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Get Ready to Feel The Beat!
Whether you recognize it or not, you've definitely heard the iconic boom of the 808 kick or the crisp and unmistakable snap of the LinnDrum snare! Drum machines haven't just kept the beat in your favorite songs....they’ve shaped the entire landscape of modern music!
Join us at the Museum of Music Technology in Harleysville, PA, on July 7 for an immersive journey into the instruments that revolutionized modern music: The 16-Step Program: The Evolution of Drum Machines. Our Education Associate, Mike Kiker, will lead you through the history of drum machines, rhythm boxes, and electronic percussion technology.
What You'll Experience
This isn’t your standard sit-and-listen museum lecture. Our workshops bridge the gap between historical curiosity and hands-on noise-making! Here is what we have in store for you:
A Historical Overview: We'll take a walk through the timeline of drum machines and electronic percussion instruments
The Earliest Drum Machines: We'll discuss -- and you'll get to see -- early technological innovations like the Rhythmicon, the Chamberlin Rhythmate and the Wurlitzer Sideman
Analog Beats: You'll see and hear analog rhythm machines like the Maestro Rhythm King, Korg Doncamatic, and Roland CR-78
Drum Synthesizers: You'll learn about early developments in drum synthesis from the likes of Moog, Pollard and Simmons
Digital Sampling: We'll explore the transition into digital sample-based machines like the LinnDrum, Emu Drumulator, Oberheim DMX and beyond
Electronic Drum Pioneers: We'll talk about the people behind the machines....like Roger Linn, Ikutaro Kakehashi and Tadao Kikumoto
Artist Highlights: We'll spotlight the artists who explored these rhythmic devices in creating iconic pieces of electronic music, new wave, pop, R&B, hip-hop and dance music.
Music Production Tips: We'll talk about ways that drum machines are used in music production today.
Hands-On Exploration: As with all our workshops, you'll get hands-on time to play and hear iconic drum machines from our collection.
This workshop is for you whether you're a seasoned producer, a curious musician, or simply a music lover who wants to see and hear what makes the beat in your favorite song.
This isn't just a lecture: you will get actual hands-on time to program, tweak, and play some of the most influential electronic percussion instruments in music history. Besides that, you’ll get a rare look at some oddities and obscure gems from MMT’s collection that you won’t find anywhere else.
Join us at the Museum of Music Technology/EMEAPP on July 7, 2026 at 7 pm for this unique workshop. No prior experience is necessary - all levels are welcome, from casual fan to professional musician! Tickets are $50 and may be purchased by clicking the Buy Tickets button. Spaces are limited to ensure everyone gets quality time on the instruments, so grab your spot today!
Museum of Music Technology/EMEAPP is located at 45 Mainland Road in Harleysville, PA 19438. Doors open at 6:30.