Creative Computing Major

I am very proud of my patch and the musical potential it has. I also like the piece I created, yet I know as time goes on and I become more familiar with the program I will be able to create much better music with it. I also have many plans to expand the program, including hopes make it a stand alone application and not have to rely on Reason.


Analysis PDF


PreProduction PDF

Program Note PDF

Score PDF

CCMajor MP3

Audio Arts Major Project

After this project I feel a lot more confident in recording. Where as last year I felt very amateur and was not very pleased with the result I achieved, this year I feel I have stepped up a level and am quite proud of what I have done. I found the weekly exercises helped me to get a clear mental image of how I wanted to approach things when it came to recording and generally helped me get things set up very quickly. I found that my familiarity with the equipment was also of great help.

I really enjoyed working with the band too. They were very professional which made my life much easier. Where as last year the band I had were very slack and not appreciative of the process, this band was happy to work with me which made all the difference.

Communication with the guitarist Christopher Brook was highly valuable throughout the mixing process was very beneficial, although next time I am going to try and have a greater communication with the entire band.

I also got opinions from my fellow class mates as well as some friends outside university to get a broad scope and a different set of ears. Special thanks to Ben Probert, Rhett Digance, and Scott Bartell for their advice.

The only other thing that helped highlight things that needed attention within the mixing process was listening to a bounce on different stereo systems. I tried 5 different systems before being happy with how everything sat in the mix.

I have already discussed doing another recording with the same group next semester as I figure if you’re onto something good… Stick with it. But the difference will be that I will be recording a larger ensemble including a horn section and an extra vocalist. Also they are happy to try songs in different styles so I can have experience with mixing different styles.

Here are the Mp3 files of the 2 songs and PDF's of my Documentation.
- "I Got Rhythm" is my favorite mix.

Blue Bosa Mp3

I Got Rhythm Mp3

Pre Production PDF

Blue Bosa Recording PDF

I Got Rhythm Recording PDF

Blue Bosa Production PDF

I Got Rhythm Production PDF

CC wk12

To fully develop a productive idea for what I wished to achieve in my creative computing major assignment, I needed to sit down and have a bottom up 'play' with Max. Many an hour later I am much more competent with the program and this is the idea I have come up with. Hopefully it is acceptable.

CC Major Pre-Production

Forum week 12

Once again the ideas of improvisation have graced the EMU. In what context is it possible within electronic music? Is it in fact instantaneous composition or are the two terms polar opposites?

Notation seems to be to blame for the absence of improvisation in contemporary classical music as it progressed the control over the music by the composer became more absolute leaving little room for interpretation.

In India the whole basis of their music is learning the technical proficiency of their instrument for improvisation. I have fond memories of jamming with DR. C Sardeshmukh last year and appreciate the Indian classical music tradition.

But is improvising composing. In my opinion it is. It's just a matter of choice of whether you decide to document what you improvise so you can recreate the music. In this sense is the improvisation the final composition though, when there is the opportunity to alter the documented piece. Ultimately that is a matter of choice.

Various examples of improvisational groups where presented to us to portray how improvisation occurs under various context. I feel the only real way to understand improvisation though is to do it.

As interesting as some of the music presented to us were, my experience actually being involved in improvisation, whether it was before I started my uni life or during the many sessions we had last year was invaluable. I feel there is a certain level of letting go whilst improvising in which you truly tap into a greater source of inspiration and learn to communicate that with your fellow improvisers. This seems to closely resemble ‘Sun Ra’s’ ideas that were presented to us. Of course comparing your ideas to someone who believes they are from out of space or simply calls themselves ‘Sun-Ra’ in the first place does not reflect well upon your argument, but I stand by it.

Pic References
Moore, Thurston. Space is the place. film review by plexifilm. 1997 http://www.plexifilm.com/images/media/sunra.jpg (1 June 2007).

Reference

Whittington, Steven. “Forum – Week 12 – Composition vs. Improvisation.” Workshop presented at EMU space, Level 5 Schultz building, University of Adelaide, 31st May, 2007.

Harris, David. “Forum – Week 12 – Composition vs. Improvisation.” Workshop presented at EMU space, Level 5 Schultz building, University of Adelaide, 31st May, 2007.