Research project

Another dissertation works Music in context-four case studies.
 http://igitur-archive.library.uu.nl/dissertations/2008-0617-200411/randwijck.pdf

Research project

I have found another link.Hoewer, it so technical that it is not really helpfull for my purposes.

The online Journal of the society for music music theory
http://www.mtosmt.org/issues/mto.04.10.3/mto.04.10.3.callender.pdf

Vivladi concert in Cannongate Church

Amazing concert...

Research project

another very useful link comparing two dances ,,Chaccone and Pasacaglia,,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/31011273/Sarabande-and-Chaconne

Research project

I have found extremely usefull article today. It is disertation work,,Bach-Busoni A piano Transcription Analysis,, by Marina Fabricant University of Nebraska-Linkoln.

Dead Can Dance concert in London

amazing concert and very special night. I can not believe it was their last performance......

practising

still working on my El Decameron Negro mov.2

Lessons with Simon during summer

Had extremely valueable lesson with Simon Thacker. I choose piece called El Decameron Negro by Leo Brouwer. Well, trechnical demandig piece but I do like challenge:)

Jenni's concert

Amazing Graduation recital by Jenny Clifford .Her technical ability is more then astonishing.

Research project

Well I have started doing my research project. I choose well know master piece Chaccone by J.S.Bach.

 

I have watched:

• Zhakar Bron Master class violin

• Jascha Heifetz Master class violin

• Andre Segovia Master class classical guitar

 

Master classes conducted by well know performers gave me a different points of view on the piece

 

I have read:

• Abel Calvarelo guitar master class-  a book explaining technical aspect

• Bach’s Chaccone in D minor- How Analysis Reveals Music Beyond the Notes –analysis of Chaccone

• Dance and the music J.S.Bach by Natalie Jenne

• Bach’s works for solo violin, style, structure, performance by Joel Lester – a book considering all aspects of Bach’ works. However, some pages are not shown especially Chaccone part.

• Harvard dictionary- an extract comparing chaconne and passacaglia

• Performance practise of Chaccone by Carmelo de los Santo – excellent dissertation work. I have found there so many useful information.

 

about my composition no.2

Sarabande

About the piece

 Sarabande, as its name suggests, is a slow piece written in triple meter. The piece is composed for classical guitar and flute where the melody, played by flute, is accompanied by classical guitar. This combination of two instruments is intended to evoke a traditional atmosphere of the Renaissance period. As a result, my intention was to approximate a real work from that period as closely as possible.

Structure

The whole composition is divided into sections. The main motif is introduced in the first two sections and developed in another two sections. Although the main motif is repeated in the middle part of the piece, the conception of the theme was considerably expanded and varied.

Harmony

The harmony played by Classical guitar is based in chord progression in the key of E minor. Although the piece is composed in E- minor I have chosen different a chord progression than is usual (E minor, A major, C major and B major chords). This combination of chords allowed me to compose the harmony that evokes a former period.

Melody

 The melody pattern, consists of a three-note motif, is repeated throughout the first section. In the middle part of the piece the main motif expanded and varied in different way in order to make it more attractive for audience. The melody is combined with scales in E minor key signature.

Rhythm

The whole composition is written in triple meter.  At the beginning the tempo is slow and steady while in the middle part of the piece the tempo is slightly increased. In the last section the tempo returns to the first mood.

Influence

Among composers who had influenced on my composition were George Frederic Handel (Sarabande), Phillip Glass (The poets of arts) and Ludovico Alonso Mudarra (Fantasia x)

about my composition no.1

Saudade para o musgo

About

As the title suggest ‘’Saudade’’ is a sad piece with deep emotional spirit. My intention was to compose a piece that evokes emotional longing for places that have not be discovered yet.

Rhythm, tempo and mood

The whole composition is alternating between slow and fast rhythmical variations. The slow tempo gives the composition profound emotional atmosphere whereas the fast tempo gives the composition a slightly brighter feeling.

Scale

The A harmonic minor scale was used in my composition. The reason I have chosen the’’exotic scale’’ is that the sound of the scale portrays mysterious mood and a kind of ‘’far away feeling’’.

Melody

The melody is based on tones of A harmonic minor scale. The main motif consists of six notes (B, A, G sharp, F, E, D), which provide the foundation of the piece. In the centre of the piece the melody becomes more improvised.

Harmony

The harmony is based on chord progression the key of A harmonic minor.  I decided on chord progression I-IV-V. Consequently, the A minor, D minor and E minor were used. Moreover, the natural harmonics, which are on the beginning of the piece, were used to emphasise a spiritual feelings.

Technique

The tremolo technique was chosen for the piece. This effect combined with main motif allows the piece to emphasise the spirit of a ‘’calling from away’’. I used natural harmonics to evoke melancholic mood. In addition, I adopted very a unusual strumming technique where the strings are lightly polishing by flash of the fingers. This effect is intended to evoke kind of dream atmosphere.

Influence

Among composers who have had an impact on my composition are Czech under-rated guitarist and composer Stepan Rak  (Czech Fairy Tale) and Brazilian guitarist and pianist Egberto Gismonti (Aqua e Vinho).

Music in the dark

I went to visit a concert ‘’music in the dark’’ arranged by Tommy. As the title suggests, we listened to music in the dark. Although compositions were composed by students from Stevenson College, some of them were truly superb. Honestly, I did not expect such a high level of compositions. In my view, listening to music in the dark was simply amazing experience. Darkness enhanced something deeply rooted inside me while I listened to music. I felt like my soul was lifted up. I believe that if you close your eyes, suddenly yours other senses become more sensitive. Consequently, music becomes much more interesting as well as colourful.

Assignment no.3 Opportunity

Opportunities for an independent musician through the internet

 Nowadays, the Internet has become the most powerful tool which helps independent musicians to promote their music. For instance, some time ago there were not many opportunities for independent musicians or bands to get their music published, the only way was to sign a contract with a record label. However, everything has changed by using the Internet and its tools including Social Networking, video streaming, websites and Internet radio. These technologies can assist independent musicians to spread their music around the world. Although the Internet has an enormous potential to create a large audience and promotion opportunities, it can also have a negative impact on their music including copyright issues and music theft. Not only does the Internet help less famous artists to expose their music to the public, it can also have significant impact on their future careers as musicians.

Social networking

One of the best options to promote your music, audio files or video files around the world is throughout social networks such as Soundcloud, Twitter or Facebook.

 These sites enable us to upload, share and promote our music as well as download music. There are lots of benefits of using sites such as Soundcloud. For instance, sharing tracks on it and interacting with others users will allow you to distribute your music to a large audience which can increase your popularity. Moreover, the low cost of using social networks to promote music makes it very attractive for users.

 Although, benefits outweigh disadvantages the updating of social network accounts takes time and effort. Additionally, one of the main concerns for musicians is that their music is provided mostly for free thereby they are not being paid for their music.

Internet radio

 Another way to spread your music, if you do not have the support of record company, is internet radio.

 Now the internet radio stations offer independent artists an opportunity to promote their music throughout the radio stations. Even some of the stations have been especially created for new artists. Consequently, the audio files can be easily uploaded directly on to their websites.

 The main advantage of it is that there is no need to hire a promotion person or company to release a new song or piece.  Additionally, internet radio stations are closely connected with digital retail such as iTunes or Amazon which provides a features such as ‘’buy online’’ button and therefore their music can be sold.

 I do not consider real disadvantage to this method of promotion.

Video-sharing web site

 sites which allow the upload of videos and recordings for public viewing. For instance, websites such as YouTube offer an enormous opportunity for independent musicians and bands to go public. Among the main benefits of using YouTube is its ability to broadcast to a large audience. Moreover, YouTube has created many internet celebrities which have led to their fame beyond of the internet.

 On the other hand, the negative feedback of subscribers can have a negative impact on an artist’s creativity.

Bibliography:

Music opportunities

 http://www.newmuz.com/

YouTube

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube

Soundcloud

http://soundcloud.com/

 

Social networking and Arts Organisations by Baron Johnson

(Consideration of how Art organisation can use web based social networking services to reach out to and build audiences)

Career in music

http://www.careersinmusic.co.uk/how-to-become-a-successful-independent-artist-or-songwriter/

Apendix

All these web pages are extremely beneficial regarding to information which are supplying. I was able to obtain all information which I  needed to finish my essays. Not only, does it provide adequate information in order to achieve my aims, but also helps to observe  opportunities for independent artists. In my view, the pdf book by Baron Johnson is amazingly informative. I do not consider that my material needs further consideration as I apllied appropriate methologies to reseach informations.

Assignment no.1 - Political influence

 

The Rage against the machine

The hard rock/ hip-hop band, The Rage against the machine, which consists of four members, was one of the most influential band in 90’s who based their music on left wing political beliefs. The significant impact on their creativity was injustice and unfairness in the world. Dissatisfaction with the political situation at home as well as abroad, especially against capitalism, led to the most famous protest songs ever. Their lyrics, which are based on criticism, demonstrate how the system is corrupted as well as how inequality exists among people. Not only do they highlight the crimes of political regimes including capitalism, they also point out infringement of human rights. These burning issues had a noticeable result on their music production.

 The wide range of crimes committed by unfair political system was one of the main conceptions for the song ‘’Voice of voiceless’’. The song was based on the story of Mumia Abu Jamal who was imprisoned and was given a life sentence, despite the lack of evidence, articulates the problem with racial prejudice and injustice in the American justice and police system. In fact, the band used their music to support Jamal to prove his innocence. Moreover, they highlighted how a police department can restrict human rights. Due to the police brutality and racism pointed out in this song, reached The Rage against the machine on the top of the music charts.

  Another point of dissatisfaction with the political system was splendidly expressed in their song called Guerrilla Radio. This song illustrates how some of the media can be shaped for political needs. The spotlight is on the American President George Bush who was thought to have cheated during his election. Furthermore, this song reflects negative political activities during the election and politicians’ unethical behaviour.

 In my view, the dishonest political legislation and constant disappointment in the system led to the establishment of political view which is furiously reflected in their songs. Due to criticism used in the lyrics and the highlighted of the burning issues, the band has become one of the most elevated rock band in the twentieth century.

Bibliography:

The Rage against the Machine

http://www.ratm.com/

The lyrics of RATM a study in radical criminology

http://www.albany.edu/scj/jcjpc/vol9is3/finley.html

Capitalism and its critics The Rage against the Machine

http://www.economist.com/node/21533400

The pretty incomplete RATM site

http://www.musicfanclubs.org/rage/

Apendix

All these web pages are extremely beneficial regarding to information which are supplying. I was able to obtain all information which I  needed to finish my essays. Not only, does it provide adequate information in order to achieve my aims, but also helps to observe how political issues can affect artist's creativity.  I found an article '' The lyrics of RATM a study in radical criminology'' very useful due to its in depth explanation. I do not consider that my material needs further consideration.

Assignement no. 5 Zoho project

Zoho project

 Nowadays, when hectic work schedule have become standard and workers around the world are forced to work more efficiently an online application such as Zoho can help us to achieve our goals. Zoho is online project management software especially developed to enables users and their team to be more organized. Not only, does it application allows user to create, share and plan your project more efficiently, it also enable them do this more quickly and effectively. Moreover, a new technology such as Zoho is without doubt the easiest way to share information between people separated by large distances.

 In my view, one of the main benefits of using Zoho is that this application enables you to collaborate and communicate with others members or users of a team more effectively than before. For instance, documents, spreadsheets or presentations can be shared with all members of a group by entering their e-mail addresses and inviting them to collaborate. Consequently, this avoids sending separate invitation e-mails to individual members, which would be more inconvenient for us.

 Furthermore, Zoho features allow members to have online meetings or conferences with your colleagues. Thereby, there is no need to travel long distances, especially if you work with peoples around the world, just to attend a meeting. Additionally, this online meeting saves travel time as well as expenses. It would have been more time consuming for us to attend a individual meetings, if we had not used Zoho.

On the other hand, face-to-face meetings allow participants to developed a strong social relationship as well as trust, which are sometimes not possible with to online meetings.

 Another advantage of using Zoho is its project planner and task tool. Not only, does it help members to keep project schedules, it also allows users to be well organized with a daily to-do task features. Therefore, we would not have been able to organize our tasks well if we had not have been using this tool.

One of the negative aspects of using Zoho is that it is takes time to learn it. For instance, not everyone is familiar with new technology such as this online program management. Older people may have difficulties with learning new software. Therefore, for certain people it may not be appropriate. In addition, we would not have been able to do it without an particular training.

 A further feedback is that if a meeting requires making a difficult decision or brainstorming the face-to-face meeting could be the best solution.  

 To sum it up, I would argue that using the online project management tool Zoho offers more advantages then disadvantages. For instance, to arrange meeting for five members you would have to do more x-numerous telephone calls and e-mails which would be inconvenient. Moreover, to attend a meeting especially over long distance is more time consuming for all participants. On the other hand, in particular projects or meetings a mixed of both face-to-face and online meeting would be more suitable.

Bibliography:

Zoho
http://www.zoho.com/crm/
Advantages of using Zoho
http://www.scribd.com/doc/74330492/7/ADVANTAGES-OF-USING-ZOHO-SHARE
Disadvantages of using Zoho
http://ww2.nscc.edu/lyle_l/accessibility2011/HTML%20Example/web_data/file10.htm
Project management tool Zoho
http://techblog.aasisvinayak.com/project-management-tools-manymoon-or-zoho/

Apendix

All these web pages are extremely beneficial regarding to information which are supplying. I was able to obtain all informations which I needed to finish my essays. Not only, does it provide adequate information in order to achieve my aims, but it also help expand my skills to operate in the online management project tool Zoho.  I do not consider that my material needs further consideration.

Assignement no.2 Copyrights issue

Legal consideration

 Nowadays, the Internet offers access to an enormous amount of information including digital music, books, videos, pictures and other material. However, this digital content has a different degree of copyright protection. Although, copyrights law applies to almost all materials on the web, the Internet is described as the largest threat to copyright. Therefore, there are few points that need to be considered before we decide to upload material onto our web site.  One of the biggest issues is what can be uploaded onto our blog or web site without breaking copyrights law.

 Although posting digital materials are essential to make your blog or web site more attractive for readers, it is not allowed, under any circumstances, to upload any content without the owner’s or copyright permission. Otherwise, it would lead to copyright infringement. However, there are legal methods that can be used to upload or share copyright material. For instance, the safest way is to obtain the permission of owner. This, guarantees complete immunity from prosecution.

 Another way to legally obtain any copyright materials is from a public domain sites (web sites where the works are available to public or are free for commercial redestribution). Moreover, some web sites offer free accounts where content can be freely shared, uploaded and downloaded with owner’s permission.

 Finally, Royalty-free material (right to use any digital material protected by without paying royalties) can be used. Therefore, if any material is needed for our sites I would definitely chose one of these legal methods.

 Political legislation against illegal infringement of copyrights has been matter of concern for over decades. Although copyrights legislation protects the entire music industry including artists and songwriters, it has had no or little impact on the illegal production of music via Internet. A new technology that allows file sharing or downloading has rapidly changed the model of the music production.  Files distribution throughout social sites or websites is rising every year and it is unstoppable. AS a result, some musicians and labels have had to close due to the fact that their music can be illegally shared or copyrights legislation does not protect them properly.

To sum it up, political legislation has no influence on the production of music. Consequently, copyright legislation has largely failed.

Bibliography:

General guide on copyright

http://www.ict4lt.org/en/en_copyright.htm

Copyright free music

http://www.copyrightfreemusic.org/

Copyright service

http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/copyright/

Apendix

All these web pages are extremely beneficial regarding to information which are supplying. I was able to obtain all information which I needed to finish my essays. Not only, does it provide adequate information in order to achieve my aims, but it also help me to learn about copyrights law and legislation. The  I do not consider that my material needs further consideration.

 

Assignment 2 improvisation

1. What are your current strengths and weaknesses in improvisation?

 Although, my improvisation skills have been improved a lot since I have started, several problems still occur.

• My weakness
 For instance, among my biggest weakness belongs the timing and rhythm. Therefore, I have started to practise more with a metronome as well as undertaking rhythmic exercise called ,,Konnokol’’. Another issue is to unability to identify musical tones by my ear. I have tried to sing along the scales so hopefully it will help to improve my oral skills as well as hearing.
• My strength
  In my view, I am able to define what scale needs to be added to relevant chords. Additionally, I have built up a little bit of confidence in improvisation class. Consequently, my performance has become slightly improved .

2. What have you done to improve your skills since the course started?

• I have memorized some of pentatonic scales and modes which were played in our class.
• I have tried to improvise with backing tracks
• I have listened to jazz music besides other genders, where improvisation can be found, in order to get inspiration
• I have read articles about improvisation techniques and tips

3. What are you going to do improve your skills between now and the next performance block?

I will:
• keep learning  new scales
• improvise with backing tracks ( different genders)
• listen to relevant music
• read more about improvisation techniques

4. Name and briefly discuss three pieces of improvisatory music which you have studied

 I did not play a particular piece. However, I practiced along with backing tracks in different keys. I always followed the instruction or tips by subscribers. It helps me a lot to get into improvisation.

Enclosing backing tracks:

B minor blues track- I have tried to apply B minor pentatonic scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJbS-vl-PCk&feature=related
Smooth jazz Groove in E-minor- I have played E dorian mode and E pentatonic scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSJEdSWYLcM&feature=related
Latin Bossa Nova- playing F major over this backing track, led to my satisfication
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fedUlkdzSI&feature=related
Slow blues in C- I have tried to apply C mixolydian scale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PzyEtQypYA&feature=related
and many more

Improvisation

Hi there, the improvisation lesson went well today. It was self-directed lesson and therefore we could play whatever we wanted. Due to having less experienced musicians in our group than usual, we decided to play a simple chord progression based on C maj7 and F chords. Eventually, each of us had the change to play a solo.

Lesson with Simon Thacker

Hi there, as a last time I played piece called Liebeslied. Simon was not satified with my phrazing as well as voicing melody. According to him I did not shape the melody properly. I agree ,I felt the same. My performance as well as the melody has to be expressed more, with more emotions.

a group performance

Hi there, today we performed the composition by James Hill. The most exciting was that we did not use standard music notation as we know it but we used a graphic score. Let me to describe what a graphic score is. Basically it is another way which composer can compose music without using standard music notation. The advantages of using graphic score is that performer is not limited by any of music notation such as time signature, bar lines or rhythm. Therefore I could easily experimenting as well as explore my instrument.I found only one disadvantage. I was placed between saxophonists, violinists and their instruments are far louder than a classical guitar consequently I did not hear my guitar properly. Anyway, a great experience...

improvisation class

Hi there, today we played a piece composed by one of my classmates. This one was more sofisticated than his previous one.

quartet rehearsal

Hi there, today we played piece called Romanso by Torroba. In my view, we are able to perform this piece in high level. However, we need to add more dynamics as well as tone colors to make a piece perfect.

Lesson with Simon Thacker+extra hour

Hi there, another two hours went extremely well today. If you want to be good at playing Spanish folk music or flamenco you should know the Rasquado technique. Rasquoado technique is method of strumming the strings of the guitar. Honestly, I have always thought that my Rasquoado technique is fine. However,Simon told me that my strokes are not accurate enough. And therefore, he showed me another way to improve and develop my technique. Thank you Simon you are awesomeeeeee

Improvisation class

Hi there, as a last time, we played a piece composed by Jason. His composition is based on chords taken from song Take A train.

quartet rehealsal

Hi there, finally after long time I was satisfied with our rehearsal. We managed to perform as one person which was great achievement for today.

recording technique practising

Hi there, well, I did not pass my first exam thereby my next exam have been re set for tomorrow. I decided to reserve a studio for practising. Although, I set up everything properly, I was not able to get signal in to the computer. I tried almost everything to solve the problem. However, nothing worked. I was so desperate that I had to ask Dot for help. Problem was that two software were mixed together consequently computer was confused. Not lucky day...

Lesson with Simon Thacker+extra hours

Hi there, another two hours with great Simon went well. It is unbelievable how those two hours passed so quickly. In my view, we made ​​a lot of work today. For instance: Nails shape+how to produce the best tone Rhytmical excercises (introduction ,,Konokol'') Rasquado secret Tremolo ( speed burst + metronome excercises) Johhan Kaspar Mertz Liebeslied Problems: bring up melody line (one of the most important requirements for this kind of piece is to separate melody form harmony. By that I mean,melody has to be played louder than harmony. This can by achieved by technique called voicing. tone quality (pure sweet tones are required for this piece) volume ( Simon always wants me to play louder)

Edinburgh Society of Musicians- concert tonight

Hi there, well, I have been invited on students concert which was organised by Simon Thacker. What disappointing, when I did not find a place where the concert was. Honestly, I was looking forward to seeing other students from university. What shame.........