Opening DAWs: Modulation Fundamentals w/ Maria Hernandez

In Saffron’s latest series of ‘Tech Dissect’ online workshops, we'll delve into three entry points to modern technological music creation using the software Bitwig Studio, a versatile DAW that can be used for every stage of music production and performance. 

Together with three women and non-binary artists from the Bitwig community, we'll unlock the functionality of the software from a beginner-friendly perspective, opening up avenues for play, experimentation and intuitive expression.

WORKSHOP 2: Modulation Fundamentals – Making Electronic Music More Human w/ Maria Hernandez

Modulation is the secret ingredient that transforms generic sounds into distinctly yours. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore Bitwig’s easy-to-use modulation system, and discover how envelope generators, LFOs, and advanced modulation techniques can breathe life, personality, and human character into their productions.

This workshop addresses a core challenge many producers face: standing out in an oversaturated landscape. While AI can generate technically proficient music, it's our human touch—expressed through thoughtful modulation choices—that creates truly compelling art.

What We'll Cover:

• Modulation fundamentals: what it is and why it matters for your artistic voice
• Why "analog warmth" captivates listeners (and how to recreate those happy accidents digitally)
• Humanizing static loops and sample pack sounds to make them unmistakably yours
• Advanced modulation possibilities in Bitwig Studio and other modern DAWs
• The art of imprinting your human sensibility into digital creations

This workshop is perfect for beginners, as well as producers at any level who want to move beyond preset sounds and develop their signature style through the power of modulation.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Bitwig Studio for free with a 30-day trial, which can be accessed here. There will also be a discount available on the full version of Bitwig Studio for those wishing to purchase the software. This will be shared with workshop attendees after each workshop.

About Maria Hernandez

Maria Hernandez is a certified Bitwig instructor and music technology specialist with over 25 years of experience in tech, including roles as a software engineer, instructor, and technical support specialist. As a transgender woman who has been living authentically for over six years, Maria brings a deep understanding of identity, resilience, and the power of creative expression to her work.

Maria's music explores the full spectrum of human emotion - from raw anger to profound sadness - using technology as a vehicle for authentic storytelling. Her approach to music production centers on the belief that our humanity must shine through our digital tools, creating sounds that are unmistakably personal rather than algorithmically perfect.

Beyond music production, Maria works as a certified coach specializing in radical self-acceptance and authentic living, helping creatives and professionals navigate their own journeys of self-discovery. She understands firsthand how transformative it can be when we stop hiding parts of ourselves and start creating from a place of genuine truth.

Maria aims to empower underrepresented voices, remove barriers to creative expression, and help others tell their unique stories through sound.

When she's not diving deep into modulation matrices or coaching clients toward greater self-acceptance, Maria continues pushing the boundaries of what's possible when technical expertise meets emotional authenticity in music creation. She also serves as a mod for the Bitwig community discord, helping ensure it remains an inclusive space, as well as leading a discord for trans gamers who are 30+

Soundcloud - Patreon 

ACCESS

Each of the workshops in this series will be delivered via Saffron's online community platform. Saffron Membership starts at just £6 per month and provides access to regular online workshops, an online community space, video masterclasses, free music tech tools, discounts and much more. Join Saffron Members Club

We never want money to be a barrier to people accessing music tech, so if you are unable to afford a ticket but believe you would benefit from attending these workshops, please email us on members@saffronmusic.co.uk.

This workshop is open to people worldwide, but will be running at 7.30 pm BST so please bear differences in time zone in mind. If you purchase a ticket but are unable to attend live, you will automatically be emailed a recording of the workshop(s) after the event.

We are committed to making our online events as accessible as possible. We have created a guidance document about this - Click here to view the accessibility document. Alternatively, please email us with any access requirements you may have.

GENDER POLICY

The gender imbalance in the music technology industry is well-recognised. While we are absolutely not ‘anti-men’, we see that a shorter-term solution is to provide fellowship and learning environments that are not dominated by the cisgender male perspective. Therefore, these workshops are intended for women, non-binary, trans and gender non-conforming people to attend. While we do not ban cisgender men from attending, we hope that they will respect that this event is not intended for them.

ABOUT SAFFRON

Saffron is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to advance gender equality in the music tech sector by creating safer spaces for marginalised people to learn, create and grow confidently through forward-thinking technological music creation, DJ and music industry experience. Saffron’s work focuses on educational courses, online workshops, mentoring, a global members club and an artist development and label platform. We are building a future industry that is inclusive and diverse. Founded in Bristol UK in 2015, Saffron has grown from a one-woman operation to an initiative supporting thousands of people worldwide to find music education and community.

Safffronmusic.co.uk - Instagram / LinkedIn

ABOUT BITWIG

Bitwig is an international music technology company based in Berlin with the mission to create music-making tools that think outside the box. Bitwig makes Bitwig Studio, an innovative DAW which has become the software of choice for musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and other creative artists. Bitwig Studio is designed to be versatile and accessible for all kinds of musical workflows, whether it’s fluid track creation, expressive live performance, or deep sound exploration.