Explore the art of creative sound recording in quiet, natural settings. Use a range of creative field recording practices and audio technology to explore ways to record both the audible soundscape and the sounds hidden to our senses.
How is the experience?
This workshop is the perfect experience for musicians, film-makers and anyone wishing to explore the myriad sounds of the natural world in England and Wales. The workshop is suitable for those new to field recording as well as those with some prior experience.
Working with a variety of sound sources and audio technology, the workshop will give you hands-on experience of creative field recording techniques and the use of a variety of microphones, including contact microphones, UHF (bat detectors) and hydrophones.
The workshop begins with an introduction to the use of portable recorders and microphones for field recording. After becoming familiar with the equipment, we will be exploring creative techniques, listening to the soundscape and uncovering the hidden sounds in our midst. By the end of the workshop participants will be familiar with the fundamentals of creative field recording practice and have a range of recording techniques to draw upon. In addition, the experience includes:
Access to a range of professional sound recording equipment (you are welcome to bring your own)
A flash drive containing your field recordings to take away and use in your own creative projects.
Tailored advice on equipment, technique and the use of field recordings in creative projects.
Access to helpful online field recording tutorials, useful web-links to creative field recording practitioners and free software for editing, manipulating and arranging the recordings.
A pack of downloadable, copyright-free recordings for you to use.
Who is the host?
Richard Bentley is a sound artist whose work explores the connections between people and quiet space, finding resonances between the soundscape and experiences of interior stillness. This creative practice is manifested through writings, field recordings, composition, soundwalks and the development of focus-oriented sound art practices.
Richard has created bespoke audio products for clients such as The Woodland Trust, Crisis, Intelligent Health, The Roald Dahl Museum, Nature Nurture, Reading University and a host of community arts organisations. He is ambassador for Hush City app, Silent Space, is the UK representative for Quiet Parks International and an Associate Artist with the Jelly arts organisation.
He also releases music on the Buried Treasure record label. In addition to his freelance work, Richard is a researcher with the Sonic Art Research Unit at Oxford Brookes University and Associate Lecturer in Audio Production at both Oxford Brookes and the University of West London.
What are people saying?
I just want to thank you for your field recording workshop, I really enjoyed it and would have loved to have spent more time with you for the editing process. The workshop, albeit short, was packed full of useful information. It made me think about sound in a different way and prove very useful for my final degree show.
Tara, University Student
I would say it was enjoyable but it was much more than that... a reward.
Liz, Naturalist
New insights into the way we hear, and strategies for appreciating the realm of sound.
Peter, Photographer
Great fun!
Huma, Visual Artist
Made me realise how little I walk in silence and actually listen to my surroundings. This helped to ground me and make me feel more connected to everything around me.
Alison, Theatre Practitioner
Richard was a pleasure to work with. He brought a wealth of experience and value to the student experience and managed the project with ease. The student feedback was incredibly positive and I look forward to working with him again. The blend of creativity and professionalism he brings to any arts or learning situation is of significant value to both students and teachers alike.
Mike, Lecturer
The work and learning with which they were involved was high level and really served to attune their awareness of everyday sounds and refine their critical listening skills.
Alan, Teacher
Price
Pricing is tailored to individual or group size and location. Please contact to discuss your requirements.
Max. group size: 15 people
Duration
Minimum 3 hours. Whole day and weekend workshops can also be accommodated. Contact host for a suitable date.
Intrusions
This will depend upon the location and timing of the workshops, but any intrusions present will be worked with in a spirit of creative acceptance and enquiry.
Contact Host
Terms and Conditions: Please note that by submitting this form you agree:
In the event of a cancellation by the provider, the customer will be notified by Richard Bentley/Host as soon as is possible. After the cancellation you will receive alternative dates for participation or a full refund of all monies paid to date. Richard Bentley reserves the right to cancel or modify experiences and/or events in the following situations:
Unfavourable climate conditions that render the activity dangerous or unsuitable;
The minimum safety conditions are not complied with
Other conditions that make the activity dangerous or unsuitable to run (e.g. illness, safety concerns etc.)
Force Majeure: In the case of circumstances beyond normal control, such as war, civil or political unrest, actions and orders from the authorities, strikes, catastrophes, epidemics and/or pandemics or other severe damages or highly unexpected factors, Richard Bentley may cancel the experiences and/or events and the amounts received to date will be refunded in full (minus the QPI service charge and any money transfer/processing fees).
In case of cancellation of reservations by the customer, the total refund (minus the QPI service charge and any money transfer/processing fees) of monies will depend on the following conditions:
3 Hour Experiences - Total refund (minus the QPI service charge and any money transfer/processing fees) when the cancellation is made 72 hours prior to the date of the activity.
1 Day Events - Total refund (minus the QPI service charge and any money transfer/processing fees) when the cancellation is made 7 days prior to the date of the activity.
2 Day events or longer - Total refund (minus the QPI service charge and any money transfer/processing fees) when cancellation is made 2 weeks before the start date of the activity.