My Music Practitioner Diary
Week:
Date:
How I prepared for the last composition session:
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
How I was successful in that session:
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1:
Target 2:
Target 3:
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because
Week: 2
Date: 6/9/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by practising counting stars at home before the lesson.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
Today I set out to play counting stars on the bass with the rest of the class.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful in the last session because i managed to play counting stars on the bass along with the rest of the class. I also learnt a quick way to work out major and minor chords on a keyboard, which will help me with my composition.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Click here to listen
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Go to a music club.
Target 2: Play the bass without changing tempo to fit with one person messing up and changing tempo because it makes me mess up as well.
Target 3: Try and use major and minor chords in some of my compositions, rather than edm chords or octaves chords.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because I need to perform to high standards and create variation and variety in my music.
Week: 3
Date: 20/9/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I didn't prepare for this composition session because I had no idea what we were going to be doing this week. It turned out that I was going to start using Logic, and because i have used garage band quite a lot at home, I have started learning how to use it quickly.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to learn how to use Logic and I have made a good start. I have learnt how to use the piano roll and how to add new instruments as well as vary the sound they make.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful because I learnt the basics of Logic(I still need a lot more practise though). I also started creating a basic song using a similar method to the one I have been using on FL studio at home.
Audio/Video recording(s) of today's session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Learn more about Logic. http://www.musictech.net/2016/03/logic-pro-x-the-beginners-guide/
Target 2: Work on the song i was making using the new stuff I learn.
Target 3: Work on playing reggae bass lines and practise playing on the second and forth beats rather than the 1st and 3rd.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because it will help me create more complex music and progress as a composer and performer.
Week: 4
Date: 27/9/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by trying to remember what I learnt about Logic the week before so that I could make more progress this week.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I decided to try and make an interesting, electronic, fun dance tune in my last session. I knew that there was no way I could start on a song because I only had just learnt the basics of Logic, and I only have an hour on Logic per week at the moment, so it would be hard for me to make progress because i would have to refresh my memory of Logic and the song I'm making.
How I was successful in that session:
I managed to create the tune that I wanted using a built in synth, drum machine, bass and vocal.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
N/A
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Create an intro with what I know of Logic.
Target 2: Practise reggae on bass guitar because i need to practise playing different genres to progress as a composer.
Target 3: Create some build-ups in FL studio at home that i can use in Logic in the next session.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me learn different genres and learn more about the DAW I will be using at school.
Week: 5
Date: 4/10/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
To prepare for the last composition session I messed around with different techniques for creating different styles of chords at home on FL studio. This helped me in the session because I could create different sounding melodies that gave the same chord progression a different sound.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
In my last composition session I set out to create an intro. I started working on it but ended up helping a group with there performing piece by playing the bass for them.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful in the last session becauseI made a start on my intro and helped another group to practise their song.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Work more on the intro
Target 2: Bring in some risers and other things i don't yet know how to make in Logic at home and bring them in.
Target 3: Create a nice drum beat to use after the intro.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because I need to learn how to create different parts of a song.
Week: 6
Date: 11/10/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
We weren't in school for our last composition session so I worked on my music at home. I prepared by working out some chords for a dubstep song I'm working on and finding a suitable synth to make the intro.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to start creating a dubstep song and managed to create some ideas with different drum beats and different risers leading up to a drop.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful because I managed to create the start of a dubstep song and am ready to continue working on it.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Work on finding more dubstep sound effects
Target 2: Create a drop
Target 3: Work on what I learned in my instrumental lesson.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me create different styles of music.
Week: 7
Date: 18/10/17
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to create a new song with different synths and sounds and not just a loop of the same stuff over and over.
How I was successful in that session:
I made good progress on the song I was creating, I have got about 32 bars of music that sound how I wanted them to in my head.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Continue with what I started
Target 2: Start work on a drop
Target 3: Practise what I was working on in by bass lesson.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because with out them the final task will not be complete.
Half Term
Date: 21/10/17
I am planning to create an EDM song called Drop Kick A Baby with my friend Stephen over these holidays. It will hopefully be a good song, with lyrics that flow. The idea is that a song is made, that sounds like a normal song, unless you listen to the lyrics, then you realise how strange the lyrics are.
End of Half Term
Date: 29/10/17
I have created the backing music to the song in FL studio. It starts off with a piano playing two chords over and over and there is going to be a spoken intro to the song in this section. The chords play throughout the rest of the song on different synths and volumes. They are E major and a variant of E that doesn't have a name(I combed the internet for the name of it but couldn't find it.) The notes are E Gm A. There is also a bass synth that plays through a lot of the song. It plays:
E E E E E E E G E E E E E E E G E E E E E E E G A A A A G G G D
until the drop where some notes are skipped and others played at double speed to make it sound more crazy and unorganised. The drums are quite simple and uses layers to make the beat change in different places. I also use a Hi-Hat playing very fast as a build up by making the volume raise from nothing to ful in the area i want the build up in.
Throughout most the song there is a piano playing the two E chords, but in the chorus it changes to a synth. This makes the chorus stand out and has a more epic feel than the piano chords. I have made some lyrics but not for the whole song. The chorus and hook are likely to stay the same.
The chorus sounds quite catchy and is the slowest part of the song so it will stick in peoples head and probably drive them insane. I have played the music to a few people and they all got the chords, and especially the drop, stuck in their heads. The hook, on the other hand is really fast. The first line is simple, the second line slow and the third line slowest. From there all the lines are long and need to be sung/rapped really fast.
Week: 10
Date: 10/11/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for my last composition session by listening to some dubstep drops and working on creating a drop at home. This meant I had an idea of what I wanted to create in the lesson.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make a bass drop but at the start of the lesson I realised I wasn't happy with the music I was working on at the moment so I started again from scratch.
How I was successful in that session:
I created a basic drum track, a nice chord progression and a sub-bass track.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
https://monkswalkhertssch-my.sharepoint.com/personal/anflowe_monkswalk_herts_sch_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=02d335ed30d714bb4aea842e24faabdda&authkey=ARUAyjoPgDfR5yruO48e1kY&e=ivliD3
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Create a build up in the song
Target 2: Start working on a drop
Target 3: Create some more variations of different tracks in the song so they can change for a bridge and just after the drop.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me learn how to create different parts of songs.
Week: 11
Date: 17/11/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by working on some ideas I had at home. I tried creating a sub bass track and experimented with side chaining to make the bass, kick drum and 808s sound louder.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to create a build up but instead layered up pads over the bass and lead, which made them sound way better, for the first part of the session. For the remainder of the session I played around with automations to try and start a build up.
How I was successful in that session:
I managed to start working on a build up which is what I set out to do and I also made the lead and bass sound much better using layers of pads.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Finish the build up.
Target 2: Create more variations of the lead with different synths.
Target 3: Add some more drum beats.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me complete this track, which will probably be one of my final pieces.
Week: 12
Date: 24/11/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
We were off school for the last two days last week so I missed the composition session at school, but at home I spent a lot of time on FL studio experimenting with new synth one-shots.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I was trying to make a song that sounded similar to 'party rock anthem' but couldn't create the right sound using the synths I have. I settled for a similar chord progression which starts high, then goes down a note, then down to the sharp of the nest note down.
How I was successful in that session:
I managed to create a track that has a good chord progression and a strong back beat. with a bit more work I could add a bass line and possibly write some lyrics.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Make the bass line.
Target 2: Add some more interesting drums.
Target 3: Create the drop in the song I'm working on at school.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they help me develop a range of styles I can create.
Christmas Holidays
During the holidays I mainly worked on two new projects. One of them was a remix of 1-800-273-8255 by Logic and the other was an original song. The remix only needs some lyrics now, but because there are no studio acapellas available online, I need two people who can sing them. Because I am recording the lyrics especially for this remix I have changed the lyrics slightly and changed the female and male parts up a bit so they sing some parts together and hopefully it will make the whole song feel more emotional.
The original song I have been working on is supposed to be like trance music and I think that I have achieved that. I still need to come up with a name for it but I was thinking of something about fighting, because it sounds quite epic and has bass that makes it sound like the sort of music you could imagine with a righteous fight, or about magic/hypnosis because of the trance style. It still needs a little work and I think it should have a few chants/vocals during the drop such as a deep voice shouting "This is a fight of the wizards!" or something similar. The drop still needs a bit of work to make the build-up sound more suspenseful and dramatic and maybe some chant or vocal but apart from that it is ready.
Term review
This term I have made lots of progress from the start of the year when I first started composing. At the start I was making tracks with the same chords in each one, making one synth track and calling the track done and using loads of other people's content and packs but now (and in all my compositions) I have different chords and lots of layers and everything is original. I have made good progress at school on my composition and have learnt how to use Logic Pro. Two of the original projects I have made at home will probably be two of my final pieces. I have mastered lots of production techniques that make small differences that make a big effect on the overall track such as side chaining and EQing. Overall I think I have improved greatly but need to start making tracks with vocals and making better drops because mine are bad and often aren't distinguishable as drops.
Week: 18
Date: 12/1/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I spent lots of the christmas holidays working on compositions at home so that I was ready for more composing when I came back to school. I have finished off one of songs i was working on and think it sounds pretty good.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make more progress on the drop that I have been working on for weeks in the composition I am working on at school, but I didn't make much progress. I think that the whole song doesn't sound right and I'm not happy with the way it sounds. I might just start it again and use this as a learning curve of what works and what doesn't.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Week: 19
Date: 19/1/18
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to continue with the track I have been working on the the last billion weeks but I have got bored of it so I just stopped working on it and made a new project. I will probably come back to it in a couple of weeks.
How I was successful in that session:
I decided to start a new composition but haven't got tracks in it yet. I spent most the lesson trying to find a good chord progression and trying to find the right sort of synth for the intro.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Make a basic chord progression to work off
Target 2: Find a synth with the right sort of sound
Target 3: Start working on some tracks within the project
Week: 20
Date: 2/2/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for my last composition session by trying to find some good chord progressions at home. I found one that I really like that goes A F C G. I think I used this one in my composition but I can't remember at the moment.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to find a synth with the right sound for the song that I wanted to create, which I managed to do because I wasn't sure what sound I wanted the song to have. I played around with lots of synths and found a few that I would use.
How I was successful in that session:
I made a main chord progression and bass line. These are the two main parts that define how a song sounds so all I need to do now is make some structure and add drums and melody.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Make a drum track
Target 2: Make a main melody
Target 3: Work on some more of my compositions at home
Half Term:
Over half term I worked on a new composition. In total I have probably spent around 36 hours working on it so far and I think it is finished.
Listen to it here
I started by making the chord progression and main melody (the one you can here in the intro) Once I was happy with them I made the intro by adding an automation for the cut off on the synth I used for the main melody and some drums. I later added some reverb to the clap to make it sound more clear and sharp. The snare build up and white noise help make the build up before the drop help build the tension. After the drop I just added two bass tracks, one wobble bass and one saw bass, and made some variations to the melody. I then added these throughout the song to make it sound a bit less repetitive than my song 'Wizards', but still repetitive enough to get the tune stuck in your head.
Week: 22
Date: 23/2/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by experimenting with bass lines at home. I think that the best ones have a bouncy rhythm and use the same notes as the chords.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I tried to make a drum track and main melody in my last composition session. I made the drum track but haven't made the main melody.
How I was successful in that session:
I made a drum track and a bass track. Both sound good and go well with the chords and style of the song.
Week: 25
Date: 9/3/18
I was helping with our schools music competition last week so I spent the music lesson tidying away wires and amps, rather than composing.
Week: 26
Date: 16/3/18
I didn't get a chance to work on my composition this week because I was helping tidy up the wires and equipment after a performance.
Week: 27
Date: 23/3/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for my last composition by listening to my compositions I made at school to remind me what I have been working on. This meant I could get straight to composing in the session.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to finish one of the compositions. This means I could get on with some new ideas after the holidays.
How I was successful in that session:
I finished the composition I wanted to finish and started working on some new ideas. I can't remember if I saved it as the start of a new song or just as some ideas.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Work on a new song
Target 2: Finish a composition at home
Target 3: Find some new synth plugins to use at home on FL studio
Week: 33
Date: 18/5/18
I haven't updated my blog in a few weeks because I have had mocks and half term and other things that have got in the way of my composition sessions at school. I have however been working on my compositions at home and have made some good progress.
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I decided to try and make a tropical house style composition, so I found my tropical house sample pack and a piano synth. This meant I could create a main chord progression and some melodies to go with it.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make a tropical house song, with all the typical parts that you would find in one. Some piano chords, a basic, uplifting melody, a flute and some clicks, claps and kicks in the drums (also some hi-hats and percussion).
How I was successful in that session:
I made the majority of the track. All I need now is to maybe add a bridge in, inbetween the first and second drop, and mix the whole track.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Finish the tropical house track
Target 2: Start a new composition
Target 3: Go through my computer and find all my good compositions
Week: 40
Date:
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I spent a while just playing around in FL studio to find cool production techniques and sounds that I like. I also bought the upgrade for Fl studio (producer edition), and now working with samples is much easier. A company called Cymatics have just had a sale and I got some of their sample packs which I was excited to use.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make some songs in genres I hadn't tried before such as trap. This would help me because it broadens the range of music I can make. Being able to make more genres of music could make you appeal to a bigger audience.
How I was successful in that session:
I have made an insane trap song and also a trap trance hybrid, links below. These are two of my best bits of work, but the pure trap song needs some small tweaks and add an ending.
Year 10/11 summer holidays
Over these holidays I sort of got to the producers equivalent of writers block. I just couldn't come up with any new ideas no matter how hard I tried. In the end I downloaded some sample packs and used some of the loops in them as inspiration for new projects. They sound amazing but I'm not as proud of them as I could be because I used loops that weren't made by me.
Towards the end of the holidays decided to get my friend to give me some ideas and then just expanded of those ideas. It made me realise that my main weakness in composing is coming up with the ideas for original songs.
I have worked out a new system for composing songs which is to find some random notes in the same key, and then get someone to give me what they think would be a cool melody. From there I try to make the melody as best I can, not worrying too much if it isn't the same. Only worrying if it sounds to similar to one of my old melodies. From there I just add a chord progression, some drums, a few more melodies that all stem from the original one, and some fx and pads to beef the song up.
I realise that now the main thing I need to work on is adding lyrics to my song. I think that to do this I will have to make a song where the melody sits in the background for a major part of the song and only during instrumental parts does it come back, and has to come back powerfully to make an impact.
The genre I have been focusing on the most recently is trap. I think I have got quite good at making it and I enjoy it lots because it means I get to play around with lots of synths and fx that I normally don't use in other genres such as trance or house. I like to use sounds of real instruments such as bells or trumpets, then either use them during calm sections, or layer them to make some kind of insane drop.
Date:
How I prepared for the last composition session:
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
How I was successful in that session:
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1:
Target 2:
Target 3:
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because
Week: 2
Date: 6/9/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by practising counting stars at home before the lesson.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
Today I set out to play counting stars on the bass with the rest of the class.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful in the last session because i managed to play counting stars on the bass along with the rest of the class. I also learnt a quick way to work out major and minor chords on a keyboard, which will help me with my composition.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Go to a music club.
Target 2: Play the bass without changing tempo to fit with one person messing up and changing tempo because it makes me mess up as well.
Target 3: Try and use major and minor chords in some of my compositions, rather than edm chords or octaves chords.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because I need to perform to high standards and create variation and variety in my music.
Week: 3
Date: 20/9/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I didn't prepare for this composition session because I had no idea what we were going to be doing this week. It turned out that I was going to start using Logic, and because i have used garage band quite a lot at home, I have started learning how to use it quickly.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to learn how to use Logic and I have made a good start. I have learnt how to use the piano roll and how to add new instruments as well as vary the sound they make.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful because I learnt the basics of Logic(I still need a lot more practise though). I also started creating a basic song using a similar method to the one I have been using on FL studio at home.
Audio/Video recording(s) of today's session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Learn more about Logic. http://www.musictech.net/2016/03/logic-pro-x-the-beginners-guide/
Target 2: Work on the song i was making using the new stuff I learn.
Target 3: Work on playing reggae bass lines and practise playing on the second and forth beats rather than the 1st and 3rd.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because it will help me create more complex music and progress as a composer and performer.
Week: 4
Date: 27/9/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by trying to remember what I learnt about Logic the week before so that I could make more progress this week.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I decided to try and make an interesting, electronic, fun dance tune in my last session. I knew that there was no way I could start on a song because I only had just learnt the basics of Logic, and I only have an hour on Logic per week at the moment, so it would be hard for me to make progress because i would have to refresh my memory of Logic and the song I'm making.
How I was successful in that session:
I managed to create the tune that I wanted using a built in synth, drum machine, bass and vocal.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
N/A
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Create an intro with what I know of Logic.
Target 2: Practise reggae on bass guitar because i need to practise playing different genres to progress as a composer.
Target 3: Create some build-ups in FL studio at home that i can use in Logic in the next session.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me learn different genres and learn more about the DAW I will be using at school.
Week: 5
Date: 4/10/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
To prepare for the last composition session I messed around with different techniques for creating different styles of chords at home on FL studio. This helped me in the session because I could create different sounding melodies that gave the same chord progression a different sound.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
In my last composition session I set out to create an intro. I started working on it but ended up helping a group with there performing piece by playing the bass for them.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful in the last session becauseI made a start on my intro and helped another group to practise their song.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Work more on the intro
Target 2: Bring in some risers and other things i don't yet know how to make in Logic at home and bring them in.
Target 3: Create a nice drum beat to use after the intro.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because I need to learn how to create different parts of a song.
Week: 6
Date: 11/10/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
We weren't in school for our last composition session so I worked on my music at home. I prepared by working out some chords for a dubstep song I'm working on and finding a suitable synth to make the intro.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to start creating a dubstep song and managed to create some ideas with different drum beats and different risers leading up to a drop.
How I was successful in that session:
I was successful because I managed to create the start of a dubstep song and am ready to continue working on it.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Work on finding more dubstep sound effects
Target 2: Create a drop
Target 3: Work on what I learned in my instrumental lesson.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me create different styles of music.
Week: 7
Date: 18/10/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
To prepare for the composition session I had come up with some ideas for a new song in my head. I had an idea of a chord progression and the sound the synths should make.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to create a new song with different synths and sounds and not just a loop of the same stuff over and over.
How I was successful in that session:
I made good progress on the song I was creating, I have got about 32 bars of music that sound how I wanted them to in my head.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Continue with what I started
Target 2: Start work on a drop
Target 3: Practise what I was working on in by bass lesson.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because with out them the final task will not be complete.
Half Term
Date: 21/10/17
I am planning to create an EDM song called Drop Kick A Baby with my friend Stephen over these holidays. It will hopefully be a good song, with lyrics that flow. The idea is that a song is made, that sounds like a normal song, unless you listen to the lyrics, then you realise how strange the lyrics are.
End of Half Term
Date: 29/10/17
I have created the backing music to the song in FL studio. It starts off with a piano playing two chords over and over and there is going to be a spoken intro to the song in this section. The chords play throughout the rest of the song on different synths and volumes. They are E major and a variant of E that doesn't have a name(I combed the internet for the name of it but couldn't find it.) The notes are E Gm A. There is also a bass synth that plays through a lot of the song. It plays:
E E E E E E E G E E E E E E E G E E E E E E E G A A A A G G G D
until the drop where some notes are skipped and others played at double speed to make it sound more crazy and unorganised. The drums are quite simple and uses layers to make the beat change in different places. I also use a Hi-Hat playing very fast as a build up by making the volume raise from nothing to ful in the area i want the build up in.
Throughout most the song there is a piano playing the two E chords, but in the chorus it changes to a synth. This makes the chorus stand out and has a more epic feel than the piano chords. I have made some lyrics but not for the whole song. The chorus and hook are likely to stay the same.
[Hook]
Did you hear me, Drop kick a baby
Come on, Drop kick a baby
I said, Drop kick a baby
DROP KICK A, DROP KICK A, DROP KICK A BABY!
Drop kick a baby, drop kick a baby
Drop, Drop, Drop, Drop kick a baby
Drop kick a baby, drop kick a baby
Drop kick a, drop kick a, drop kick a baby.
[Chorus]
Drop it, kick it, watch it, go!
Drop it, kick it, catch it? No!
Drop it, kick it, watch it, go!
Drop it, kick it, let me, flow!The chorus sounds quite catchy and is the slowest part of the song so it will stick in peoples head and probably drive them insane. I have played the music to a few people and they all got the chords, and especially the drop, stuck in their heads. The hook, on the other hand is really fast. The first line is simple, the second line slow and the third line slowest. From there all the lines are long and need to be sung/rapped really fast.
Week: 10
Date: 10/11/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for my last composition session by listening to some dubstep drops and working on creating a drop at home. This meant I had an idea of what I wanted to create in the lesson.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make a bass drop but at the start of the lesson I realised I wasn't happy with the music I was working on at the moment so I started again from scratch.
How I was successful in that session:
I created a basic drum track, a nice chord progression and a sub-bass track.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
https://monkswalkhertssch-my.sharepoint.com/personal/anflowe_monkswalk_herts_sch_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=02d335ed30d714bb4aea842e24faabdda&authkey=ARUAyjoPgDfR5yruO48e1kY&e=ivliD3
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Create a build up in the song
Target 2: Start working on a drop
Target 3: Create some more variations of different tracks in the song so they can change for a bridge and just after the drop.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me learn how to create different parts of songs.
Week: 11
Date: 17/11/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by working on some ideas I had at home. I tried creating a sub bass track and experimented with side chaining to make the bass, kick drum and 808s sound louder.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to create a build up but instead layered up pads over the bass and lead, which made them sound way better, for the first part of the session. For the remainder of the session I played around with automations to try and start a build up.
How I was successful in that session:
I managed to start working on a build up which is what I set out to do and I also made the lead and bass sound much better using layers of pads.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Finish the build up.
Target 2: Create more variations of the lead with different synths.
Target 3: Add some more drum beats.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they will help me complete this track, which will probably be one of my final pieces.
Week: 12
Date: 24/11/17
How I prepared for the last composition session:
We were off school for the last two days last week so I missed the composition session at school, but at home I spent a lot of time on FL studio experimenting with new synth one-shots.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I was trying to make a song that sounded similar to 'party rock anthem' but couldn't create the right sound using the synths I have. I settled for a similar chord progression which starts high, then goes down a note, then down to the sharp of the nest note down.
How I was successful in that session:
I managed to create a track that has a good chord progression and a strong back beat. with a bit more work I could add a bass line and possibly write some lyrics.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Make the bass line.
Target 2: Add some more interesting drums.
Target 3: Create the drop in the song I'm working on at school.
Achieving these targets is important to the overall progress of my goals because they help me develop a range of styles I can create.
Christmas Holidays
During the holidays I mainly worked on two new projects. One of them was a remix of 1-800-273-8255 by Logic and the other was an original song. The remix only needs some lyrics now, but because there are no studio acapellas available online, I need two people who can sing them. Because I am recording the lyrics especially for this remix I have changed the lyrics slightly and changed the female and male parts up a bit so they sing some parts together and hopefully it will make the whole song feel more emotional.
The original song I have been working on is supposed to be like trance music and I think that I have achieved that. I still need to come up with a name for it but I was thinking of something about fighting, because it sounds quite epic and has bass that makes it sound like the sort of music you could imagine with a righteous fight, or about magic/hypnosis because of the trance style. It still needs a little work and I think it should have a few chants/vocals during the drop such as a deep voice shouting "This is a fight of the wizards!" or something similar. The drop still needs a bit of work to make the build-up sound more suspenseful and dramatic and maybe some chant or vocal but apart from that it is ready.
Term review
This term I have made lots of progress from the start of the year when I first started composing. At the start I was making tracks with the same chords in each one, making one synth track and calling the track done and using loads of other people's content and packs but now (and in all my compositions) I have different chords and lots of layers and everything is original. I have made good progress at school on my composition and have learnt how to use Logic Pro. Two of the original projects I have made at home will probably be two of my final pieces. I have mastered lots of production techniques that make small differences that make a big effect on the overall track such as side chaining and EQing. Overall I think I have improved greatly but need to start making tracks with vocals and making better drops because mine are bad and often aren't distinguishable as drops.
Week: 18
Date: 12/1/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I spent lots of the christmas holidays working on compositions at home so that I was ready for more composing when I came back to school. I have finished off one of songs i was working on and think it sounds pretty good.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make more progress on the drop that I have been working on for weeks in the composition I am working on at school, but I didn't make much progress. I think that the whole song doesn't sound right and I'm not happy with the way it sounds. I might just start it again and use this as a learning curve of what works and what doesn't.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Week: 19
Date: 19/1/18
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to continue with the track I have been working on the the last billion weeks but I have got bored of it so I just stopped working on it and made a new project. I will probably come back to it in a couple of weeks.
How I was successful in that session:
I decided to start a new composition but haven't got tracks in it yet. I spent most the lesson trying to find a good chord progression and trying to find the right sort of synth for the intro.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Make a basic chord progression to work off
Target 2: Find a synth with the right sort of sound
Target 3: Start working on some tracks within the project
Week: 20
Date: 2/2/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for my last composition session by trying to find some good chord progressions at home. I found one that I really like that goes A F C G. I think I used this one in my composition but I can't remember at the moment.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to find a synth with the right sound for the song that I wanted to create, which I managed to do because I wasn't sure what sound I wanted the song to have. I played around with lots of synths and found a few that I would use.
How I was successful in that session:
I made a main chord progression and bass line. These are the two main parts that define how a song sounds so all I need to do now is make some structure and add drums and melody.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Make a drum track
Target 2: Make a main melody
Target 3: Work on some more of my compositions at home
Half Term:
Over half term I worked on a new composition. In total I have probably spent around 36 hours working on it so far and I think it is finished.
Listen to it here
I started by making the chord progression and main melody (the one you can here in the intro) Once I was happy with them I made the intro by adding an automation for the cut off on the synth I used for the main melody and some drums. I later added some reverb to the clap to make it sound more clear and sharp. The snare build up and white noise help make the build up before the drop help build the tension. After the drop I just added two bass tracks, one wobble bass and one saw bass, and made some variations to the melody. I then added these throughout the song to make it sound a bit less repetitive than my song 'Wizards', but still repetitive enough to get the tune stuck in your head.
Week: 22
Date: 23/2/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for the last composition session by experimenting with bass lines at home. I think that the best ones have a bouncy rhythm and use the same notes as the chords.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I tried to make a drum track and main melody in my last composition session. I made the drum track but haven't made the main melody.
How I was successful in that session:
I made a drum track and a bass track. Both sound good and go well with the chords and style of the song.
Week: 25
Date: 9/3/18
I was helping with our schools music competition last week so I spent the music lesson tidying away wires and amps, rather than composing.
Week: 26
Date: 16/3/18
I didn't get a chance to work on my composition this week because I was helping tidy up the wires and equipment after a performance.
Week: 27
Date: 23/3/18
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I prepared for my last composition by listening to my compositions I made at school to remind me what I have been working on. This meant I could get straight to composing in the session.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to finish one of the compositions. This means I could get on with some new ideas after the holidays.
How I was successful in that session:
I finished the composition I wanted to finish and started working on some new ideas. I can't remember if I saved it as the start of a new song or just as some ideas.
Audio/Video recording(s) of the session, if available.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Work on a new song
Target 2: Finish a composition at home
Target 3: Find some new synth plugins to use at home on FL studio
Week: 33
Date: 18/5/18
I haven't updated my blog in a few weeks because I have had mocks and half term and other things that have got in the way of my composition sessions at school. I have however been working on my compositions at home and have made some good progress.
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I decided to try and make a tropical house style composition, so I found my tropical house sample pack and a piano synth. This meant I could create a main chord progression and some melodies to go with it.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make a tropical house song, with all the typical parts that you would find in one. Some piano chords, a basic, uplifting melody, a flute and some clicks, claps and kicks in the drums (also some hi-hats and percussion).
How I was successful in that session:
I made the majority of the track. All I need now is to maybe add a bridge in, inbetween the first and second drop, and mix the whole track.
Target for next composition session:
Target 1: Finish the tropical house track
Target 2: Start a new composition
Target 3: Go through my computer and find all my good compositions
Week: 40
Date:
How I prepared for the last composition session:
I spent a while just playing around in FL studio to find cool production techniques and sounds that I like. I also bought the upgrade for Fl studio (producer edition), and now working with samples is much easier. A company called Cymatics have just had a sale and I got some of their sample packs which I was excited to use.
What I set out to achieve in my last composition session:
I set out to make some songs in genres I hadn't tried before such as trap. This would help me because it broadens the range of music I can make. Being able to make more genres of music could make you appeal to a bigger audience.
How I was successful in that session:
I have made an insane trap song and also a trap trance hybrid, links below. These are two of my best bits of work, but the pure trap song needs some small tweaks and add an ending.
Year 10/11 summer holidays
Over these holidays I sort of got to the producers equivalent of writers block. I just couldn't come up with any new ideas no matter how hard I tried. In the end I downloaded some sample packs and used some of the loops in them as inspiration for new projects. They sound amazing but I'm not as proud of them as I could be because I used loops that weren't made by me.
Towards the end of the holidays decided to get my friend to give me some ideas and then just expanded of those ideas. It made me realise that my main weakness in composing is coming up with the ideas for original songs.
I have worked out a new system for composing songs which is to find some random notes in the same key, and then get someone to give me what they think would be a cool melody. From there I try to make the melody as best I can, not worrying too much if it isn't the same. Only worrying if it sounds to similar to one of my old melodies. From there I just add a chord progression, some drums, a few more melodies that all stem from the original one, and some fx and pads to beef the song up.
I realise that now the main thing I need to work on is adding lyrics to my song. I think that to do this I will have to make a song where the melody sits in the background for a major part of the song and only during instrumental parts does it come back, and has to come back powerfully to make an impact.
The genre I have been focusing on the most recently is trap. I think I have got quite good at making it and I enjoy it lots because it means I get to play around with lots of synths and fx that I normally don't use in other genres such as trance or house. I like to use sounds of real instruments such as bells or trumpets, then either use them during calm sections, or layer them to make some kind of insane drop.
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