For this week's reading response, we were assigned to read Chapter 4 of Artful Design, titled "Programmability & Sound Design." This chapter covered the inclusion of computers and programming in the artful design of sounds. In the modern technological world, we can draw inspiration from the sounds all around us, and transform them into completely new sounds using computers. Ge walks us through some of the techniques available to do this. We can use additive, subtractive, vocal, or granular synthesis, spatialization, filters, etc... There are so many ways to transform sound, but how do we make it sound good?
I come from a musical background, with 16 years of classical piano experience. I competed at the international level and attended many piano festivals around the country. At this level, everyone knows how to make the piano sound good. However, the one thing that differentiates every pianist is the artistic interpretations and unique purposes that they put into their piano playing. One pianist can achieve success by being extravagant and wooing the audience (Lang Lang), while another can be reserved but still conveying their emotions through their playing. For me, my piano playing satisfies myself, and I hope that the emotions I put into my playing are conveyed to the audience...
However, making a sound sound good using computers is something that I find really challenging. Unlike a piano, there are so many different techniques and ways to transform a sound using a computer. When attending CCRMA concerts, I always wonder how any of the sounds I hear are created. And once you create good sounds, how do you compose something that is cohesive yet still conveys an artistic message? I'm not a composer, and I'm not at all familiar with creating a good sound...
I want to create audiovisual experiences, but I have no idea how to start. How do I combine sound design and visual design? I'm also not an artist. I just want to use programming to produce something creative.