Melody Research, Analysis and Recording

Summary

  • In a small paragraph, write WHAT THIS PROJECT IS ABOUT. Your audience is someone who is not in the class. So, be specific.
  • DELETE ALL OF MR. LE DUC’s INSTRUCTIONS AFTER COMPLETING THEM

My First HookTheory Melody

What I like about this melody is that it was easy to make and I learned how to use a new online tool. I also enjoyed the ending of this melody.

Notes from Howard Goodall’s Melody Video

CueNotes

Melody’s carry stories. They express love and loss.

Infants can recognize and remember melodies.

Every music system in the world shares the same 5 notes. These frequencies were latched on by cultures all around the world at around the same time. These five notes are human genetic inheritance. These are called the pentatonic notes.

All cultures developed more notes as time went on, but still used those 5 notes also.

All known music systems have chosen notes that sound considerably different.

Every 12th rung on a western musical ladder is an A note.

Music is not created by somebody, it is already in the imagination waiting for someone to discover it.

Summary: I learned that music is a lot more than just notes in a certain arrangement. It is a poetic expression that contains the roots of humanity.

Melody Composition Terms and Definitions

  • Theme: A long, flowing melodic idea.
  • Motive: A short, rhythmic idea (Beethoven’s 5th).
  • Period: 8-12 measures or a musical sentence.
  • Phrase: Usually 4 measures.
  • Antecedent (Question) Phrase: First 4 measures of a period.
  • Consequent (Answer) Phrase: Second 4 measures of a period.
  • Scale Degrees (C Major Scale)
    • Tonic: C (1 , 8) – Stability and resolve.
    • Supertonic, Mediant, Submediant: D, E, A (2 , 3 , 6) – Moderate tension, useful for transitions and carrying on an idea.
    • Subdominant, Dominant, Leading Tone: F, G, B (4 , 5 , 7) – Causes the most tension, leads to the tonic.
  • Steps: Any movement using half or whole steps.
  • Leaps: Any movement using intervals larger than a whole step.
  • Conjunct motion: Melody is built primarily out of steps.
  • Disjunct motion: Melody is built primarily out of leaps.
  • Repetition: Repeated material (i.e. motive) used to create a link between two phrases of the period.
  • Contrast: Two phrases that contain contrasting material to create tension and interest.
  • Variation: Halfway between contrast and repetition. The two phrases include some recognizable material and some varied material (i.e. taking ideas up an octave).

One of My Favorite Melodies

I like this melody so much because it gives off a slow and almost melancholic theme. The key it takes place in is B-flat major and the tonic note is B-flat. I noticed that the structure is repeats the same melody over and over for a while.

My Second HookTheory Melody

What I liked about this melody is that the notes seemed to blend well with the rhythm and just how it sounds. I built up tension in the 4th and 5th measures by making the notes go faster and shorter and then I released it with the long notes at the end.

What I Learned & Problems I Solved

From this project I learned how to use Hooktheory and I learned how melodies work and how to make them. One problem I solved was how to shorten or lengthen the notes in the melody, I figured this out by asking my classmates.

Resources

Audio Recording Sound Safari

My 1963 first edition compact cassette recorder still works WORLDS FIRST COMPACT CASSETTE RECORDER with the 1967 first mini compact cassette recorder
“My 1963 first edition compact cassette recorder still works WORLDS FIRST COMPACT CASSETTE RECORDER with the 1967 first mini compact cassette recorder” by spondooley is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.

Summary

In this project my team and I recorded sounds from different places. The first place was me talking inside, the second was from a distance outside and the third was an instrument inside. We used a microphone to record all of the sounds. After we finished the recording, I uploaded all of the recordings to a folder in google drive, then I shared the folder with my teacher.

Audio Terms and Definitions

  • Sound Wave
    • A vibrational disturbance that involves the mechanical motion of molecules transmitting energy from one place to another.
  • Compression
    • Reducing a signal’s output level in relation to its input level to reduce dynamic range.
  • Frequency
    • The # of times per second that a sound source vibrates, is expressed in hertz (Hz).
  • Hertz
    • Unit of measurement of frequency; numerically equal to cycles per second (cps).
  • Infrasonic
    • The range below the frequencies is audible to human hearing.
  • Ultrasonic
    • The range above the frequencies of human hearing.
  • Pitch
    • The subjective perception of frequency – the highness or lowness of a sound.
  • Fundamental
    • The lowest frequency a sound source can produce. In other words, it is also called the first harmonic or primary frequency which is the lowest, or basic, pitch of a musical instrument.
  • Sound Frequency Spectrum
    • The range of frequencies audible to human hearing: about 20 to 20,000 Hz.
  • Octave
    • The interval between the two frequencies that have a tonal ratio of 2:1.
  • Bass
    • The low range of the audible frequency spectrum; is usually from 20 to 320 Hz.
  • Midrange
    • The part of the frequency spectrum to which humans are most sensitive; is the frequencies between roughly 320 Hz and 2,560 Hz.
  • Treble
    • The frequency range between roughly 5,120 Hz and 20,000 Hz, the highest two octaves audible to human hearing in the sound frequency spectrum.
  • Equalization
    • A signal-processing device that can boost, attenuate, or shelve frequencies in a sound source or sound system.
  • Amplitude
    • The magnitude of a sound wave or an electric signal is measured in decibels.
  • Decibel (dB)
    • A relative and dimensionless unit to measure the ratio of two quantities.
  • Wavelength
    • Distance between two peaks of a wave
  • Velocity
    • Speed in a given direction
  • Harmonic
    • Is a multiple of the fundamental frequency
  • Phase
    • Factor in the interaction of one wave with another, either acoustically or electronically

– Audio terms and definitions from Wikipedia

Voice Recording

Voice Recording

Outdoor/Environment Recording

Outdoor Recording

Instrument Recording

Instrument Recording

Feedback

What I Learned & Problems I Solved

I learned how to use the mic and recorders in this project. I learned how to record and upload recordings onto my computer and put them into google drive.

One problem we encountered during this project was when we took a picture for our outdoor recording. We forgot to include the mic in this photo so we had to go back and take the picture quickly before the end of class.

My tutorial

Resources

March-April Motif Composition

Summary

My idea for this project was to create a short and fast paced riff that repeated itself. This was to create a motif that was fast paced and catchy and to make sure it didn’t drag on for too long. I used this online sequencer to create my motif. This sequencer gave me the option to use basically any note out there in any arrangement I wanted. The sequencer also had the bonus of being very easy to use. After I created my composition, I exported as an mp3 file into google drive and linked it to this blog post.

My Motives

My first motif was made of the E, F, D and G notes on the 5th octave. it plays like this: E5, E5, F5, D5, D#5, E5, G5, E5. I spaced these notes out accordingly to create a riff that I thought sounded pretty good. I then had this riff repeat multiple times to create my motif.

My second motif was me just trying to make a longer riff that repeated itself twice.

My Motif

Second Motif

Third Motif

Feedback

  • Write a few comments from other students or advisory members
  • Cite the person who shared the comment
  • Only use first names

What I Learned & Problems I Solved

What I learned during this project was that a motif doesn’t have to be long and complex. As long as it’s catchy and enjoyable, it can be as short or simple as possible. I also learned that online sequencer is a really good tool, it allowed me to create a motif really quickly and the motif sounded really good. The only problem I had with this project was getting a screenshot. I wasn’t able to figure out how to import it into this blog post. Eventually I figured it out by opening my finder, dragging it onto the desktop, and then importing it into this blog post.

Tutorial

March-April Smart Goal

SUMMARY

Role

Bass Guitar

Intention (SMART Goal)

By April 15th, as part of school of rock, I will have learned how to play Psycho Killer on bass guitar by following this tutorial.

PRE-PRODUCTION – INQUIRY

Leader(s) in the Field / Exemplary Work(s)

The leader is my field is Tina Weymouth. She is the bass guitar player in the Talking Heads and she played the bass guitar riff of “Psycho Killer”, which is the song I am trying to learn to play.

Another leader in my field was John Deacon. He was the bass guitar player for the band “Queen”. My favorite song that he played was “Another One Bites the Dust”.

Training Source(s)

This was a good source for beginners.

0:40: This is when he starts teaching you how to play psycho killer

SMART Goal Schedule

  1. Pick an instrument (5 minutes)
  2. Choose a song to play (15 minutes)
  3. Choose a training source (5-10 minutes)
  4. Write smart goal (1 minute)
  5. Create blog post (20 minutes)
  6. Record beginning evidence (30 minutes)
  7. Upload beginning evidence to blog post (10 minutes)
  8. Practice more bass guitar (45 minutes)
  9. Record ending evidence (10 minutes)
  10. Upload ending evidence to google drive (5 minutes)
  11. Link ending evidence to blog post (5 minutes)
  12. Finish the rest of the blog (20 minutes)

PRODUCTION

SMART Goal Starting Point Evidence

Evidence

SMART Goal Ending Point Evidence

Ending Evidence

POST-PRODUCTION – REFLECTION

21st Century Skills

Ways of Thinking (Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

I used a lot of critical thinking during this project. I was able to teach myself to learn bass guitar by using the internet for tutorials and notes to help me learn bass guitar. I also solved the problem of trying to get my amp for the bass guitar to record my bass guitar and nothing else. I just had to select the right input and output in Garage Band while recording.

Ways of Working (Communication & Collaboration)

Even though I did a pretty good job completing this project, there were a few things that I needed help with. When I got stuck when trying to figure out how to tune my bass correctly, I asked for help from one of my teammates and they helped me. Asking others for help has always made me nervous so I think this was good for me.

Tools for Working (Info & Media Literacy)

During this project I used technological skills and tools. I used Garage Band to record myself. I also had to export the recording to Soundtrap so I could cut off the beginning and the end of the recording. After that all I had to do was upload it to my project.

Ways of Living in the World (Life & Career)

This project required me to use skills and techniques that will be very useful later on in life. For example, I made a list of what I needed to do to help me do it faster. This kind of organization will be very useful in the real world.

Reactions to the Final Version

Self-Evaluation of Final Version

Grammar and Spelling

Editor

Microphone Auditions Project

Summary

I recorded my voice with many different microphones and then placed it into soundtrap to create this audition.

Microphone Audition Podcast

My Microphone Project

My Favorite Microphone

Studio Projects C1

The Studio Projects C1 was my favorite microphone because I liked how clear my voice sounded in it. Also if I ever need to buy a microphone, I will choose this one because the cost to quality ratio is so good.

  • The C1 is a large cardioid, large-diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Compares with professional microphones costing 10 times more
  • Good for many recording situations including voice, instruments, etc.

Terms and Concepts

  •  Microphones
    • Dynamic – The sound waves themselves create the electrical signal by moving the membrane diaphragm of the microphone. Very popular and very well known. It is good for the low and middle range, NOT the high range.
    • Condenser – The membrane has an electrical current that waits for sound. When the sound waves hit it, it responds instantly. They are all over the place, but they need an electrical charge {amplifier} from something {battery}.
  • Polar Patterns
    • Omni – Picks sound up from all directions equally. This is used for interviews because it can pick up more than one person, without having to have two separate mics.
    • Cardioid – Picks up one half of the microphone, also known as a ‘directional mic’. Most sensitive in the front, about 180 degrees. Shaped like a heart.
    • Bi-directional – ‘Figure of 8’, picks the front and behind of the mic, but the 90-degree angle on both sides does not get picked up.
  • Transduction – Converts one form of energy to another.
  • Voltage – An electric force or a potential difference shown in volts.
  • Phantom Power – Activates the condenser in a microphone. DC powered mostly between 12 and 48 DC voltages.
  • Sensitivity – Voltage at its known sound level. Can be called by its voltage or decibels. A higher number means more sensitivity, everything is mostly in negatives. Sound pressure.
  • Frequency Response – The range of sound the microphone can produce and how sensitive it is within the range. You want it nice and flat.
  • Transient – A variation in current, voltage, or frequency.
  • Placement – Placement of the microphone is key, depending on the sounds you want, it can just be the distance from you or the instrument from the microphone. This part of the microphone can affect others emotionally in a way to connect with the audience.
  • Proximity Effect – Decreased sensitivity to low mics, which reduces background noise and vibration and counteracts when used very close to the source.
  • Output – A place where the sound leaves the system.
  • Characteristics – This is the Relative Response and Frequency measured in a Hertz graph to show how good or bad the microphone is. This can show the quality of the mic.
  • Noise Rating – The signal (sound source) to noise ratio measured in decibels (dB). Noise is any sound in the background you don’t want. Electricity vibrates at 60dB so you want the ratio of the signal and noise to be higher than that. Preferably 90dB or higher.
  • Hardware
    • Clips – A clip is something that you use to hold a microphone on something {for example – stand }, but, using the wrong kind of clips can affect the performance, make sure it is tight so it has the correct effect.
    • Stands – This ties in with a clip, this is what the clip will connect to. This keeps the microphone towards the object you want to hear without having to hold it or keep it still.
    • Windscreen – Something that covers and protects the microphone, mostly a foamy material.
    • Direct Box – A device used to connect an instrument directly into the audio mixer.

What I Learned and Problems I Solved

What I learned in this project is that the type of microphone you use matters a lot. I used to think that there wasn’t much difference between all microphones besides quality, but now i know that there is a huge difference. Some microphones are better for drums, some are better for guitars, some are better for podcasts and some are better for talking in front of a crowd. I also learned how to make podcasts in soundtrap.

I did run into a problem. This problem was learning how to turn my recordings into a podcast in sound trap. I solved this by following Leduc’s instructions. His instructions told me that there were podcast tutorials in sound trap and that they would teach me how to make a podcast. I followed a tutorial in sound trap and it completely taught me how to make the podcast. Problem solved!

Smart Goal Project

SUMMARY

Intention (SMART Goal)

By March 2nd in School of Rock I will have made my own beat on musical keyboard and learned to play it by following this tutorial.

PRE-PRODUCTION – INQUIRY

Leader(s) in the Field / Exemplary Work(s)

Leif Ove Andsnes

Training Source(s)

SMART Goal Schedule

  1. Decide on instrument
  2. Make a goal
  3. Find a tutorial to follow
  4. Record starting evidence
  5. Follow the tutorial
  6. Finish following the tutorial
  7. Record ending evidence
  8. Make blog post
  9. Present
  10. Record feedback in Blog Post

PRODUCTION

SMART Goal Starting Point Evidence

Starting Point

SMART Goal Ending Point Evidence

Ending Evidence

POST-PRODUCTION – REFLECTION

21st Century Skills

Ways of Thinking (Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

I used many ways of thinking while doing this project. I had to figure out how to make time to complete this project and my other project in time. I also had to figure out how to play an instrument I had no experience with.

Ways of Working (Communication & Collaboration)

Tools for Working (Info & Media Literacy)

Ways of Living in the World (Life & Career)

Reactions to the Final Version

Self-Evaluation of Final Version

What I Learned and Problems I Solved

Grammar and Spelling

Editor

Motifs with Triads

Image of Piano from Pixabay

Summary

In this project I used the online sequencer to create a motif. I first had to find out how to use the online sequencer by watching Mr. Leduc’s tutorial. Once I figured that out, I used the online sequencer to arrange different electrical piano notes to create a motif that I thought sounded good. Once I was finished with my motif I exported it into this blog post.

Motif

My motif was a collection of notes that eventually repeated itself. I mainly put a bunch of notes close together to make the beat fast paced. The pattern was longer than a few notes, and it eventually repeated itself. The pattern starts out slow but gets faster.

My Motif

Second Motif

What I Learned

What I learned is that all it takes to make a good rift is to make it fast paced and consistent. This is very surprising to me because a lot of piano rifts seem to be be slower paced. There was a problem though. At first I didn’t know how to export my project from online sequencer. i was able to figure it out by following a video about how to export it.

Tutorial

Feedback

Audio Composition

Summary

For this project I put together a song in GarageBand. I did this by learning how to use the different tracks in GarageBand. I broke down a song into different sections such as chorus and verse, and then I created a new song in the same structure. I created this song by using the musical keyboard to play some beats and using different tracks in GarageBand. The main skills I developed included learning how to use GarageBand and learning how to play the musical keyboard in GarageBand.

Audio File Formats and Definitions

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format): stores standard CD-quality audio; similar to WAV (Higher Quality)

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format): CD audio; can be saved with different sampling and bit rates; similar to AIFF (Higher Quality)

MP3 (Audio File): Used to store audiobooks and music on a hard drive; Close to CD-quality sound; the higher quality sound comes from higher bit rates which also take up more storage space

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): music data: notes played, when notes are played, how long each note is played, and the velocity of each note played; used to be able to exchange and use information between software and hardware programs; no actual audio data

All the audio file format information is found at: fileinfo.com

Song Used As Template


I chose this song because of its guitar rift. I have always considered it to have one of the best guitar rifts of any song ever. So I thought it would be fun to use this song.

GarageBand Tracks

My Composition

My Composition

What I Learned & Problems I Solved

I have learned many things during this project. I learned how to use the arrangement tracks and notes in GarageBand. I also learned how to use different tracks and play the musical keyboard in GarageBand. The project was not without a few problems though, the biggest problem that occurred was trying to figure out how to export the song as an mp3 file. I solved this problem by watching a video on how to export it.

This is a tutorial I used to learn how to play the musical keyboard in GarageBand: