Topics in Sound (373-0-21)
Topic
Sound Branding & Product Sound Design
Instructors
Stephan Moore
Meeting Info
Louis Hall 105: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM
Overview of class
All brands focus on their visual brand identity but as voice and other forms of audio become an integral part of our lives, a brand's sound is becoming increasingly important. Simultaneously, sound has become easier to embed into myriad contexts, tangible and intangible, resulting in products that use sound to communicate not only their form and function, but also their identity as an extension of a brand. Beginning with the roots of sound branding, from early radio jingles and network chimes, through to today's rich landscape of marketing channels, digital products, and voice devices, this class will explore the art and science of sound branding. Our guide will be Steve Milton, the co-founder of Listen, a NYC-based sensory experience company, and a pioneer of this emerging field. Mr. Milton's lectures on the current state and future of sound branding will be our point of departure for a series of readings, listenings, experiments, discussions, and design assignments. The two largest projects involve the end-to-end creation of a brand's sound design, and creating a speculative sound design for a product of the future.
Teaching Method
The course meets in-person once per week for 3 hours. Each class will vary between lectures and a seminar/collaborative format.
Evaluation Method
Attendance and participation, 2-3 smaller assignments, one mid-term project in three phases, and one final project.
Class Materials (Required)
All course materials will be provided in-class via links or by Canvas, and any needed equipment will be available via checkout the RTVF Cage or in the university computer labs. Students should not expect to pay for any additional materials. Students will need to have access some form of presentation software (google presentations, powerpoint, apple keynote, etc.) and some form of audio editing software (pro tools, reaper, audition, etc.). All of these are accessible in the departmental labs.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must have completed RTVF 190 OR be a Sound Design Minor to enroll in this class.