Sound

The Department of Sound offers a unique program in the creative use of sound that goes well beyond the boundaries of a typical program in visual art, music, or multimedia. Students in Sound may pursue the creation and recording of audio work; the composition of music in numerous genres; live performance, improvisation, and audio installation; the integration of sound in other media, such as video, film, performance, and web-based art; designing and building software and hardware instruments; and distribution technologies (radio, Internet, etc.).

The department has state-of-the-art facilities for programming, composing, and recording, as well as multipurpose spaces appropriate for installations and live performance. Students have access to the wood and metal shop, performance and exhibition space, and the SAIC radio and television studios. The diverse faculty includes specialists in composition, improvisation, computer music, sound installations, radio art, cognitive psychology, instrument design, critical theory, curatorial practice, and software development.

The department’s studio offerings are complemented by courses in the history and theory of sonic arts, physics, acoustics, electronics, kinetics, etc. Students are encouraged to take courses throughout the School, such as film, video, and new media; performance; art and technology; writing; and exhibition studies. The Flaxman Library has an extensive collection of rare historical recordings.

An active, international visiting artist program brings over twenty artists each year to present lecture/demonstrations, give informal concerts, and participate in critiques with students. Recent guests have included Maryanne Amacher (USA), Robert Ashley (USA), Jaap Blonk (Netherlands), Peter Cusack (England), Zbigniew Karkowsky (Poland/Japan), Brandon LaBelle (USA), Elodie Lauten (France), George Lewis (USA), Phil Niblock (USA), Paul Panhuysen (Netherlands), Eliane Radigue (France), Laetitia Sonami (France), Voice Crack (Switzerland), Michael Zerang (USA).

Equipment and facilities include:

Four sound studios and two workstations, each equipped with: Pro Tools digital editing systems; ADAT digital multitracks; DAT and CD recorder and players; various MIDI synthesizers and samplers; several rare, vintage analog synthesizers and signal processors; a variety of outboard processing gear; studio microphones; and performance controllers. The studios support a complete range of digital software, including programs such as MAX, MSP, SuperCollider, C-Sound, Digital Performer, IRCAM Tools, and others. A large configurable space is equipped with a multichannel sound system and ceiling grid that makes it suitable for performances and installations. The department also maintains an inventory of portable equipment, including systems for high-quality digital recording on location.