Spring 2026 Course Search

Five Obstructions — MCO4125.01

Instructor: Nicholas Brooke
Days & Time: MO,TH 3:40pm-5:30pm
Credits: 4

A song feedback collective, focused on how musical restrictions can spur us to growth. Over the course of the term, students will write five songs (or revise a single song in radical ways) based on the critique and decisions of the group. We’ll discuss how to form supportive but insightful critique while challenging each other to go new places. What does it take to create a song based on someone else’s text, completely a cappella, or without a single chord? How do you welcome in new materials and collaborators, from across genre and style?

Tickling the Clock — MSR4375.01

Instructor: Nicholas Brooke
Days & Time: TU 4:10pm-6:00pm
Credits: 2

An advanced course in sonic contraptions, for students who have already completed significant work in sound, visual design, or project management.  Starting with Collins’ Hardware Hacking, we’ll review soldering, circuit bending (i.e. “tickling the clock”), and associated topics, such as no-input mixing and basic circuit tinkering. We will look at alternative methods of physical sound creation through programming languages and mechanical paradigms such as solenoids and sensors.