Raymond Murray Schafer

Raymond Murray Schafer was a Canadian composer, educator, and soundscape researcher known for studying the relationship between people and their acoustic environment. He introduced the concept of the “soundscape,” which refers to the sounds that characteristically surround a place, including nature, human activity, and urban noise. Schafer emphasized the importance of understanding and designing our sound environments to improve well-being and quality of life. His work bridged music, environmental awareness, and urban planning, encouraging communities to listen more attentively and create healthier, more pleasant auditory spaces.