In this seminar, students will use their voices to create stylistically diverse sonic compositions, from sound collages to songs. The focus will be on learning a variety of techniques in how to transform the human voice with electronics. Particular focus will be on non-representational aspects of approaching sound creation in a theatrical context. This includes an emphasis on physicalizing sound in abstract ways - sculpting with sound, painting with tones. The class will work towards creating a collaborative Sonic Theater work - the specific form of which could range from taking shape as a radio play, as a live performance, as a mixtape or album. The particular form of this final project will be decided collaboratively, with the goal of bringing a particular text to life using multiple transformed voices, music, and sound sculptures.

Regular participation in the seminar, final presentation (performance, installation or recorded audio work)

Some (possible) readings:

Anne Carson, "Autobiography of Red"; Jutta Koether, "f."; Velemir Khlebnikov, "Zangezi"; Maryanne Amacher, "Intelligent Life."

Some (possible) performance research:

Laurie Anderson, Meredith Monk, Joan La Barbara, Diamanda Galas, Kurt Schwitters, Kathy Acker, Carla Harryman,  Amnesia Scanner, Holly Herndon.