Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0290 - Electroacoustic Music

This course will focus on the role of electronic and computer technology in shaping musical thought, production, and culture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Because of the hybrid nature of this work, the term 'electroacoustic music' seems apt. We will engage the musical, technical, and aesthetic issues of electroacoustic music, broadly construed to include the classical avant-garde, electronica, DJ culture, and sound art. Listening examples will be drawn from a broad range of these genres and styles. We will explore key concepts and technologies such as acoustics, psychoacoustics, microphones, synthesizers, sampling, and digital sound editing. We will undertake creative projects (e.g., individual compositions, solo or group electronic improvisations, soundwalks, and listening sessions) that will provide ample opportunities for students to actively explore current music electroacoustic production techniques and their aesthetic implications. Formal knowledge of music is helpful, but not required. (keywords: music, electroacoustic music, electronic music, computer music, sound design)

Media and Technology Students in this course can expect to spend 12 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.