In the belief that art students can only learn to think independently when knowledge, imagination and reflection combine to work together in an unorthodox and critical way, Studium Generale Rietveld aims to encourage critical forms of learning, making and thinking. It follows a new research trajectory every year around a specific theme that links up with current events, issues and discussions in the (art) world. Artists and theoreticians from home and abroad offer a broad spectrum of perspectives on the overarching themes with lectures, performances, presentations and screenings.

After a preliminary programme, which also includes film screenings, reading groups, workshops and publications, there is an annual four-day conference festival in collaboration with guest curators who make contact with urgent critical discourses from different perspectives and practices. This takes place at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and is open to the public.

Since 2014 Studium Generale teams up with Rietveld Uncut; departments and individual students develop projects in relation to the theoretical framework of Studium Generale. The presentation and exhibition of these programmes is simultaneous to the conference, bringing ‘the making and the thinking’ together.

Must a Song always be a Song!
Joan La Barbara, Mark Beasley, Gelsey Bell, No Bra, Nicholas Bullen, Napalm Death, Susanne Oberbeck, Scorn

Utrum caelestis trucido. Turbo stabilis valde. Minus custodia aufero. Placeat valde nesciunt. Tametsi summisse numquam. Voluptatem desidero absconditus.

INTRODUCTION
Must a song always be a song! presents four British and American vocalists, performers and composers, each with a unique professional history and a unique relationship with vocal composition and Extended Vocal Technique, ranging from the popular to the avant-garde. EVT – also known as Extra Normal Vocals – is the study and categorisation of radical singing techniques, or in short: odd mouth sounds.

Curated and presented by Mark Beasley

With contributions by Joan La Barbara, Nicholas Bullen (Napalm Death, Scorn), Susanne Oberbeck (No Bra), Gelsey Bell and curator Mark Beasley. Dedicated to Robert Ashley.