REFLECTION

Cognitive Chronicles

#1 Plan - Coming into this project, I had limited music knowledge. By curating a learning plan I was able to visualize my journey and the steps needed to be taken for me to reach my end goal of creating a Dream Pop song. I came up with an action plan inclusive of the respective deliverables that allowed me to narrow my perspective into a more achievable feat, compared to my very first proposal draft which included a lot of unrealistic and ambitious goals for a duration of 17 weeks - like having a vlog documentation and even lyrics for a full-fletched song.

#2 Perform - In my research phase, I was grateful to have been able to comprehend my learning resources and have learning takeaways in the form of music theory and composition notes. During this section of my individual learning project I came across teachings from various sources. When I would be studying, I realized that everything that I had come across was not necessarily moulded for how I consume information as a person. For example, one of my resources was teaching me that to produce a song, you form a melody first and foremost, followed by chord progressions for background notes, etc. However, in my experience, the best method for me has been to play loops on my software which I can hear the potential in and build further on that. This highlighted my individual learning experience because I had to dictate what worked for myself.

#3 Monitor - As a somewhat beginner, I felt as if I was doing relatively well for what I wanted to achieve but also came across certain epiphanies. In my efforts to have my song stick to just one genre, I came to the conclusion that I am not too fond of having boundaries in my personal areas of creativity, which was expressed when I had suddenly switched genres in my song and leaned towards a Rock sound towards the end. I am more likely to appreciate a free-range and create whatever I want to, saving the labelling and categorizing for last.

#4 Reflect - Reflection does not happen at a specific time but is always occurring. I’ve been finding ways to improve on myself even before I was officially offered Guided Learning as a subject, as previously mentioned in #1 with my draft proposal. This experience was a validation of the idea that learning is a life-long process. I have taken note of using others’ experiences and advice as a reference for how I conduct myself but to also exercise the intention of performing what is meaningful to me and works for how I function. This scenario let me better distinguish what is expected of me (project goals), and how I want to express myself (personal creativity).

GL Learning Logs.

Overall Recount

This was an insightful experience to endure as a student where I was independent with my own learning to enhance skill sets in a chosen area of interest.

Self-directedness

I displayed self-direction with taking charge in creating my own schedule to provide deliverables on a weekly basis and well as allocate time for myself to work on this project. This allowed me to be flexible and work accordingly with my needs and alongside other assignments/projects.

Resilience

I could display resilience in the sense that when I figured out that some of the resources were not my cup of tea/working out for me, I did what I was comfortable with as a side-step to reach my goal, as reiterated in #2. I was putting in the initiative to reach out and ask relevant people for clarification on certain music theory pertaining to my project that I could not wrap my head around. Some examples include, asking my Resource Person: “What are lead lines? How do I figure out what scale uses what chords?” Alternatively, my facilitator also cleared up what chords were making up certain chord progressions.

Competence

Lastly, I exhibited competency by having to make educated decisions based on what I learnt to apply it into my output - my song! This was further established when I made the choice to scrap the Rock section out of my song to keep it under the same umbrella of genre as Dream Pop, Shoegaze, you name it. Referencing my final product and drawing connections to key characteristic of Dream Pop, I can say that I was able to depict my new-found knowledge in my own way.

Strengths & challenges

Some strengths I encountered during my journey was my little bit of head start because of my prior experiences and origin in music. I could focus more time into aspects that needed more attention such as working on my chord progressions compared to familiarizing myself with basic music production.

Nevertheless, I had also gone through my own challenges in terms of time management and knowing what direction to go in because of said limited music background. I found myself occasionally forgetting to work on my project, having been so caught up with other assignment submissions that I had to rush my deliverables. Sometimes I also struggled with recognizing what I lacked in my production which is evident in my 2nd draft vs final version of my song, after applying the constructive criticism into action. I noted that looking at things from different perspectives could provide me with ways to improve on what I do.

I am appreciative for the multiple learning opportunities catered to me to better my work with. I look forward to upgrading my skills even more and developing in this field by holding on to my passion for music.

Thank you.