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Over the past 20 years Berlin has become a thriving crossroads at the intersection of music and technology. It serves as the hub of techno/electronic music and dance culture, and as the home of leading music software developers such as Abelton. Berlin sets the trends in the fast-changing technological world. This course will examine significant developments in music and technology, such as Virtual Studio Technology (VST), Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and digital distribution. In particular, we will focus on the growth of these technologies within Germany, specifically Berlin.Our first goal will be to understand how technology influences the production and performance of new music, primarily within the realm of popular music. We will discuss the history of electronic dance music and visit the impressive local venues constructed for the reception of this music. We will also explore Berlin’s global role in the music production industry, by learning about the companies that supply the sounds of contemporary music (such as Native Instruments).Our second goal will be to explore how technology facilitates new modes of experiencing and acquiring music. For this portion of the course, we will discuss how technology is being used to reinvigorate an interest in classical music, by innovative establishments such as the Berlin Philharmonic. We will also look at the hot-button issue of digital music distribution, and how Berlin-based companies such as SoundCloud are finding ways of digitally distributing music in a manner that empowers, rather than overrides, musicians.Finally, our third goal will be to explore how developments in music technology impact other artistic media, such as film, television, and contemporary art. In addition to examining the interaction between music and film/tv technologies, we will also visit a gallery in Berlin specifically devoted to contemporary sound art.