Final Post

Wise is a great class.  I have to admit there were times during the first semester where I would get frustrated or discouraged, but that was just because I wanted to get to my independent project.  I thank this course for giving me the opportunity to go after my passion.  Without this course I probably never would have gotten my home studio set up.  I may have not even pushed myself to get to know JP, which I did through looking for someone from the community to interview.  He has taught me a lot of valuable information about recording and all the processes it contains.  Now when I hear a song I think of all the different elements that artist chose and I seem to appreciate the smaller little quirks a lot more.  Overall I am very happy I took this class as I got the chance to try something I hadn't gotten the opportunity or may never have gotten the opportunity to do.  This class really helped me learn more about myself and the people in my community, whether it be my classmates or any musical groups, and I suggest this course to all incoming seniors!

Almost there

Last night I finished my project as far as the musical aspect is concerned.  It feels relieving to have my project done.  We completed the four songs in the studio and I just finished up my song at home.  Now I just need to complete all my other materials and I will be nearing a finish!

This week 6/9

I just had my last mentor meeting today discussing the regular topics my plans for finishing up my project.  Thursday JP and I will take a couple of hours to finalize the two songs we have left.  After that I just have the one I am solely working on.  I was hoping to have done that already however I haven't had much free time.  Over the weekend I will then work on my narrative and cleaning up my bibliography which is due next monday.

Recording session 6/4

I had a two-hour studio session last night in which I arranged my last song with JP. After arranging we had to fix up a lot of the the parts. Originally we forgot to quantize the bass part in the verse so it was sounding a little iffy until we fixed it. We added more percussion elements to the last one minute or so to complete more of a build. The last chorus we also added some strings and a crash leading into the chorus. There are still a few things to fix so I'll have my last recording session next week to finish up.

Presentation Ideas

I've been thinking a lot about my presentation since I saw April's this Monday.  It made me realize how much content I would need to prepare. So to get ready I've been brainstorming some ideas for the format of my presentation. I want to be able to show how my creative process has been working. Sometimes I begin writing some on the acoustic piano upstairs or the electric guitar and then I add more instruments with my keyboard. In order to do this I was thinking of maybe incorporating a small clip of this process and some pictures of my equipment and space, to give the audience a better idea of what I've been working on and how I've been going about it.  

Goals for the next week

By the end of this week I would like to have all of my songs arranged.  This may not happen however but it is a good goal to have. If I can do this then I will have a full week of preparing my materials that are due on the 15th as my presentation is on the 22nd. I will then also be able to discuss ideas with Wayne as well as my parents.  I'm hoping to include a short video perhaps of taking the process step by step from recording basic progression to layering, editing, and mixing as I think it is an area that is not otherwise very visible. If I follow this plan I think the rest of the way will be pretty laid out and managed.

5/28 Update

I had my mentor meeting today, the first in a couple weeks.  I was able to catch him up on my progress so far in home recording and work in the studio.  I also specified to him a bit on when the final presentation was and what his role was as he was uncertain.  I am planning to share one of my songs on google drive later tonight.  On another note, JP unfortunately had to cancel our meeting today last minute as something came up, as of what I am unsure.  Hopefully I can put our final song together next week so that I won't have to worry as the deadlines approach.