The Music of the Environment
Date
1974
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Music Educators Association
Abstract
Description
Shand presents an account of composer-educator Murray Schafer's World Soundscape
Project, which seeks "to study the sonic environment and man's relationship to it." The project explores the negatives of noise pollution, but also advocates for positive
acoustic design - a new field of study which includes researching lost sounds,
investigating psychological aspects of sound perception and response, and urban
planning projects which emphasize acoustic ecology and the enhancement of community
sound environments. The Project aims to encourage people to listen critically to their sonic environments, and Schafer has published print books, compositions, and
recordings to advance this goal. The Project is located in British Columbia and currently
focuses on the urban soundscape of Vancouver, but Shand explores the broader
implications and usefulness of this project to music educators world-wide. Its potential to open students' ears and to engage them in critical listening could be crucial to
expanded and interdisciplinary music programs and curricula. Shand offers suggestions for practical music classroom realization of the goals of this project, and argues for its importance to a broad and engaged educational philosophy.
Keywords
World Soundscape Project, Murray Schafer, music education, sonic environment, acoustic design, noise pollution, acoustic ecology, ear cleaning, aural sensitivity, interdisciplinary study of sound
Citation
Shand, Patricia. "The Music of the Environment." Canadian Music Educator. Vol. 15, No. 2 (Winter 1974), pp. 5-12.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Canada
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