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Sound · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Voice and Audio Trends

The internet is becoming audibly louder. This course explores the resurgence of audio as a primary medium for connection, from the podcasting boom to the rise of “Social Audio” (Spaces/Clubhouse) and Voice Search Optimization. Students will learn the technical and strategic skills to navigate the “Screenless” internet, focusing on sonic branding, audio storytelling, and the emerging influence of AI voice synthesis.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the end-to-end production of a professional Podcast (Recording, Editing, RSS)
  2. Understand "Sonic Branding" and the psychological impact of sound logos
  3. Optimize content for Voice Search (SEO for Alexa/Siri/Google Assistant)
  4. Explore "Social Audio" strategies for live community engagement
  5. Navigate the ethics and utility of AI Text-to-Speech and Synthetic Voice
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Audio Renaissance: From Radio to On-Demand
  2. 02Podcasting I: Formats & Conceptualization
  3. 03Podcasting II: Hardware & Recording Environments
  4. 04Audio Editing Basics (Audacity/Adobe Audition)
  5. 05Sound Design & Foley for Narrative Audio
  6. 06Distribution: Hosting, RSS Feeds, & Directories
  7. 07The Psychology of the Voice & Intimacy
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Social Audio: Hosting Spaces & Live Rooms
  10. 10Voice Search SEO: Optimizing for Smart Speakers
  11. 11Sonic Branding: Creating an Audio Identity
  12. 12Interactive Audio: Smart Speaker Skills
  13. 13AI Voice Synthesis & Text-to-Speech
  14. 14Monetization: Ads, Sponsorships, & Subscriptions
  15. 15The Future: Spatial Audio & Binaural Sound
  16. 16Final Project: The Pilot Episode or Audio Brand Kit

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Pilot Episode or Audio Brand Kit

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Podcast Marketing Strategy by Daniel J. Lewis
  2. Sonic Branding: An Essential Guide to the Art and Science of Sonic Branding by Daniel M. Jackson
  3. Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio by Jessica Abel
  4. Voice Strategy: Creating Useful and Usable Voice Interfaces by Susan Hura
  5. Audio Branding: Using Sound to Build Your Brand by Laurence Minsky
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