete modular synth. It is slightly smaller than a hardback book. It comes in a foam-lined hard case. It is a small but very deep analogue modular synth with a built-in programmable audio computer. The Workshop System is:

  • A genre-neutral toolkit, a little box of ways to make and manipulate music and sound. 
  • A patchable, hackable, code-able modular synth that can be used in many different ways.
  • A system that works with things you already have. Plug in your phone, a drum machine, a laptop, guitar pedals or a microphone.
  • A computer that uses tiny proprietary program cards that are completely hackable. Anyone who writes code can make, share, sell their creations -sequencers, effects, interfaces.

Full description: Workshop System: The Complete Modular Synth | Music Thing Modular.
An amazing modular synth for beginners.

About the workshop at EMS

What happens:

  • Tom introduces the Workshop System and talks through the build process.
  • Anyone with no soldering experience gets 1-2-1 support at the start for their first few joints.
  • Tom leads the participants through the whole build process, soldering one board at a time.
  • More confident participants can go at their own pace.
  • As boards and systems are completed they can be tested to build confidence.
  • At a convenient point during the day, Tom gives a demo of the Workshop System, showing patch methods and explaining the different modules
  • If time allows, participants can jam together at the end.

Who is it for: Some experience with soldering is helpful but not required. The workshop is particularly suitable for people who have done a bit of soldering before but don’t yet feel confident taking on a larger project.

Duration: Full day workshop: 10.00 -18.00 with lunch and coffee breaks.
A very confident builder can complete the project in 3-4 hours, but others will require more time to go at their own pace. 

About the workshop leader

Tom Whitwell is a former journalist, editor and consultant who now designs open source music electronics as Music Thing Modular.

Buy ticket

Buy ticket

Ticket includes:

  • Complete Workshop System DIY synth kit and case.
  • 5 patch cables.
  • Guidance by Tom Whitwell and a great time hanging out together.

Not included:

  • Power cable. Bring a USB-C cable + power adapter (phone charger)
    Some chargers will be available to borrow on site. Complete Workshop System DIY synth kit and case.

    “The Workshop System has two power options: The easiest way is via USB-C PD power, but you can also use a regular 15-25v DC barrel connection. The system will happily run from battery powerbanks and laptop adaptors.”


What to bring to the workshop:

  • Your own lunch.
  • Laptop and laptop charger.
  • USB-C cable + power adapter (phone charger)

For inquiries contact the Education Coordinator at Elektronmusikstudion: lisa.stenberg@elektronmusikstudion.se