If I were going to study some interesting sound design techniques

... I would sign up for the class that John Moran is teaching at 3rd Ward.

Introduction to Soundtrack
Instructor: John Moran
Location: Digital Media Lab
Mondays Nov 13, 20, 27 Dec 4, 11
7p-10p
$230 members/ $280 non-members

John Moran, a luminary sound artist, will introduce the "art of the soundtrack." Although not a software study, this class utilizes the application Reason to create a wide range of soundtracks, from the simple to the most advanced. The course will begin by covering the essentials of Reason in a group lesson format. After this, course time will be spent developing and critiquing individual student projects with specialized attention from the instructor.

An emphasis will be placed on hands-on applications and techniques for individual use to enhance subtlety and expressiveness in this inherently collaborative field. Students may bring to class work in film, video, animation, dance or theater as project material. If a student would like to create a piece that is sound only, this can be done as well.

Students are asked to bring their own headphones for use in the class. A midi keyboard will be helpful for some. It is not mandatory. One will be available in class. If you have your own you are welcome to bring it.

John Moran is an award winning sound/theater artist. He has generally been considered the protegé of composer Philip Glass. In 2003, Glass was quoted as saying, "I am convinced that there is no more important composer working today, than John Moran. His works have been so advanced as to be considered revolutionary." Moran has directed performers such as Uma Thurman, Iggy Pop, Allen Ginsberg and Julia Stiles, under commission from venues like Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Public Theater / NY Shakespeare Festival, The Kitchen, and a host of venues across America and Europe. Several of his works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, in New York City.

John Moran is a genius. I would liken his audio design to something like the best minimalists, but he uses sampled sounds and speech rather than musical motifs to assemble his works. James wrote about one of his performances in late August.

His opera The Manson Family is completely brilliant. My friend Noel Simmons was in one of the productions.

Below is a video of a performance at 3rd Ward by him and his collaborator Saori. This is more low-key (musically, not visually) than other work I've seen.