57-425 Expanded Music Performance
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
In his 1970 manifesto Expanded Cinema, Gene Youngblood presented the idea that emerging video technology would lead to an new form of cinematic expression in which art and life are united. In this course we will explore this idea in the realm of music through the creation of new technologies that will expand the possibilities of live performance. The technologies we develop will be used in a series of public concerts by CMUs Exploded Ensemble, a group of highcaliber musicians dedicated to electroacoustic performance of avantgarde concert music. The course will work closely with the Exploded Ensemble to develop expansive technologies that will transform the music the group performs. These transformations may take place in many different modalities. In the realm of sound we will investigate several areas the development of new software for sound processing and synthesis, the creation of new instruments, and experimental methods of sound amplification and distribution. In the visual realm, we will develop software for live video performance, will investigate experimental techniques for video projection including mapping and the use of depth cameras, and will develop tools for computer controlled lighting systems. In the physical realm we will develop wearable technologies for performers, sensorbased responsive systems, and will explore experimental approaches to costume and decor.
Prerequisites: none listed
Courseweave needs JavaScript to show sections, workloads and planning tools.