Sympathetic Synthesizer System Mk 1

Free! Sympathetic Synthesizer System Mk 1 allows users to play an electronic keyboard and synthesize the sounds. After launching the website, users are immediately able to start playing the keyboard by clicking the keys with their mouse or using their computer’s keyboard. In addition, users can adjust the sounds by adjusting the different oscillator, LFO, filters, noise, and output slides. Instructional Ideas Teachers can have students map the digital keyboard with their computer’s keys, so students can see which key on their computer’s keyboard corresponds with key on the digital keyboard. Teachers can have students explore how the different settings…

1. Teachers can have students map the digital keyboard with their computer’s keys, so students can see which key on their computer’s keyboard corresponds with key on the digital keyboard.
2. Teachers can have students explore how the different settings affect the sound produced by the keyboard. To do so, students will first select one specific sound function to manipulate. For example, under the “Filter” option, students may select the “Sustain” setting. Next, students can turn the setting all the way to high and play a note. Then, students can turn the setting very low and play the same note. At this point, students can make an entry on their notes about how the sound affects the note played. Finally, students can turn the setting to midway, play the same note again, and make any modifications to their notes. If teachers require students to do this activity for each setting, students will have notes for all the different settings.
3. Teachers can have students select one song to play using this website. After students practice and are able to play the song proficiently, they can begin adjusting the settings and examine how the different settings impact how the song sounds. After students have adjusted the setting so the song sounds how they most prefer, they can play it for an audience comprised of their classmates and teachers, and the audience can give them feedback about both the song and if the settings could be readjusted to better complement the song.
4. Teachers can have students create a class band and this website can be one of the instruments included in that band. Additional instruments can be played using other websites and apps.
5. Teachers can have students play the same song on a traditional piano and on this electronic keyboard for their classmates. Afterwards, students can write a short paragraph that first explains if they prefer the traditional piano or electronic keyboard for the song played and why. Lastly, teachers can use that piece of writing as a springboard into a class conversation by polling students about their preferences and asking them to defend their responses.