workshops

forthcoming workshops include:

murmuration #6 - sounding objects (Glenshee, Scotland - June 2025)

introduction to field recording (west dean - 2025)

. located sound / field recording / listening as key element in sound culture, ecology and contemporary art practice

. sound art - place and space as material for performance / installation

. indeterminate scores / intuitive performance / listening events

. exploration through diy listening devices

as a key element of my work within the workshop format I plans, deliver and lead workshops and field trips focused on the art and act of field recording and listening as a key element in sound culture / sound art, also working with other organisations as a freelance tutor.

My work involves extended field recording techniques, including the development of the use of contact microphones, hydrophones, coils, ultrasonic and infrasonic listening and the psychology of the listening response.

I am concerned with the materiality of sound and the content of the act of recording - the technology is there to be discussed of course, finding ways to deal with limitations, to work with them, but the focus is on how these tools can assist us to explore, to get passed the technology.

elemental is an exchange of knowledge, an open conversation and an opening up of field recording and its myriad creative possibilities.

different workshop models are structured for a range of abilities or for an inclusive exploration of the interplay and collaboration between artists / recordists at different stages of their exploration of sound and field recording.

workshops involve sessions on theory, field craft, practical work in the field and listening sessions. Suggested listening / reading lists can be supplied in advance, focused on an introduction to contemporary field recording practice.

alongside a way of discussing field recording that seeks to emphasise the creative response over a reliance on equipment I do also bring with me a range of devices for participants to try, allowing further exploration, including:

multiple JrF specialist hand built microphones - developed over many years and widely used and respected by a wide array of artists, composers, field recordists, sound designers and musicians - including:

. hydrophones (multiple sets)

. contact microphones (multiple sets)

. electromagnetic coils (multiple)

. different pairs of omni-directional microphones - ranging from the better budget options to the best professional models such as DPA4060's

. other microphones from manufactures inc. Sanken, Rode, MicW etc.

. binaural microphones from Soundman, Sound Professionals etc.

. a range of i-microphones for use with android phones / ipods etc.

. various parabolic dish systems from Telinga, Lisn, Dodotronic.

. various wind protection systems (from BBi small fluffy't to Rycote cyclone blimps)

. boom poles

. long cables for remote working

+my own recording kit, with ultrasonic detectors, geophones, vlf receiver, Sound Devices recorder etc.

I am familiar with most recorders on the market - not because i'm obsessed with the equipment but so that I am able to make the content of workshops work for all - from those with entry level recorders to those working with professional, multi-channel devices.

I deliver workshops because I am fascinated by the conversation, the exchange and because i've been interested in the widest range of sound for a very long time. There are myriad subtle aspects of field recording that go way beyond conventional thinking around the subject, whether that be on the links between playback methods and audience listening to the relationship to the hardware and its impact on intuitive response.

workshops delivered include:

the new 'murmuration' series

and for arts organisations and other institutions including:

National Trust

Leeds Beckett University

Newcastle University

Goldsmiths

Royal College of Art

LCC, London

Hull University

Wysing Arts Centre

West Dean College of Arts and Crafts

Attenborough Centre

University of Sussex

Leeds University (fine art)

Leeds College of Music

Copenhagen Culture House

Robert Schumann Hochschule Dusseldorf

University of the West of Scotland

Digital Media Centre, South Hill Park, Surrey

Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus

Manchester University

PRS new music biennale

Victoria Baths, Manchester

Elizabeth Gaskill House

Soundfjord

The Wired Lab, Australia

Skolska 28, Prague

Touch records

Allerdale Film Farm

Bartlett School of Architecture

Stockholm University of Arts

SAE Institute, London

Wildeye

and arts organisations in Sardinia, Italy, France, Sweden etc.

jez riley french - glen buck loch fence with ice falling.mp3