Last year, I learned a lot of things about music that I didn’t know before. For example how to use Logic Pro X and write music of my own. However, I excelled more at the performance aspect of the course. Although I will not disregard the live sound part of project one that required me to learn how to operate a sound desk. I believe this was a surprising strong suit of mine and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Over the Covid-19 lockdown I have been busy practising guitar, piano and vocals in many ways as well as learning a new instrument; the ukulele. I first decided to learn ukulele after discovering Elise Ecklund on Youtube. She is a wonderful and funny influencer as well as an up and coming artist. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from her channel and music and feel as though I have learned a lot from watching her videos. This was tied in with a love of other artists such as Billie Eilish and Dodie, who often use this instrument in their music.
Another amazing opportunity that I took during this large break was teaching. After being in touch with David Carpenter from BCB Radio, who has supplied me with a condenser microphone for my new studio setup at home, I got in touch with two young girls who were wanting to learn more about how to improve their singing. I offered to put on a vocal workshop every Thursday for them over Zoom. We have all learned a lot from each other and have made great friends along the way. I have also been teaching my dad how to play guitar, as he received one as a present in July. He is progressing very well and has learned a few of his favourite songs. I have really enjoyed watching all of them pick up new skills and have fun in doing so.
I have not changed my taste in music too much but I did take the free time I was given as an opportunity to discover new artists and find a new appreciation for my old favourites. I spoke to a lot of friends and family who were willing to suggest new music to me as well as using my Spotify suggestions. This led me to fall in love with the likes of Pale Waves, Arctic Monkeys, All Time Low and Harry Styles to name a few. This has inspired me to learn all types of music to perform. My newest songs include; Wonderwall by Oasis, Animal Crossing New Horizons Theme, Wondering by Olivia Rodrigo and Julia Lester and Lollipop by Mika. Below are a few short videos of my progress (and my dad’s) on certain instruments throughout lockdown:
This year, I am determined to push myself. This means that I would prefer to specialise in composition and performing. This is because I aim to release my original music for the final project. I have been trying to practice the skill of songwriting during lockdown with the helpful guidance of David but I am struggling on my own. I hope that mixing with other musicians will help me to overcome this problem and help me to write better and more confidently than I have been doing over the past months. Then I will be able to create something that I am proud of and share that product.