Overview

This five-week in-person course is for beginners looking to work creatively and develop their skills in field recording to produce their own soundscape composition. 

You will learn fundamental theoretical and conceptual debates in the area, as well as the basics of field recording, acoustic ecology and soundwalking. You will also get started with Reaper and creatively composing with environmental recordings. 

At the end of the course, you will have a collection of your own field recordings to work with in the future and a completed soundscape composition. This course engages with and intersects art, climate change, ecology, soundscape, field recording and musical composition. 

Course content

The following topics are only indicative:

Week 1

Field recording
Microphones

Week 2

Soundscape Composition 
Acoustic Ecology 
Getting started with Reaper 1

Week 3

Soundwalking and Sound Maps 
Getting started with Reaper 2

Week 4

Getting started with Reaper 3 
Soundscape Composition (creative composition)

Week 5

Tutorials and sharing session of final works

Entry requirements

No previous experience required but some basic audio knowledge would be useful.

Learning outcomes

By the end the course you will have:    

• Gained confidence using field recording equipment through practical sessions
• Engaged with a new way of listening and working with environmental sounds
• Gained an understanding of fundamental theory and history of soundscape composition
• Learnt how to use the DAW Reaper
• Learnt useful skills and methodologies in creating an engaging soundscape composition that are transferable and can be used in the context of soundwalks, performances, radio, film, installation and more.

Cost and concessions

The fees are as follows:

• Full price - £310
• Students - £275
• UCL Students - £255

Course team

Nikki Sheth

Nikki Sheth is an internationally recognised sound artist and composer. Her practice involves field recording, soundscape composition, multimedia installations, sound mapping and soundwalking. She uses sound as a medium to bring a voice to the environment and encourage a wider awareness of the natural world. She has received international recognition for the quality of her field recordings and soundscape compositions. She has been awarded a Sound and Music award, nominated for the Phonurgia Nova Awards, received an Honourable Mention for the Sound of the Year Awards and nominated for Ivor Novello Composer Award in 2021.

Course information last modified: 7 Aug 2023, 13:04