Funky Junk - Evaluation

Development of My Skills

One set of the skills I have definitely improved in is when I use logic. Samples and using effects are examples of this improvement.  I started off at this college without any knowledge of the programme. But I'm now at a basic level where I understand how to get about the software and am a lot more comfortable using it.

I struggle most with DJing out of everything, this for me is largely due to my lack of interest in the actual practical side of being a DJ. I enjoy seeing hip hop DJs perform but just don't want to actually
partake in the act. I like researching and finding out new information behind the culture. It's just I've never really wanted to be a DJ.

I'm satisfied with the work I've produced throughout the whole contemporary project as I know what I was producing at the beginning has evolved massively in the short amount of time I've been at this college. Considering I came to the college without any solid knowledge of producing, I think I've progressed well. And I know that if this is how things are going to continue I'll have made even more progress by this time next year.

Technical Skills

This term I have been making a music video for one of the tracks I produced. This was definitely something new and meant I had to learn how to use a new programme (PremierPro). I now have a basic understanding of how to use this, whether it be being able to cut up footage, add visual effects to it or manipulate the colour to make the video a higher quality.

I am probably most proud of my ability to play guitar as this has proven useful for making music. I've always worked better with a live instrument. I'd much rather be playing music with actual instruments with other people rather than producing something on a midi keyboard. I prefer the atmosphere of playing music with other people and just enjoy it more. It's more comfortable for me than making music on Logic. I have more knowledge of the type of music I'll be playing on a guitar and can contribute more than other people when it comes down to a live environment. Every so often I do get the lazy with playing the guitar so I'd like to start booking the recording studios more so I can get other people in to make music and improve our skills.

Time Management/Working Methods
During term 1 I was struggling with getting used to Logic. As I mentioned earlier I have improved since then. Another thing I struggled with was using the correct terminology during studio time with Grant. This is still something I need to improve upon but I have a much stronger idea of what certain things mean and how they work.

Another thing I struggled with was managing my time. I left somethings too late before I started it and spent too much time on other pieces of work. One thing that helped with thus was using the production rooms which allowed me to get more work done after college and work on my music differently as to how I'd be able to do it at home.

Research

I needed to research mixing for the lessons I have with Grant and Farz throughout the week. I have definitely started to try to incorporate what I have learnt in these lessons into my work. Its important for your music to be mixed well and to make sure all the levels of each of the tracks fit and sound like they're apart of the same song.

I also done a lot of researching in my context classes learning about the different type of technology being used in music and how its evolving since its debut. Whether this be the use of pedals, sampling, or motion based music, I conducted a lot of research into these areas of music.