Soundwalk

A form of active participation in the soundscape. Though the variations are many, the essential purpose of the soundwalk is to encourage the participant to listen discriminatively, and moreover, to make critical judgments about the sounds heard and their contribution to the balance or imbalance of the sonic environment.

In order to expand the listening experience, soundmaking may also become an important part of a soundwalk. Its purpose is to explore sounds that are related to the environment, and, on the other hand, to become aware of one's own sounds (voice, footsteps, etc.) in the environmental context. A soundwalk may be scored in the form of a map which the participant uses both to guide the route and draw attention to features of acoustic interest. The map may also act as a score, directing the performer's listening and soundmaking activities in a way that is not limited to a specific locale.

See: Clairaudience, Ear Cleaning, Hi-Fi. Compare: Soniferous Garden, Sonography, Sound Pollution, Soundscape Design.

A series of soundwalks is suggested in: H. Westerkamp, "Soundwalking," Sound Heritage, vol. 3, no. 4, Provincial Archives, Victoria, B.C., 1974.

Map and instructions for a participatory soundwalk (from European Sound Diary, World Soundscape Project, Music of the Environment Series, no.3, 1977.)