Theft Prevention

This week we discussed a variety of theft prevention techniques. While I have never personally been robbed of any particular piece of equipment I did identify with the message of the lecture. Most equipment I currently own outside of software is highly out dated however, does hold a great deal of sentimental value to me. I do plan on acquiring my own facility upon graduation and will definitely take the following steps:

1. Get insurance

2. Think like a crook

3. Don' t Display music equipment

4. Buy 2 sets of all equipment

5. Don't let strangers in

6. Avoid leaving equipment unattended

Continued Preparation

This week we continued practicing classmates charts, and discussing ways to improve them (which caused me to alter my chart a little more). Unfortunately, we did not listen to any new songs however, in my masters class this week I was still able to get my new music fix. As the the class progresses as a whole, I have noticed that the sound produced by the mass becomes more and more cohesive, which is interesting because most of time its a different group each week.

In lab this week, our group began showing major improvements also, as oppose to our first couple weeks rehearsing when we'd struggle to get through a portion of our set. Now, we are blowing through the entire set a good 3 or 4 times before practice culminates. To aid in personal practice (for practice) I had the band play each songs instrumental so that I could practice to the music and better establish my pocket within the grove below is a brief excerpt from practice.

In class this week we practiced performing a piece that few people had seen, and tried to efficiently learn and rehearse the score, then at the end we listened back between takes. I find that the various music courses that I've been taking the last couple semesters are all starting to making sense through this one course. Lessons on practice and organizing rehearsal (MPA 408), 2 track recordings (MPA 308), Reading Music (MPA 100 & 101), and performing (MPA 440).

We also took a look at a couple songs by Peter Gabrial... included above are my notes for this week.

Included below is a brief excerpt from rehearsal

Live Rehearsals d

In class this week we discussed two very important aspect of productive production practices.
We discussed 7 critical elements in musical evaluations (included in notes) and 5 essential rehearsal techniques (also included in notes). On the practice front we continued rehearsing our songs (included is short video of the practice).

Week 3 Rehearsal

This week we continued to practice our compositions. Fortunately I recorded clips from last weeks practice as a reference for the band, because unfortunately it appears that I wrote my sibales chart completely wrong, and the tune sounded 180 degrees different from last weeks rehearsal. Despite my feelings on my personal song i do feel confident that at least 3 out of the 5 songs that we have as group are extremely prepared. (I plan to upload footage from our last rehearsal)

In lab this week I took another try at composing a chart, this time using sibales program. After spending about an hour working and getting help from a fellow student, trajedy struck as I failed to save any of my work throughout the process ended up losing all of my progress. After starting over I found multiple shortcuts that helped speed up my progress. I also ran into an issue with spacing. The charts would not allow for me to do more than two bars per row, so my chart ended up being about 11 pages long. (which is probably unrealistic to read and play at the same time.)

Looking forward to next week...

Week 2 Writing Charts

This week we discussed the proper way to compose charts along with various rehearsal tips. Although, I often compose music at home i rarely create chords charts.
Included are my various stages in my chart progression:




The professor gave this input in class...







after getting the professor input I improved it to...




Then after having rehearsal my group and i improved the chart to (drum section):

A Lesson In Performing (Week 1)

This week we began class by forming new groups for which we will compose, record and perform songs with. In my group, we happen to be placed pretty evenly with one drummer/pianist, 2 guitarist/vocalist, a bass player and an emcee. After class we arranged for our first rehearsal which became an event in itself, trying synchronize five individuals schedule although we eventual came up with a mutually acceptable time.

In our rehearsal we organized two arrangements both which seem to have great potential. Hopefully, after a couple more sessions we can iron the kinks and turn them into masterpieces. I've learned through rehearsals here and with other live band practices it is an entirely different monster then writing songs in the hip hop arena. To help facilitate the process I had each performer give me a 2 track version of the songs (ideas) so that I could be a little more involved in the process at the next meeting.

For my personal composition I've got a song that I have been tossing around for a little while but never really felt that i had the chops to perform it. However, after hearing on of the other members of the group belt it out I feel that it has the potential be great. Although, I've got the format the song ready my chart has yet to be realized hopefully I can bring to realization before class...