This class will provide students with theoretical, historical and practical knowledge of sound art. Students will learn basic techniques of digital sound recording, processing, synthesis, mixing, soldering and performing strategies. Special emphasis will be placed on sound as it relates to environment and sites (field recording, sound walks...), and body and gestures (voice, narrative, manipulation, interaction..)
Students will create short sound studies based on the topic of the week, culminating in a final project to be discussed in class. Ample readings, visual and sonic examples from past and current sound artists will be provided to foster familiarity and curiosity.
Software introduced in this class: Amadeus, Ableton Live, Max/MSP
I recommend you download Amadeus on your computer ($40) - Good for basic editing / multi tracking / format conversion / mastering ...
Goal:
To foster listening, curiosity and exploration of the sound world. To familiarize students with contemporary and historical sound practices. To give students some practical and critical tools to work with sounds whether for performance, installation, sculpture or film/video.
Assignments: Short projects illustrating the topic of the week will be given out weekly, or bi-weekly. Students will need to spend some time outside of class to complete these assignments and read the class material (min. 3hrs a week). Students may use the lab to work on their assignments or work at home if they own the same software as used in class. All assignments need to be completed and presented to the class or publicly to complete the class.
Student are encouraged to attend off-campus sound performances / installations / films outside of class time and give a critical report to the class.
The classroom will be available for student use without the instructor at any time (make sure you check yourself in and out). If you are working in the classroom during hours when other classes are being conducted in adjacent rooms please be considerate with sound levels.
Attendance: Class will start on time. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class.
Absence:Student needs to justify absence and notify instructor prior to, or the day of class by email ( laetitia@sonami.net ). Please note that more than one absence will greatly affect the final grade and should be discussed with instructor.
Readings and Listenings: Readings (hard copy or links) and listenings will be provided in class and on class website (http://www.sonami.net/stanford)
Lab Fee (*): $100 Field Trip Fee: to be discussed
Material:Students may need to purchase blank CD-R discs and software (Amadeus).
All Art Practice courses incur a lab fee. The University bills the students on behalf of the Department. Any students who audit an art practice course will need to submit a check or money order to the professor. Questions regarding lab fee collection can be directed to Kelly Battcher (battcher@stanford.edu)