Ned Robinson

Learn Synths, Sound Design, and Electronic Music Creation.

Hi, my name is Ned Robinson, performing and producing under the name Quantum Synths — I am an electronic musician and work with both hardware and software synthesizers, piano, and ambient textures to create immersive soundscapes. I’ve spent years developing both the artistic and technical sides of electronic music, from live electronic improvisation to studio jams. Now I want to help other artists and aspiring musicians shape their sound and discover their musical voices.

Background

I was trained as a classical pianist, starting lessons at the age of 7 and continuing until I went to Boston University, where I received a full scholarship and majored in Music Theory and Composition. After a couple of years I changed my career direction and became a software engineer. I later combined my love of music with software development and published a number of music software packages, including the first software-based time stretch algorithm that could slow down any music without changing the pitch (more on this below).  

I have performed both as a classical and jazz pianist but have now fully embraced electronic music as my medium of choice. I perform regularly at local venues like MeloMelo in Santa Cruz, various Electronic Music Open Mics (EMOMs) in the San Francisco Bay Area and online through my YouTube channel. I have produced dozens of original electronic works and continue to explore the many sides of electronic music. 

I was the founder of Replay Technologies, a software company that created software for practicing musicians. Our flagship product was called CD Looper which was based on the  algorithm I invented that slowed down music without changing the pitch. It was the first commercially available "time stretch" algorithm. I then created 2 more products, DeComposer, an advanced filtering program, and KaraokeMaker under the Replay Technologies banner.  

I also wrote plugins for the Bars and Pipes DAW which ran on the Amiga platform.

I retired from software development a few years ago and now focus entirely on creating electronic music. I embrace both structured musicianship and freeform improvisation which lets me bring out my full range of creativity.

I am looking for select students of all ages who would like to explore electronic music and create their own unique musical voice. 

What Students Can Expect

You’ll receive personalized guidance, interactive demos, and clear takeaways after every session.

By the end of the mentorship, you’ll understand how to:

• Choose the best musical tools for you
• Create expressive sounds and textures
• Develop keyboard techniques to enable you to become a better synthesizer player
• Learn how to creatively play arpeggios and write sequences
• Compose complete tracks from idea to mix
• Perform and improvise with confidence
• Publish your finished work

My goal is to help you become not just a producer or performer — but a true creator of sound.

Teaching Approach

I believe learning electronic music is about discovery — connecting creativity with technical understanding.

Each student is unique, so every mentorship begins with your goals, your gear, and your musical identity. During your free 15 minute introduction meeting, we’ll start to develop a customized plan that balances hands-on sound design, composition, and performance with the theory and workflow behind them.

My sessions emphasize:

• Creative exploration: guiding students to find their own sonic signature
• Technical fluency: understanding synth architecture, signal flow, and modulation
• Keyboard proficiency: Developing keyboard skills so you are comfortable playing a synthesizer. We will discuss the level of skill you want to obtain and I will help you meet those goals.
• Practical application: Choosing and setting up software and hardware, composing, arranging, and performing complete pieces
• Professional mindset: how to mix, master, and publish your music confidently
   
• *For Beginners - I will help you choose the right hardware/software and get everything set up and making music!