Schedule

Tuesdays, April 30th - May 28th
6pm - 8pm EST
5 Week Course

Description

What is the physical explanation of pitch in comparison to noise? Why do two instruments playing the same note at the same volume produce distinct timbres? What is the significance of 12-tone equal temperament, and why is it the predominant tuning system in the Western world? How do we discern the sounds of mathematical order and chaos, and what lies between them?

"Tone to Noise" is a physical exploration of the spectrum between pitch and noise. Through a blend of scientific inquiry and historical context, we will cover topics such as the overtone series, timbre, the evolution of Western tuning systems, and noise.

Each session will be accompanied by suggested exercises and listening assignments to deepen understanding through hands-on application and experience. The final class is an opportunity to share original work integrating topics from any or all of the classes.

Participants should be comfortable navigating a DAW of their choice.

This course will take place virtually via Zoom. All sessions will be recorded and made available to participants.

Please note: ticket registration closes 30 minutes prior to event start time.
Syllabus

Week 1: The Overtone Series
What is a tone? Explore the physical intricacies of waveforms in pitches.
↳ Sine Waves, Fourier Analysis, Sympathetic Resonance, Overtones, Harmonic Series

Week 2: Timbre
Why do instruments producing the same note at the same volume exhibit distinct sounds?
↳ Partials, Formants, Envelope, Transients, Dynamics

Week 3: A Brief History of Western Tuning Systems: From the Overtone Series to 12 Tone Equal Temperament
What is 12 tone equal temperament and why is it the default for tuning in the western world?
↳ Pythagorean Tuning, Renaissance Tuning (Quarter-comma meantone), Well Temperament, Equal Temperament, Just Intonation

Week 4: Noise
What is the physics of ‘noise’ in relation to ‘tonality’? What is the sound of chaos? 
↳ Random Phasing, Inharmonicity, Colors of Noise, Tonal Percussion, Noise Pollution

Hardware & Software Requirements

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW):
• Computer with the latest Zoom update
• DAW of your choice (demonstrations will take place in Ableton Live)
• A second screen is encouraged but optional

Please email us at hi@soundial.org with any questions.

Instructor Bio

Celia Hollander is a Los Angeles based composer and artist working with audio, scores, performance, installation and text. Her work critically engages ways that audio and the act of listening can shape temporal perception and cultivate social connection. Her work has been performed or installed at institutions and venues including MOCA, The Getty, Various Small Fires, Human Resources, 2220 Arts, Basilica Hudson and Zebulon. Her discography includes releases on Leaving Records, Recital and Noumenal Loom. She studied experimental sound practices and composition at California Institute of the Arts, where she currently teaches a class on acoustics and private composition lessons.

@ceellliiiia
https://celiahollander.bandcamp.com/
http://celiahollander.com/
Contact
hi(at)soundial.org
Website: soundial.org
Instagram: @sound.ial
Cancellation Policy

Ticket holders have the option to cancel their reservations and receive a full refund if they do so at least 48 hours before the event starts. However, please note that any cancellation requests made within 48 hours of the event start time or after the event has already begun will not be honored.

If you're unable to attend but have a friend who'd love to take your spot, you can transfer your reservation to them before the class begins.

To request a cancellation, please send an email to hi(at)soundial.org with the subject line "Cancellation Request." In the email, include the following info:

• Your full name
• Date and time of the scheduled event

For eligible cancellation requests, we will initiate a refund to the original payment method used during registration. Please allow a processing time of 5-10 days for the refund to be processed.

Soundial reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events if necessary. Despite our best efforts, unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues or unavailability of instructors may arise, requiring adjustments to the event schedule. We will make every effort to notify you promptly and provide alternative options or refunds as needed.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these situations!