This project is heavily based on composition both as a group and individually using Ableton and Logic. Songwriting, the group project, is focused on working as a band to write new music using theory lessons as to understand how to develop musical ideas. The second composition is created on Ableton and is focused on electronic music and learning the software itself. Lastly, we use Logic to create game music to a specific 30 second scene in Undertale in 8-bit. This software allows digital audio to be edited and adjusted to the desired retro sound.
As it’s key to understanding how to compose, theory lessons will be documented and expanded upon at home to show understanding. All band rehearsals and ideas will be recorded, as will updates in Ableton and Logic through screenshots, audio files and any other relevant method.
Reviewing project one, there are multiple ways in which I can improve my documentation and skills. To start with, I could organise a project schedule to show when I plan to / have looked into the context of a certain topic to show consistency. To develop my practical skills, I will continue expanding my knowledge on instrument specific theory, effectively unlocking the fretboard. I can also research and develop my vocal skills by asking for lessons or organising a practice routine. For research, I need to document information from a wider range of sources, such as reliable websites, library books and articles. I could experiment with different methods of evaluating work by trying audio or video formats rather than exclusively text, allowing demonstration of what I could improve on and a free flow of thought.
I think I was harsh on myself in my self assessment as I felt I deserved a satisfactory in context and good in everything else, but I received an excellent grade in everything besides practical skills. This is likely due to a perfectionist and pessimistic view altering how I see my own work.
The Purpose Of Music Creation
Some bands write music because they’re passionate about other subjects. An example of this is Sabaton and their thematic and educational songs on history. On their official facts page, they state ” It’s highly probable that the academic ambience of the school rubbed off on us because some time later, we began writing songs about our biggest passion – history!”
Others write for self expression and conveying a message, like Lovejoy. Most of Lovejoy’s lyrics center around loss, failed romance, and politics. Despite some topics being gloomy, they present them with passion and the tonality of their songs is generally major.
Throughout history, music has always been linked with religion in some way. Some examples would be music at weddings and funerals, typically performed on a piano, organ or sung vocally as a choir. In general music is meant to alter how we feel in certain situations. It can be used for comfort at events like funerals, add more emotional value to events like weddings and associate certain sounds with happy memories.
Personally, I currently write music as a hobby for fun and to convey emotions when I use it as an emotional outlet. To me, it’s important I keep writing music for my own wellbeing and to share what I feel with friends.