Skip to content

Acoustics Quote by Pauline Oliveros

“I try to influence this improvisation in two ways. One is by centering on reflections, in both senses of the word: acoustic reflections as well as visual reflections from a mirror or surface, and then reflecting on the material in a contemplative way. The other influence is listening to the tails…” quote by Pauline Oliveros
Download Open image
“I try to influence this improvisation in two ways. One is by centering on reflections, in both senses of the word: acoustic reflections as well as visual reflections from a mirror or surface, and then reflecting on the material in a contemplative way. The other influence is listening to the tails of the sounds that you make.”

Pauline Oliveros

About This Quote

Source Interview: Interview with Pauline Oliveros, 2005

The quote describes shaping improvisational music by focusing on acoustic and visual reflections and by attentively listening to the lingering sounds produced.

In simple terms: She guides improvisation through reflection and listening to sound tails.

Key Takeaway

Use reflection and attentive listening to shape creative work.

Themes

creativity music improvisation reflection listening

Mood

contemplative inspired

Type

instructional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Live performance
  • studio recording
  • sound installations
  • educational workshops

Key Concepts

Acoustic ecology sound art mindful practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you incorporate visual reflection into non‑musical improvisation?
  • What does listening to sound tails reveal about your process?
A Different Perspective

May be difficult to apply without technical knowledge of acoustics.

3.7 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Pauline Oliveros

Explore all 80 Pauline Oliveros quotes

More Acoustics quotes

Browse all 225 Acoustics quotes