This is a lecture course, which means that a large portion of the material is delivered bythe professor during class times. To be successful in this class requires that you attend ALL lectures, complete ALL the assignments, and read ALL of the texts.

Additionally, there will be TWO tutorials during the term demonstrating how to use the editing software “Audacity.” These tutorials will take place during the scheduled class time.

ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments are posted to the calendar on Canvas. You are responsible for knowing when these are due and completing them ON TIME. Late submissions will not be accepted.  

Assignment 1 (10%) — Due 23 January
This assignment introduces simple recording and editing of a sound file.  

Assignment 2 (20%) — Due 20 February
For this assignment students will create a two-minute audio file composed two parts. The first part will consist of a sound you've selected/recorded and then manipulated in specific ways. The second part will be a “composition” that draws on this material as well one or two additional sounds.  

Assignment 3 (20%) — Due 6 March
Students will create a one-hour log and analysis of sound events that occur in a specific location.    

Sound Circus!  (30%) — 6 April
-Performance    20%   
-Paper              10%

This project will follow the format of John Cage's work Musiccircus: “The idea of this composition is nothing more than an invitation to any number of musicians willing to perform simultaneously anything or in any way they desire."  Students will assemble into groups of three and develop a work/performance to be staged during the afternoon of Friday 6 April. The class will, in effect, take over the Woodward’s building with a carnival of sound. In addition to the performance, each student will be responsible for producing a written document that describes the work/performance, discusses the steps involved in its creation, how the sound was used, how it relates to other sound (art) practices, etcetera…  

More details to come…