Underwater Soundscapes

Underwater Soundscapes

Digital Media Lab, The EdgeSouth Brisbane, QLD
Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 at 12 pm AEST
Overview

Dive beneath the surface of the Brisbane River and discover a hidden world of sound in this hands-on workshop with Dr Leah Barclay

Dive beneath the surface of the Brisbane River and discover a hidden world of sound. In this hands-on workshop led by sound artist and researcher Dr Leah Barclay, participants will explore the art and science of underwater listening and create their own original soundscape composition.

Looking at the surface of a river, it is virtually impossible to detect environmental changes. Listening provides access to a non-invasive way of understanding these hidden aquatic worlds. This workshop explores the creative possibilities of listening underwater, using innovative technologies to bridge art and science. You'll experiment with listening techniques, discover how aquatic soundscapes can be transformed into immersive sonic environments, and learn how artists and scientists are using ecoacoustics to monitor ecosystem health and inspire ecological awareness.

Drawing on Dr Leah Barclay's 15 years of experience recording marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide, you'll gain practical skills in underwater recording technology and discover how sound can reveal what the eye cannot see.

In this workshop you will:

  • Learn about hydrophones and underwater recording technology
  • Explore the creative possibilities of listening underwater
  • Discover innovative uses of creative technologies to explore the art and science of sound
  • Record the sounds beneath the surface of the Brisbane River
  • Produce an original soundscape using your hydrophone recordings


Dive beneath the surface of the Brisbane River and discover a hidden world of sound in this hands-on workshop with Dr Leah Barclay

Dive beneath the surface of the Brisbane River and discover a hidden world of sound. In this hands-on workshop led by sound artist and researcher Dr Leah Barclay, participants will explore the art and science of underwater listening and create their own original soundscape composition.

Looking at the surface of a river, it is virtually impossible to detect environmental changes. Listening provides access to a non-invasive way of understanding these hidden aquatic worlds. This workshop explores the creative possibilities of listening underwater, using innovative technologies to bridge art and science. You'll experiment with listening techniques, discover how aquatic soundscapes can be transformed into immersive sonic environments, and learn how artists and scientists are using ecoacoustics to monitor ecosystem health and inspire ecological awareness.

Drawing on Dr Leah Barclay's 15 years of experience recording marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide, you'll gain practical skills in underwater recording technology and discover how sound can reveal what the eye cannot see.

In this workshop you will:

  • Learn about hydrophones and underwater recording technology
  • Explore the creative possibilities of listening underwater
  • Discover innovative uses of creative technologies to explore the art and science of sound
  • Record the sounds beneath the surface of the Brisbane River
  • Produce an original soundscape using your hydrophone recordings


BEFORE YOU BOOK

Participants must be over 16 years of age.

Please read through our Getting Started at The Edge page which includes terms of use. You’ll find answers to age restrictions, what to bring, what to do if you’re running late, refunds and more.

Please become a State Library member before you arrive. If you already have a State Library member account, make sure you know your login details as you may be required to login during the workshop to access State Library computers, and to make bookings for equipment.

Please contact us if you need support to participate in this event and consult State Library of Queensland's conditions of entry before making your booking.

To find out more about what else is on offer, read up on The Edge and our make and design space. You can also subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.

Good to know

Highlights

  • In-person

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before the event

Location

Digital Media Lab, The Edge

State Library of Queensland

Stanley Place South Brisbane, QLD 4101

How would you like to get there?

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State Library of Queensland
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