PRINCIPAL
● ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION FOR MEDIA ARTS
The class centers on music composition for media arts, integrating note-based techniques (both traditional and contemporary) with electronic and sound design composition methods. The primary objective is to enhance students' abilities in crafting coherent sound narratives that align with all sonic elements of the media and can engage in a meaningful dialogue with all other dramaturgical, narrative, and aesthetic aspects. The emphasis lies in cultivating the student's individual voice, exploring sound colors, developing a unique musical language, and refining narrative strategies.
With the goal of exploring a broad spectrum of expressive possibilities and scenarios, the class will engage with diverse narrative and non narrative materials, including experimental films, documentaries, sequences from feature films, silent movies, archival footage, and art films.
The class takes a practical approach, addressing real-world constraints and it is tailored to meet the individual needs and inclinations of the students.
SECONDARY
● MUSIC TECHNOLOGIES BASIC AND ADVANCED
The course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to advanced sound production, encouraging creativity and innovation through the application of modern sound spatialization techniques.
The primary objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of spatialization techniques and multichannel mixing, with a specific focus on the peculiarities and strengths of each presented technique (Panning, Ambisonic, WFS, etc.). An additional goal is the use of semi-automatic systems for movement generation, aiming to streamline the workflow and optimize production times.
Through listening sessions and practical labs based on students' compositions, each participant will have the opportunity to experiment with the presented techniques. The course will culminate in the creation of a final project, where students will integrate some of the techniques learned during the course, demonstrating their mastery in the field of sound spatialization.
● ANALOG AND DIGITAL SYNTHESIS BASIC AND ADVANCED
The course explores the secrets of analog and not-so-analog/virtual analog synthesis. In delving into synth programming for electronic music production and live performance, film scoring, and sound design, it covers basic and advanced topics, along with tips and tricks for analog synthesizers and the most popular synth softwares.
● Basic knowledge of analog/virtual analog subtractive synthesis. Theory and practice on Moog Modular System 12 and 15, EMS Synthi VCS-3 Synthesizer, Behringer System 55 Modular Synthesizer, Ableton Analog.
● Linear Frequency Modulation Synthesis. Theory and practice on Ableton Operator.
● Wavetable Synthesis and creative Sampling. In-depth programming with N.I. Massive, Xferrecords Serum, VitalAudio Vital, Operator, Sampler/Simpler, Wavetable.
It is strongly recommended that students bring their own laptops into the classroom during lectures to check step by step what is being explained.
ASSOCIATED DISCIPLINES
● SCORING/ARRANGEMENT
The program delves into the examination of instrumentation techniques with a focus on orchestrating classical piano compositions and selections from the American song tradition. It explores the diverse instrumental families in various combinations, catering to both classical and romantic orchestras.
Additionally, the curriculum involves analyzing orchestral scores from soundtracks. Through hands-on practice in transcription, students engage in formal and timbral analyses of arrangements rooted in the American musical tradition. This practical exploration enables participants to create arrangements suitable for symphony and rhythmic orchestras.
● RECORDING TECHNOLOGIES
This course serves as an introduction to both the practical and theoretical aspects of music recording and audio production. Covering essential aspects, the course addresses the selection and positioning of microphones, as well as various techniques for editing, mixing, and mastering.
Students will gain a foundational understanding of recording arts, encompassing basic audio signal processing, acoustics theory, operation of digital audio workstations, analog and digital recording console usage, microphone design and technique, and the production and mixing of multitrack audio.
COMPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINES
● ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION
The course aims to explore key aspects of electroacoustic composition, including topics such as Frequency-based Music and Spectrum-based Music, with a particular emphasis on Spectral Music.
Through in-depth analyses of various contemporary pieces spanning electronic, mixed, and soundtrack genres, the course will delve into the realm of contemporary liminal music. Additionally, it will cover advanced techniques such as Electroacoustic Sound Form Technique and the Parametric Suite technique.
Ultimately, it will explore the various sound layers that constitute a soundtrack, with the final objective of composing an entire movie soundtrack through the analysis and definition of its key parameters.
Students will learn various electroacoustic and mixed composition concepts and techniques, applying them in the context of the moving image.
● LIVE-ELECTRONICS FOR MOVING IMAGE
This course equips students with advanced skills for live electronic music performance, specifically tailored for sonorizing visual materials like experimental films and video art. The curriculum emphasises hands-on training in electronic instrument operation, sound design, and live synchronisation, preparing graduates to seamlessly integrate their musical expertise with moving images. They demonstrate proficiency through live performances and possess a critical understanding of the interplay between sound and image.
Overall, this program prepares graduates to create immersive multimedia experiences, contributing to the evolving field of live-electronic music for moving images.
Key outcomes include expertise in Ableton Live, mastery of sound design principles, and the ability to dynamically manipulate electronic instruments in real-time.
