Abstract

     By implementing the pedagogical maxim that, “one learns what one does”, the Newcastle Soundscape Project (NSP) provides a practical manifestation of teaching and research activities undertaken in the domain of Audio Communication at the School of Design, Communication and I.T. This Project has developed through a focus on problem-based learning projects designed to produce recorded soundscapes. The NSP originated in 1997 as a feature of the course, Soundscape Studies, which is offered at the University of Newcastle, Australia as part of four (4) degree programs, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Music. Students in this course consider a range of communication theories and apply audio production techniques in order to discover, analyse and test relationships between and within specific audio environments and their representations. The aims of this on-going project include: the documentation of responses by students to acoustic environments; increasing the level of awareness and appreciation of soundscapes; and, providing ways for others to experience a diversity of soundscapes.

Biography

     Trevor John has over 25 years experience in recording, editing and mixing sound for radio, television, film and new media, and 17 years experience as a teacher in these areas. A graduate from the University of Adelaide and the Sound Department of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, Trevor has worked as a broadcaster and producer for radio stations in Adelaide, Wagga Wagga and Newcastle, as well as audio director for television in Sydney. He is currently a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and Coordinator of Audio in the School of Design, Communication and IT.
Contact:Telephone: + 61 2 4921 6773
Email: Trevor.John@newcastle.edu.au