Sound ecology is the entanglement between the multiscalar and cosmic possibilities of exploring the noises, songs, voices, cracks, echoes, silences, and the crashes of our planet and immense Universe. Sound does not only happen outside our ears but also deep within our internal and biological human experience. 

Earth's symphony extends far beyond the ozone layer, weaving its way into the very fabric of life and the cosmos. From the tiniest microorganisms to the vast expanse of matter, we are constantly transformed, both mentally and physically, by the sonic and cultural vibrations of our urban and natural environments. Yet, these intricate entanglements often go unnoticed by a culture fixated on the visual, failing to recognize listening as a powerful tool for self and collective care. By Giving attention to the sounds around us, we can unlock exciting possibilities for forging new systems of kinship and interconnectedness.

What happens when we try to understand the planetary siblinghood between all sentience through the way we listen and communicate to the diversity of what is the “other”? By delving into the exploration of multiple fields of research like sonic technology, listening methodologies, queer theory, colonialism, field recording, and interspecies communication we will collectively shift our perspective towards the Phonocene, a vision of the future that proposes sound and active listening in the center of an era, a new era of expansive care, that resists capitalism’s hunger for growth, a slower era that promotes radical ecological change. 

Through theory, artistic practices, active listening sessions, and meditation we will collectively engage in critical dialogues that will expand our notion of a postnatural ecology in an anthropo-oculocentric society.

Session I 23 / 09 / 2025  

The Impossibility of Silence: Aural Futures of the Phonocene  Soundscape is better defined as the raw composition of sounds that fills an environment, while the phonocene is a proposition to inhabit and generate kinships with the sonic at the center. What changes can be manifested when we understand the entanglements between the exterior acoustic environment and the frequencies of our emotions, memories, and dreams? What do you feel when you think of the sound of a bird that has gone extinct? 

Session II 29 / 09/ 2025

Interspecies Communication and Technologies of Misunderstanding To truly engage in interspecies communication, we must first dismantle the human/animal binary as best we can. An anthropocentric approach to interspecies communication inherently creates questionable hierarchies. Field recordings and artificial intelligence, for example, can help us reflect on the differences between sonic extraction, unpaid labour, right to privacy and new means of scientific care. 

Session III  6/10/ 2025

Rainbow Interference  / Sonic Gendering and Queer Dissonant Revolutions  Think of all the sounds that have been applied to construct gender norms and oppress dissident identities. Sonic gendering questions the implications sound has on culture, economy, technology, and politics. Within an oculocentric society that privileges sight over sound, the act of attentive listening itself becomes a queer form of resistance, challenging gender-normative visual and acoustic power dynamics.

Session IV 13 / 10/ 2025

Dedicated Mishearing: Listening as a Form of Resistance  In this session, we will focus on active listening as a practice for radical ecological care. We will collectively explore different methodologies and histories that will affirm the difference between hearing as a passive attribute to some humans and listening as an expanded act of intent that requires slowing down and mutual respect. 

Yuri Tuma Yuri Tuma is a multidisciplinary Brazilian artist living in Madrid who focuses on the investigation of contemporary narratives related to sonic ecologies through collective practices, sound art, installation, and performance as a way to address and reevaluate the human/animal binomial imposed by science and Western thinking. In early 2020, he co-founded the Institute for Postnatural Studies (IPS) in Madrid. Starting in 2021, in addition to participating in residencies and coordinating workshops around interspecies thinking and sound ecologies, Tuma works with educational and mediation programs through sound art and performance at Spanish institutions such as Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Matadero, La Casa Encendida, INLAND, among others.

Living as a Bird, Vinciane Despret  Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World, R. Murray Schaefer Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals Emergent Strategy Series: 2, Alexis Pauline Gumbs  Sounds Wild and Broken, David George Haskell  Deep Listening: A composer’s Sound Practice, Pauline Oliveros On Listening, Ed. by Angus Carlyle & Cathy Lane Grounds for Possible Music - On Gender, Voice, Language, and Identity, ed. By Julia Eckhardt  How to Speak Whale, Ton Mustill  Sonic Gendering, Anne Carson

Are the sessions live or pre-recorded? All sessions arelive, via Zoom, every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (CEST/Madrid time). Each session will berecordedand made available afterward, so you can catch up if you miss any session.

When are the sessions held? Sessions will take place weekly on Mondays, from6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (CEST). Once enrolled, you will receive the Zoom access link along with further information.

Where will we be able to access course materials? All seminar materials will be shared through an online folder, including video recordings, session contents, assigned readings, and additional resources.

How long will we have access to the recordings? Recordings will be uploaded shortly after each session. You will have access to all materials throughout the course and for two weeks after the seminar ends.

Will the bibliography be shared in advance? Yes. All readings, references, and linkswill be shared in advance to allow enough time for preparation.

Do I get any kind of certificate after the seminar? Yes. Upon completing the seminar, you will receive anon-official certificate of participation.

Do you offer any scholarships or special prices? We offer a 20% discount for students and IPS alumni (you will be asked to provide a document proving enrollment in a university or past participation in IPS programs). We’re also aware that access costs may pose a barrier depending on your location or personal situation. If you would like to request financial aid, please send us your request throughthis form, and we will evaluate your case individually.

Are the discounts accumulative? No, discounts arenot accumulative. However, you may apply the20% discountif you are an IPS alumni, a student, or if you purchase more than one IPS product.

For any further inquiries, contact us at: studies@instituteforpostnaturalstudies.org