Teaching Workshop: from Sound to Music. an Introduction to Critical Listening
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
This teaching workshop will introduce you to the critical listening of acoustic environments, soundscapes and musical repertoires, with particular emphasis on the technological mediation of sound. According to the principles and methods of R. Murray Schafer's ear cleaning, you will perform specific exercises in different contexts, to make your listening skills more aware and effective. Lectures and discussions will also provide a general overview of the basic concepts related to the perception of sound from an acoustic and musical point of view (sound, noise, melody, timbre, etc.).
Expected learning outcomes
Completing this teaching workshop, you will be able to apply effective listening strategies to different sound objects, musical repertoires and listening contexts, and will critically orient their aural abilities in order to listen with awareness. You will also have learned, both through practice and from a theoretical standpoint, the main morphological and conceptual categories to classify and analyze sounds, according to both physical-acoustic and contextual parameters.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
This workshop will explore different types of critical listening, combining practical sessions with frontal lessons and discussions. The ten meetings will be organized around three topics: listening to sound and acoustic environments; the role of technological mediation and the relationship between sound and research; listening to music as organized sound. The first part is based on the theoretical principles and methods proposed by R. Murray Schafer. The participants will experience some specific collective and individual listening exercises (ear cleaning, soundwalk, sound diary), led by the teacher or to be carried out autonomously. The second part requires to attend to specific events (like listening sessions or screenings). The last part is divided into lessons and exercises, and focuses on musical listening in different contexts.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific skills are required to attend the laboratory.
Teaching methods
The workshop includes frontal lessons, listening sessions, one screening and one presentation, various collective practical exercises (led by the instructor) and an individual exercise-project (to be carried out individually).
Teaching Resources
Essential bibliography and additional readings will be provided by the instructor during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students are expected to actively participate in all laboratory activities, and attendance is mandatory. There will be no final exam or in-process evaluation.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours can take place in presence during class days after the class; in other period, by appointment. Otherwise, on Teams.
Via Noto 6, 1st floor