In this paper I will be discussing how David Kurkowski and Murray Schafer both believed sound played an important role in our environment. Everyday we encounter millions of sounds, but do we listen to them all? When listening to sounds it requires your full undivided attention to be able to connect with the sounds around you. Kurkowski claims you’ll be able to identify an importance a place holds by the sounds shared in that space. For example spaces that hold concerts and parties are usually remembered by the songs sung or played. A person using their headphones, reading a book, or constantly having our phones shoved in our faces are ways people choose to disconnect with sound everyday. For the most part we all maneuver the rest of our day in a secluded bubble because of this. Structural features also have a big impact on what we choose to listen to. For example If you’re accustomed to listening to a certain language in your household, subconsciously it’ll grab your attention just because it’s something you’re already familiar with. Kurkowski & Murray Schafer both believed sound is a reflection of events occurring around us. For instance an individual is listening to music if they’re happy or sad their music will reflect on that emotion he/she is feeling. Which proves how much sound plays different roles in society.
Gianna, this is a good use of these two writers, but I would say you should be more specific. Pick a specific area of “everyday” life to discuss–for example, the subway, the street, the club, etc.–and focus on that. How do Schafer’s ideas about the “soundmark” or the “soundscape” play out in that specific place? What about Krukowski’s ideas about the ways we participate in or ignore sound environments?