The EcoSono Institute is an education, travel and research adventure for those interested in advancing and integrating musical and scientific work in close collaboration with environments. Participants study environmental sciences, sound art composition, computer music, and ecoacoustic recording engineering. They do this while exploring the fascinating cultures and natural beauty of the world. The Institute promotes the ideals of EcoSono's activism:imaginative sound art in symbiosis with the spaces that surround us. .

In 2010 the EcoSono Institute, led by Professors Matthew Burtner and Reginald Garrett, took a group of 10 participants into the Caribbean Sea and to Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba in May/June 2010. Coastal land-based adventures offered participants the possibility to experience amazing things such as a whale audio safari in Dominica, the Pitch Lake and sulphur ponds of Trinidad, and much more.

Click here to see select pictures from the adventure

EcoSono Institute Participants, 2010

• Daniel Blinkhorn
• Alana Dym, intern
• Alex Wallace
• Stephanie Smith, intern
• Anders Fredrickson
• Adam LeGrave
• Timothy Kiefer
• Kiran Kumar
• Vanessa de Michelis, intern
• Grace Graham
• Reginald Garrett, professor
• Matthew Burtner, professor/director

The academic program involved a lecture series on marine biology, audio engineering, environmentalism, and computer music taught by professors Burtner and Garrett. It also included guest faculty lectures on relevant topics in geography, culture and ecology.

The voyage culminated in a concert of music composed by participants and other invited composers.

2010 Caribbean Adventure Where and When Program and Ship Description Participation

Where: The Institute took take place in the Caribbean Sea and in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad, Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba. The voyage departed from Nassau, Bahamas and returned to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Participants lived on board the ship as we traveled between countries.

When: May 27-June 10, 2010. The ship departs from Nassau Bahamas and returns to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Program description: The EcoSono Institute offers a fascinating course of study in sound and ecology from the comfort and safety of a first class passenger ship. In 2010 we explored the beauty and culture of the Caribbean. The program in ecoacoustics, marine ecologies and sound art focused on audio engineering, environmental acoustics, and computation-based composition approaches. Courses were led by UVA Professor and international award winning composer, technologist and teacher, Dr. Matthew Burtner, and by senior chemical and marine biologist, Professor Reginald Garrett. The academic concentration was supported by advanced creative work, and by travel throughout the Caribbean. Participants presented their own work in the Oceans/Elements Concert which also featured music by internationally acclaimed sound artists.

Ship description: The M/V Explorer is a first class passenger ship complete with an extensive library, computer laboratory, audio-visual classrooms, wireless internet, piano lounge and concert hall. Facilities also include a 7500 square foot swimming pool area, health spa and athletic facilities, and multiple dining halls. The ship was built in 2002 and is extremely fast (top speed 28 knots) with stabilizers and modern air conditioning system. It is in the 99th percentile of health and safety and described by the Maritime Telecommunications Network as “one of the safest ships afloat”.

Participants: Participants at all stages of education and professional development were welcome to apply and benefit from this innovative course of study. The Institute is oriented towards University students, particularly those with an interest in music, computer sound, or environmental systems. Participants should have previous experience in either music, computing or environmentalism. Very select internships were available for those with advanced experience in music technology, acoustics or marine biology.

University credit: The EcoSono faculty will work with enrolled university students who wish to apply for University Credit for the courses through their institution. The syllabus for this program is equivalent to a summer term intensive course at a Research 1 University. All participants, regardless of University affiliation, will receive an EcoSono Institute Program Certificate and a letter of recommendation.

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Download the pdf brochure here.