Noted musician’s synthesizer class begins Tuesday at bookstore
By JOHN DANIEL GARCIA
MARFA – “This is absolutely the first thing I’ve ever officially attempted to teach,” said Brian LeBarton of the Marfa Synth Class that begins at the Marfa Book Co. at 7pm Tuesday through October 2. “I’m really enjoying the process.”
LeBarton is an accomplished musician who has worked with many national acts, such as Feist, Cat Power, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and is Beck’s music director. He has contributed an 8-bit cover version of Beck’s “Threshold” to the “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” soundtrack and worked with Beck on the score for the Jack Black film “Nacho Libre.”
Throughout the course, LeBarton will introduce people to the world of synthesizers and its history through demonstrations, playing synth-heavy records, and a short DJ set. He plans on having projections of his hands during the class for those in attendance to see what it is he is doing.
Brian LeBarton
Even though he would prefer for those attending to catch all the classes, those who dip in or miss some classes won’t be entirely out of sequence or confused. There will be synthesizers set up for those who don’t bring in their own.
There will be time for personal advise after each class, and LeBarton will have projects, such as a synth kit in which you solder everything yourself, between each class. He also hopes to record some music in class.
The entire process will be documented and LeBarton hasn’t ruled out making it annual event. He might even take it to other cities.
The four-week class is free and all ages are welcomed.
“The big thing is to have stuff that’s approachable and accessible,” said LeBarton. “It’s really easy and inexpensive to set up your own studio and make your own music.”
When not on the road, LeBarton spends time in Marfa and Los Angeles.
The event is co-sponsored by Marfa Public Radio, which airs LeBarton’s music program, “Generator,” from 10-11pm Fridays.
Class information: www.marfasynth.com, brian@marfasynth.com, or 432-729-3906.
