This course is a seminar and experimental workshop with an interdisciplinary approach to creating short audiovisual works of art. We pull from examples in psychology, media theory, sound design, advertising, biology, physics and even some computer science to form a holistic impression of how our senses work, how the media containing our senses work, and how we can leverage both to create impactful pieces. The first third of the course focuses creating short-form audio pieces, the second third investigates short-form visual composition, and the final third studies the effectiveness of audiovisual memes in advertising and social media. Students will create original work using Ableton, Blender, and other programs after completing the necessary technical tutorials on their own time outside of class. Class sessions are devoted to seminar discussion, presentation, and critique of works composed in terms of seconds instead of minutes. Prerequisite: LMUS 2053 Sound and Technology, or permission of the instructor.

What can you do with a few seconds of sound? “You Suffer” by Napalm Death is the shortest recorded song; Brian Eno’s start-up sound for Windows 95 and the five-note McDonald’s jingle are short sonic logos that combine compositional conciseness with visual graphics and industrial psychology. This course explores how visual-sonic bursts can elicit distinct emotional responses with the use of limited stimulus. The first third of the course focuses on short-form composition, the second third investigates short-form animation and graphic design, and the final third studies the effectiveness of these audiovisual combinations and memes in advertising and social media. Students will create original work using Ableton, Blender, and other programs after completing the necessary technical tutorials on their own time outside of class; class sessions are devoted to seminar discussion, presentation, and critique of works composed in terms of seconds instead of minutes. Prerequisite: LMUS 2053 Sound and Technology, or permission of the instructor.