Strengths
Live Performance –
Live performance has been my main focus on this course over the past two years. I have input a lot of my time into practicing on both keyboard and saxophone. I have therefore reached a level of skill that is relatively high and these skills would be something that I would be stupid to overlook in my final project.
Theoretical Knowledge –
Through learning about and studying jazz, my theoretical knowledge has continued to develop over the past two years and has included more advanced topics such as extended harmony and different chord inversions as well as harmonic progressions.
Collaboration –
Over the past couple of years, I have collaborated with a range of musicians to perform a range of styles including, funk, soul , pop and jazz. I always enjoy working with different people on new and exciting projects as collaborating motivates me to explore music in much more detail and challenges me in different ways.
Musical Arrangement –
When we played at Birmingham ICC, I was the one responsible for arranging the music which was a role that I really enjoyed. As I play saxophone as well as piano, I understand transposition and how different instruments work with one another.
Band Management –
During the Birmingham ICC side project, I was also responsible for organising the band which included managing individuals as well as making sure that we were ready and getting things such as equipment lists sorted.
Weaknesses –
Using Technology –
Unfortunately, the use of technology in music is one of my major weak spots. I am okay with areas such as live sound, however with production, mixing and mastering I have a very limited knowledge and therefore would struggle to undertake a project based around these areas.
Workload –
I often find myself taking on much more work than is needed which can often stress me out to a large extent. This can sometimes lead to more disadvantages than benefits as it can effect my focus.
Conclusion
Overall judging from my strengths and weaknesses that I have listed above, I think that I should look at doing a project that is based around performance and arrangement. I will look to collaborate with a range of musicians in order to create a setlist in a mixture of styles to be performed at an external venue to college. I believe that a project like this will allow me to create music to my full potential and will get the best out of me as an individual.