Research Symposium

BIO

I am an international student from Delhi, India. I am a sophomore majoring in Digital Media Production. I am also an independent musician and filmmaker.

Sounds of a Wonder City: La Paz, Bolivia

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to investigate how the sonic environment of the Bolivian capital city of La Paz is reflected and manifested in music. In order to build a profile of the sound landscape of the city, hundreds of sounds recorded throughout the city were analyzed for similarities and consistencies and rhythmic patterns. Moreover, Professional Bolivian musicians were interviewed regarding their subjective meanings of different sounds in their culture, as well as their approach to utilizing city sounds to narrate different philosophies through their music. This research will potentially depict the emotional value of sounds in the culture when used in a piece of music and how the soundscapes of La Paz affect the sonics of Bolivian musicians.

Keywords: music, sounds, environment, emotions