MUSIC 4410 - [Bending Instruments]

(crosslisted) STS 4410
(LA-AS, ALC-AS, SSC-AS)

Spring. Not offered: 2021-2022. Next offered: 2023-2024. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

M. Papalexandri-Alexandri.

What is a sounding object or musical instrument, and how does human culture shape these unique human-made material sources of sound? In a workshop environment, students will explore how instruments and sound objects can be modified or “bent” to produce yet more sounds. By using ideas from music, sound art, and sound studies and being inspired by visiting instrument makers, we will explore what instruments are and could be. Students, working alone or in collaboration, will design and build (which could include a conceptual reworking) their own instrument or sounding object that they will learn to operate and modify to make new sounds.