Trans Music Archive
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Vintage Synthesizer Museum


2026 Residency Program
Los Angeles, CA

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Trans musicians have been integral to the development and popularization of the synthesizer as an instrument, from Wendy Carlos onwards. Recognizing this history, we’re excited to offer this program providing studio time and recording space to trans musicians who make music with classic analog synthesizers. We hope this opportunity can support the completion of a recorded album or body of work.

Residency

  • Two artists will be chosen for a 3-day long recording residency at Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Los Angeles, CA from May 15th to May 17th and from May 22nd to May 24th (one artist per weekend).

  • Trans Music Archive will provide a $1000 stipend for each of the chosen artists/bands to make this residency as equitable as possible to all artists.

Requirements

  • Must self-identify as a trans artist, or a group with a majority trans-identifying founding members or principal writers.

  • Must be an active project and have previously released music.

  • Must be local to Los Angeles or be able to travel to Los Angeles for the duration of the program, we are unable to offer housing or travel expenses beyond the $1000 provided.

  • Must be able to fully utilize Vintage Synthesizer Museum’s equipment and space. Artists in electronic genres preferred for this residency. In house engineer is provided, if needed.

  • Must have a portable recording setup (laptop, DAW). You can choose to bring your own audio interface or plug and play into the UA Apollo at the studio.

Who is our ideal candidate?

  • An artist who is about to begin or in the process of recording an EP or album.

  • An artist who has experience with analog synthesizers.

  • An artist or band who can fully take advantage of the resources afforded by Vintage Synthesizer Museum.

Vintage Synthesizer Museum, Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Synthesizer Museum is an open format studio located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. VSM has one of the most comprehensive collections of vintage synthesizers and analog effects units. For more information and their full equipment list, please visit their website.

Application

Applications will close on April 8th at the end of the day. We will announce the official selections for the residency on April 15th.

Note: There is no confirmation email once your application is submitted, if you reach the “Thank you for submitting” message, we have received your application.

Disclaimers

The recordings produced from this residency are solely yours. Neither Trans Music Archive nor Vintage Synthesizer Museum have any rights to your masters or publishing from the work derived at the residency program.

The information you submit in your application will only be shared within Trans Music Archive personnel and corresponding staff at Vintage Synthesizer Museum.

FAQ

  • Do I have to be trans to apply? Yes, we are a trans organization supporting trans artists. If you are not trans, there are many other residency programs and grants available to you, consider following Found Sound Nation and Run Artist Run for updated opportunities.

  • Can I apply if I’m not based in LA? Yes you can apply, however we cannot provide housing, travel or food accommodations beyond the $1000 stipend.

  • How are winners chosen? Winners are chosen based on their application and music. We assemble a jury of trans music industry experts to make final selections.

  • How many typically people apply? Our last residency received over 300 applicants.