Spatial Sound Course

When we engage with sound, we are confronted with its deeply interconnected relationship to space. Phenomena such as reverberation, refraction, and reflection not only communicate qualities of the sound itself, but also reveal information about the surrounding environment. This shared synergy between sound and space is fundamental to our daily experiences and interactions.

Led by Ji Youn Kang, the Spatial Sound Course delves into this relationship from new perspectives, examining how these phenomena shape the way sound moves, resonates, and transforms in space. How can an array of technologies help us unravel the intricate links between sound, environment, and sensory experience?

Combining theory with practice, participants will explore two distinct spaces in depth – both physical and virtual – treating them as unconventional musical instruments. The investigation will include microphones, loudspeakers, resonant objects, and basic programming as tools to uncover the hidden sonic potential of these environments and explore how they might ‘sing together’.

The course runs between February and March 2026 (exact dates and times to be confirmed). It culminates in a public performance at the end of March, presenting a collective sound piece that encapsulates the essence of the collective experiments and insights gained throughout the workshop journey.

Key Topics Covered in the Workshop

• Research into spatial listening and acoustic phenomena
• Utilising audio feedback and ambient sound
• Exploring unconventional loudspeaker configurations
• Moving sound vs. moving bodies
• Spatial motion and sound diffusion techniques
• Compositional approaches to space (‘composing space’)
• Relevant technologies for spatial audio and panning
• The relationship between spatial trajectories and acoustic effects
• Transferable spatiality: exploring spatial listening in online environments
• Composing spatial interactions and relationships
• Working with distance as a compositional element
• Perspectives on room acoustics and spatial perception
• Real-time control possibilities for spatial sound
• Group discussions and exchange of ideas
• Deep listening sessions
• Hands-on practice and individual coaching

For more information, visit the website of Sonic Acts.