COMPOSING ELECTRONIC MUSIC
For women-identifying, trans, and non-binary artists
In partnership with the Computer Music Center at Columbia University

Every Tuesday in January
(5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th)
6pm - 8pm EST
Via Zoom

This four-week long, practice-based course will cover both the compositional and analytical aspects of electronic music.

Students will:
- Develop critical listening skills through discussions of pioneering composers
- Learn about important technological developments that have shaped electronic music composition from the early 20th century to present day
- Complete weekly composition and listening assignments, with the opportunity to evaluate each other’s work during feedback sessions

​The course will conclude with a showcase of final composition projects.

This course is suitable for beginners and open to all levels of musical experience.

HARDWARE & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
- Computer with Zoom software installed
- Ableton Live (a free trial version is available for download, and we can also help extend your trial if it has expired)
- Headphones

INSTRUCTOR BIO
Dr. Zeynep Özcan is a sonic artist, singer, and author. She holds a Ph.D. in Music, an M.A. in History of Architecture, and a B.A. in Philosophy. Her work focuses on the design and composition of interactive virtual sound environments and the applications of animal behavior to sound art works. Works by Dr. Özcan have been performed and presented throughout the world in concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. As a musician, she plays piano and electronics and has performed with several bands and choirs. Dr. Özcan is currently a lecturer at the Department of Performing Arts Technology at the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Questions: hi@womeninsound.org

SYLLABUS

WEEK 1
- Sound Object, Reduced listening
- Electronic Music Studios: Paris, Cologne, Japan, USA, Italy
- Composition exercise: Musique Concrete

WEEK 2
- Figure Ground Relations
- Liberation of sound: From Futurists to Varese
- Composition exercise: Soundscape

WEEK 3
- Clouds, Densities, Motion, and Spatialization
- Time scales
- Composition exercise: Microsound

WEEK 4
- Gesture, Texture, Layers, and Pitch in Electronic Music
- Female Electronic Music Pioneers
- Composition exercise: Sonic Narratives