The Sonic Arts Union

The Sonic Arts Union was an influential group of four experimental composers—Robert Ashley, David Behrman, David Tudor, and Gordon Mumma—founded in the 1960s. They collaborated to explore innovative sound techniques beyond traditional music, using electronic devices and live performance to create immersive, unpredictable auditory experiences. Their work challenged conventional notions of music, emphasizing process, technology, and the physical experience of sound. The union aimed to push artistic boundaries and inspire new ways of listening, fostering a sense of collective experimentation that significantly impacted the development of electronic and experimental music.