History of Electronic Music

This course will introduce students to the historical precedents, societal influences, and core technological concepts of electronic music. Beginning with the birth of recorded sound in Edison?s Menlo Park lab, we will follow the growth of the recording industry, its varied practices and technologies, as well as their effect on popular music and culture. Students will gain a historical perspective on the recording arts, examine and compare various forms of sound reproduction, be introduced to sound synthesis, and gain important insights into the record industry. Lectures and in class discussions will be augmented by weekly reading, listening, and viewing assignments. Related reaction papers will allow the students to assess the relevance of the material to the course and their own experiences. In addition to exams at both the midterm and end of term, a research paper and presentation will be assigned.

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