Learning Journal (WEEK 4 - AUM162)

DATA

1. Creating a work schedule calendar

2. AUM162.1 Project

3. EarMaster

4. David Foster

Reflection

1. Creating a work schedule calendar.

I usually create my workflow from a whiteboard, which I have hanging on the study room wall. It’s very basic and it just outlines when projects have to be submitted for assessment on a weekly guideline. I have to admit it’s not an hour by hour regimented disciplined approach compared to the modern digital calendar approach, which you can create on your computer or smartphone apps. I still get the work done the best that I can, mainly because I couldn’t suffer the shame of having to repeat a module, let alone anything I do. So, I thought what would my old school approach look like on a digital whiteboard calendar. I was pretty amazed by the outcome. The digital calendar gave me an insight into how I can manage and tweak the daily scheduling on a professional and personal time management schedule.

Old School.

New School.

I’m not quite sure how the new school calendar will work, but it’s a start and I’m sure it will be changed as it’s all a balancing act between modules and assessment schedule. I’m sure I will be making adjustments to the planner as I go along.

2. Project AUM162.1

With project AUM162.1, I wanted to blend Rock, Texas Blues, and modern Country genres into a musical journey. Using different pieces of the songs Under Pressure bass guitar work by Queen and Gimme All Your Lovin’ drum rhythm by ZZ Top as the main rhythm influence for the verses. I then created a keyboard rhythm riff that was complimented with a simple single melody line on another midi track, and I used the midi plug-in Xpand!2 distorted guitar sound to give it a rock vibe feel about it.

For the Chorus, I choose a modern country melody that would sound great with strings and an organ keyboard sound. In the third part of the equation, I used the melody from country duo, Big & Rich, and their song California. I altered the midi drum track of Gimme All Your Lovin’ by ZZ Top so it would feel right for the country song feel. I added bass work and an organ sound and also changed the melody key from A major to D major so when it modulated from E minor to D major it had a sense of resolving to the D chord. It also gave me a chance to experiment with strings and creating some lush harmonies. I find this midi world damn exciting and will be continuing to do more research on how to improve my newfound passion for digital midi excellences.

Video

The AUM162.1 project song still needs to be mixed. I’ve spent some time researching different approaches towards the Pro Tools midi DAW. As yet it hasn’t been exactly what I’m after, so I just keep on searching for the holy grail of midi info on YouTube.

One of the videos I viewed below

3. EarMaster

I’ve been working towards getting this exercise finish as soon as I can. I’m up to module 19 and have found some of the exercises pretty challenging. EarMaster has been great to do and you find out which areas aren’t your strong spots. Once I have finished the EarMaster modules, it would be a good idea for me to keep training my aural skills. I can see it’s going to be an ongoing journey.

4. David Foster

I found a documentary on David Foster on Netflix last week. I’ve heard of the bands and artists he has produced, but I never worried about finding out who produced and engineered the artists' records. This documentary was really good, and I was surprised by just how much reflection and self-analysis he shared about his professional and his personal life. Great viewing.

References

AIR Music Tech. (2014, September 25). AIR Music Technology Xpand!2 Overview and Walkthrough ... Retrieved July 11, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9tJRSCk60

IONCINEMA. (2019, July 31). David Foster: Off The Record - Official Trailer (2019 ... Retrieved July 11, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O46buPOI5KU