Led by award-winning sound artist Nikki Sheth, learn how to create your own soundscape compositions through this practice-led, audio-based course.

Course Description

This in-person course is for beginners looking to work creatively and develop their skills in field recording to produce their own soundscape composition. We will look at fundamental theoretical and conceptual debates in the area, the basics of field recording, acoustic ecology and soundwalking, how to get started with Reaper and how to creatively compose 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.

• Participants are required to bring their own headphones and are welcome to bring any field recording equipment if they have any
• No previous experience is required but some basic audio knowledge would be useful
• Participants will be expected to complete small listening and practical tasks outside of class

Learning outcomes:

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

Course outline:

The following topics are only indicative:

Session 1
Field recording 
Microphones 

Session 2 
Soundscape Composition 
Acoustic Ecology 
Getting started with Reaper 1

Session 3
Soundwalking and Sound Maps
Getting started with Reaper 2

Session 4
Getting started with Reaper 3
Soundscape Composition (creative composition)

Session 5
Tutorials and sharing session of final works

This course takes place across 5 Wednesday evenings (26th February to 2nd April 2025), from 6pm to 8pm.

If you have any enquiries regarding this course, please contact [email protected] or call +442031084774.

Course location: Open City Docs, UCL East (Marshgate), 7 Sidings Street, Stratford, London, E20 2AE

 

Course Costs:

For each course, we offer three rates: General, Students/Concessions, and UCL Students. 

For a full breakdown of our costs/concessions, please reach our Terms and Conditions:

https://opencitylondon.com/school/terms-and-conditions/