Class

Storytelling with Sound: Intro to Audio Production

What makes audio storytelling unique? How can sound convey the sensory and emotional aspects of our experiences? And how can the tools we already have as storytellers in our everyday lives lead to great audio stories?

This 6-week class will guide students through the audio story production process, from finding stories and pitching to writing narration and final sound design. The course welcomes participants of all experience levels. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of podcast creation, while more experienced students will hone their skills. Participants will walk away from the course having produced a short audio story, piece of sound art, or structured interview. No special equipment is required.

As we build our own practices, we’ll examine audio stories from a wide breadth of creators and styles. We’ll learn from the experimental work of the independent queer and POC audio collective Radio (R)ejects, as well dissect documentaries heard on NPR shows like Latino USA and This American Life. Finally, we’ll consider how audio storytelling can enhance pre-existing pieces in other mediums, drawing inspiration from the cross-over work of writers such as award-winning poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib.

Throughout the course, the curriculum will situate these wide-ranging examples within the context of their production and welcome conversations around identity and structures of power.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.