Dr. Julia H. Schröder & Kim Feser
Pauline Oliveros: From experimental electronics to Deep Listening
Seminar, English, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, 5 places
Selected Thursdays, 10–14 h: 16.4, 30.4, 21.5, 28.5, 4.6., 18.6., 25.6.2026
Lietzenburger Straße 45, room 314

Registration at: jhschroeder@udk-berlin.de.

The composer Pauline Oliveros (1932–2016) is most famous for two contributions to music, her experimental electroacoustic music and her sonic meditations and deep listening. In the seminar we will look at her work in both phases and ask if connections can be found. Additionally, we will explore the cultural contexts of her aesthetics. Despite all the changes in sound materials and musical forms, we assume a certain continuity in Oliveros' works in terms of her aesthetic exploration of communicative sound processes.
In this theory seminar we will analyze music and other art works. The participants can offer works and topics beyond the ones in this syllabus.

Fulfilment criteria for ungraded accreditation: regular attendance, reading and participation, see: SoundS schedule:https://www.udk-berlin.de/fileadmin/2_dezentral/FR_Soundstudies/Sonic_Arts/Syllabi_SoSe_2026/F26-Schroeder_Feser_SE1.pdf.

Julia H. Schröder ("she" or no pronoun): Musicologist and guest professor for theory at Sound Studies and Sonic Arts (UdK) during summer semester 2026.

Kim Feser ("she" or no pronoun): Musicologist, Philosopher, Sociologist. Lecturer at Berlin University of the Arts and Freie Universität Berlin. Focus areas in research and teaching: Pauline Oliveros' Electronic Music; Philosophy of music (esp. Adorno, Deleuze); Intersections of experimental avant-garde, sound art, pop, techno/house, and hip-hop; History of the design and aesthetic use of synthesizers, sequencers, samplers, and drum machines.