What is a SOUNDwalk? SoundWalk is a sound art event an a form of active participation in the Soundscape.
They can happen anytime, anywhere. In any case, Soundwalks are a way of engaging yourself and others in the conscious act of listening to one’s sonic environment. Although there are many variations , the essential purpose of the soundwalk is to encourage the participant to listen discriminatively, and moreover, to make critical judgments about the sounds heard and their contribution to the balance or imbalance of the sonic environment. In order to expand the listening experience, we will be investigating in soundmaking and listening walks as well which are also an important part of a soundwalk. Its purpose is to explore sounds that are related to the environment become aware of the socio-cultural aspects of the sounds and also one’s own sounds (voice, footsteps, etc.) in environmental contexts.
In a first SoundWalk we explored the vicinity around Zayanderoud river and historical sites in Esfahan which concluded with an improvisational soundscape mini-concert at the Arpa Music College.
The participants scored (+sound field recording) our sound walk in the form of a map and graphic score which they used both to guide the route and draw attention to features of acoustic interest. We later used the map in a group session at Arpa Music College to develop a graphic score, directing the performers’ listening and soundmaking activities in a way that is not limited to a specific locale; and finally the particpant were able to perform the score with instruments, objects and etc within an improvisational setup.
