This online course is for beginners looking to work creatively and develop their skills in field recording to produce their own soundscape composition. We will look at fundamental theoretical and conceptual debates in the area, the basics of field recording, acoustic ecology and soundwalking, how to get started with Reaper and how to creatively compose with environmental recordings. At the end of the course, you will have a collection of your own field recordings to work with in the future and a completed soundscape composition. You’ll work with your own computer and field recording equipment to learn skills you can continue to use on available software after the course, to continue your practice. This course engages with and intersects art, climate change, ecology, soundscape, field recording and musical composition.
Participants will need their own headphones, field recording equipment and laptop
No previous experience is required but some basic audio knowledge would be useful
Participants will be expected to complete small listening and practical tasks outside of class
No previous experience is required but some basic audio knowledge would be useful
Participants will be expected to complete small listening and practical tasks outside of class
Learning outcomes:
Gain confidence using field recording equipment through practical sessions
Engage with a new way of listening and working with environmental sounds
Learn how to use the DAW Reaper
Gain an understanding of fundamental theory and history of soundscape composition
Learn useful skills and methodologies in creating an engaging soundscape composition that are transferable and can be used in the context of soundwalks, performances, radio, film, installation and more
Gain confidence using field recording equipment through practical sessions
Engage with a new way of listening and working with environmental sounds
Learn how to use the DAW Reaper
Gain an understanding of fundamental theory and history of soundscape composition
Learn useful skills and methodologies in creating an engaging soundscape composition that are transferable and can be used in the context of soundwalks, performances, radio, film, installation and more
Topics covered:
Field recording
Microphones
Soundscape Composition*
Acoustic Ecology
Getting started with Reaper
Soundwalking and Sound Maps
*please note that I am approaching this course in regards to my own practice so although we will cover a lot of theory it will not be an extensive history of soundscape composition
Field recording
Microphones
Soundscape Composition*
Acoustic Ecology
Getting started with Reaper
Soundwalking and Sound Maps
*please note that I am approaching this course in regards to my own practice so although we will cover a lot of theory it will not be an extensive history of soundscape composition
Individual Tutorials
In addition to the four weeks of teaching, each participant will be able to sign up to an individual composition tutorial with Nikki to work on their soundscapes that can be arranged at their own convenience within two weeks of the course ending.
In addition to the four weeks of teaching, each participant will be able to sign up to an individual composition tutorial with Nikki to work on their soundscapes that can be arranged at their own convenience within two weeks of the course ending.
Course Dates
Session 1 - 6 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 2 - 13 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 3 - 20 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 4 - 27 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 1 - 6 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 2 - 13 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 3 - 20 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Session 4 - 27 October 2025, 6 - 9pm (UK time)
Previous Course Feedback
“Nikki is a very thorough and efficient teacher, her way of explaining the practical elements made it so enjoyable and her course materials were very in depth.” – Previous course participant
“Nikki is a very thorough and efficient teacher, her way of explaining the practical elements made it so enjoyable and her course materials were very in depth.” – Previous course participant
“Nikki is a great teacher, very fun, knowledgeable and thoughtful. Highly recommend her class if you want to learn and produce a soundscape composition.” – Previous course participant
To sign up to the course please visit the contact page
This is the same course I teach with Open City Docs, if you would prefer to sign up for the in-person course please join the waiting list here: https://opencitylondon.com/courses/soundscape-composition/