Module 1: Introducing sustain_sound

Why should sustainability and future-oriented thinking be connected to music and music education? This introductory module explores the relationship between music, ecological responsibility, and visions of the future. It introduces and explains different key concepts of ecological music education and futures thinking, and examines how musical practices are embedded in social, cultural, and environmental contexts. The module encourages critical reflection on the role of music education in times of ecological and societal change.

Module 2: Exploring and Listening to Soundscapes

This module introduces the concept of soundscapes and explores their relevance for musical, cultural, and ecological learning. Students examine different definitions of soundscapes and engage with key figures like Schafer, Krause and Westerkamp who have shaped the field, particularly within acoustic ecology. Through listening examples and practical exercises, participants learn how soundscapes can be documented and analyzed. The module also highlights how attentive listening to acoustic environments can foster ecological awareness and critical reflection on human interaction with sound environments.

Module 3: Getting Creative with Sounds

This module focuses on creative approaches to working with sounds and sound compositions in the classroom. Students explore practical methods for listening to, collecting, and organizing sounds as a basis for musical creation. Using examples such as sound maps, sound walks, and recording-based compositions, the module introduces different ways of engaging with everyday and environmental sounds. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, collaborative processes, and reflective listening. It offers possibilities to develop ideas for translating these approaches into educational settings and adapting them to different age groups and learning contexts.

Module 4: Designing and Presenting Your Own Soundscapes

This module guides through the process of creating and presenting own soundscapes. Participants learn practical techniques for recording, editing, and organizing sounds, as well as strategies for structuring and presenting their compositions. Emphasis is placed on translating creative ideas into coherent auditory experiences that communicate meaning and engage listeners. Students also explore ways to provide constructive feedback and facilitate discussions around their peers’ soundscapes. The module encourages reflection on both artistic choices and educational potential, showing how soundscape creation can foster listening skills, creativity, and environmental awareness. By the end of the module, participants will be able to design, produce, and present soundscapes in educational or creative contexts.

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