Final Project: “The Music From A Car”

INSPIRATION

   Initially I was lost and confused when I first started brainstorming, because too many different ideas and thoughts were coming out of my mind. Afterward I have figured out a structure of this project. I wanted to construct a multia media form of art that is connected to what I have learnt from the class throughout the semester. Once I have this idea in my mind, I started to explore more ideas for doing this project. All in a sudden, I have realized that I really like listening to music while I am driving, so why don’t I bring this idea into the project, and try to connect it with the structure that I have set. The basic fundamental idea of this project was starting to appear. I was using a car as a sort of musical instrument.

THE PROCESS

The process in building up this project was complicated, and it took much longer time then I have initially expected. Firstly,I would record the sound of different parts of the car, such as punching the bumper, rubbing the steering wheel, playing rhythms on the windows, and the horn. Afterward I would take the video of how I play with different parts of the car. Moreover, after all the sound tracks that I need is recorded, I will compose and construct the song using GarageBand, which was one of the most significant  application that I have learnt in the class. Furthermore, After the song is being composed, I would then combine the song with the videos that I have took. Indeed, this process took me a much longer time than what I have expected. Because in order to match the beat and rhyme of the song with the motion on the video, every 0.01 second is very important, and I had to edit the clip very carefully and precisely. After I have edited all the sound tracks as well as the video clips, it was time to upload it on Youtube. Since this course is about multi-media learning, that was why in my project I have utilized both GarageBand as well as iMovie, which were the most essential applications that the class have taught.

(The utilization of GarageBand to gather different sound tracks from the car and compose the song. As you can see there are many sound tracks in a single file, and the beat has to be placed precisely.)

(The different sound tracks are named base on where and how they are recorded.) 

(The utilization of iMovie to combine the song with the videos.) 

(As you can see the time of the video has to be edited very carefully and precisely  for in stance, in this part of the video, even this part of the clip is only 3.5s, there are more than 9 video clips, and each of them only lasts for 0.4-0.6 seconds. Therefore, the editting of this music video took me a lot of time doing it.)

(Last but not least, I uploaded the music video on Youtube, because I think it is important in the society today to not only use the technology tools alone, but also share it on different platforms.)

THE CHALLENGES

There were serval obstacles that I have encountered during the process of constructing the project. For instance, initially I was recording the sound of the car at an open area. However, when I checked afterward, I have found that I can barely to hear the sound tracks. Therefore, in order to record the sound track clearly, it was definitely important to record the sound in a silent area, so I ended up park the vehicle in a very silent parking lot, and I could finally record a clear version of the sound tracks. Furthermore, I faced challenges when editing the video clips in order to make it fit with the composed song. It took me much longer time than what I have expected initially. Because the beat of the song is fast, therefore, every video clip only last for 0.4-0.6 seconds. I ended up devoting few nights editing the video clips and combine it with the music.

 (Reminder: the video has been uploaded in 1080HD format, so it provides a better sound and visual quality if you click it.)

CLICK HERE FOR THE FINAL MIX OF THE MUSIC VIDEO!  

(In-case the link is not working, it is also attached onto the right side of the blog, which is under the categories of “Links” section.)

Thank you for reading!

EDCP 305 Reflection 3

In the research article “The Second Educational Revolution: Rethinking Education In The Age Of Technology,” A. Collins as well as R. Halversont have succinctly illustrate the different types of obstacles and challenges that technological advancement has brought to the development of education. The utilization of technology in education can definitely bring benefits to the students and the learning environment. On the other hand, it also brings certain issues and disadvantages, such as the high cost of purchasing the technological equipment for public schools and it might reduce the communication as well as connection between teachers and learners. In this reflection paper, it places a heavy emphasis on examining mainly three ideas that have been discussed in the research article, which are the issues of “uniform learning vs. customization,” “knowledge in the head vs. reliance on outside resources,” and “responsibility: from the parents to the state to the individual and parents” (Collins & Halversont, 2010, p.19).

One of the ideas that have been presented in the research article is the “uniform learning vs. customization” (Collins & Halversont, 2010, p.19).   In traditional schooling, there is usually a regular teaching style in which every student will achieve each of the learning goals at the sane time. Yet, with the increasing digitalization in classroom, students are able to customize their learning schedule, which they do not necessary have to follow the learning objectives that are set by the teachers.  For instance, online course is a new schooling style, which allows the students to manipulate its own learning achievement. Even though it is not an easy task to judge weather the uniform learning style or customization is better, it is significant to set a fair balance for the system. Students who are in lower grades might not be suitable for receiving customization style of learning, since their they are still learning to build up their own knowledge achievement method. A uniform learning style will be more suitable for them, which it also provides a clear discipline and guidance for the learners at the beginner stage to follow easily.

In the research article, it states an issue about the “knowledge in the head vs. reliance on outside resources” (Collins & Halversont, 2010, p.19).  With the traditional uniform schooling style, the students receive the knowledge mostly from the textbooks and lectures that are provided by the educator. However, with the advanced technology level, it generates affection on the trend of the educational learning process. With the flowing of information, news, and knowledge all over the Internet, students nowadays are able to access to any learning sources, other than just the textbook. In a student’s prospective under this generation, it is very hard to avoid searching data and knowledge online. Therefore, in order to maintain the balance between the traditional way of achieving knowledge and the technological way, it is important for the teachers to educate the students to be aware of what sources that they are learning from, because it is not necessary that all information online are reliable.

The concept of “responsibility: from the parents to the state to the individual and parents” reflects the relationship between the role of the country’s responsibility of educating the next generation and the parents’ role (Collins & Halversont, 2010, p.23). It is definitely essential for the lower grades students’ parents to get involved in guiding their children to take the benefits of the technology in education. The role of parents is significant, as they can create a positive technological learning environment for the students to achieve the learning goals under both of the regular schooling as well as technological education.

For my personal prospective, I have definitely witnessed how the technological development has brought changes and impacts in education as well as music. The utilization of technology in educational purpose allows students to easily access to more resources, which helps learners to not only study the limited continents on the provided text, but also able to explore a greater wealth and depth of knowledge.  The advanced development of technology has also greatly influenced the music education. It allows singers and musicians to use professional technological software to record, compose, and edit songs and sound tracks in a more convenient way with rich elements and higher vocal quality. It also benefits for some students who do not have a musical background, which allows them to experience the creation of music.

Reference

EDCP 305 Reflection 2 (Option 1)

In the research paper “Fluency in General Music and Arts Technologies: Is the Future of music a Garage Band Mentality?” Peter Gouzouasis succinctly illustrates three main ideas as follow: the elaboration of a discourse on notions of fluency with arts-based technologies (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.5), the relationship between FITness and FATness by the National Research Council (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.5), and the discussion on the effects of technological tool that has generated to music education as well as the literacy of music (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.5). In new media context, the author states that there are few types of fluency, such as “visual fluency”, “aural fluency”, “associational fluency” and “ideational fluency” (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.5).  In these various types of fluencies, “associational fluency” plays a pivotal role in the digital media contexts, as it is “considered as the ability to identify and recognize similar structures (e.g., software menus, tools, and functions) across music software applications” (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.8).  The research has also mentioned the importance of “spontaneous flexibility” and “adaptive flexibility.” Moreover, in the author’s view of flexibility, he promotes the ideas that notion and flexibility are correlated, which allow music composer and artists to be more creative on their artworks by making the elements richer. Undoubtedly, the art-based technology in multimedia production is limitless, and full of flexibility (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.8). Furthermore, in today’s world, the fast growing technological development is one of the most significant and influential elements that affect the music education as well as literacy. The article places a heavy emphasis on the discussion of utilizing technological software to compose music, as well as its relationship to educational use. There are three types of knowledge that are associated with the art-based technology and fluency, such as “intellectual capabilities”, “fundamental concepts”, and “contemporary skills” (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.11).  For instance, “fundamental concepts” illustrate the idea that in order to utilize the technological equipment, it is necessary to gain a decent understanding of the technology concepts, and it is a lifelong learning skill (Gouzouasis, 2005, p.12).  In this paper, based on the in-class experiences in EDCP 305, I will examine the relationship and the effects that are generated by the capabilities of the Garage Band application and the traditional notation of music on the educational practice.

Given the circumstances of having students with different ability and background in music, it is difficult for teachers to set up teaching material for students to gain musical knowledge. Since some individuals might be more capable in understanding the language of music better than the other learners in the class, it is an undoubtedly difficult task for teachers to approach and teach students at the same time with the same progress. For instance, the teaching of musical notation is a good example, as referring to what Gouzouasis Peter’s (2005) study has found the following:

“Today, traditional notation of music may be interpreted as being useful only in the performance of Western classical music and related forms. Second, the teaching and learning of music notation has become an even more specialized endeavor than it has ever been, even in historical terms. Notation will become a more exclusive technè.”

It reflects that in the musical context, the notation is one of the most necessary classical elements for musician to read, understand, play, and compose a song. Simultaneously, notation can successfully acts as an instrumental element for musical composers to develop and intend their creations of music. Even though knowing that the utilization of musical notation is such a critical element in music, there is a part of the population in the class that is not capable of understanding this musical language. Therefore, the existence of educational technology such as Garage Band is a useful tool for those who do not understand the notation but have the passion and desire in creating their own music. The power of Garage Band allows those who do not have a musical knowledge background to construct a song. It is a versatile tool that provides an inspiring way for students to explore their interests in music and encourage the participants to experience the music beyond the traditional routine of learning music. Yet, with the more advanced and convenient educational technology such as Garage Band, it raises specific concerns about the major objective of music education. In the traditional way of learning how to play a musical instrument, it is an inherent part to also learn how to read the notation. Indeed, with the invention of Garage Band application, students can now compose a song, even though they do not have the ability of reading musical notation. The utilization of Garage Band in education is undoubtedly beneficial for both parties—students as well as teachers. However, it is necessary to maintain the balance between traditional musical notation and the use of musical technology. It is significant to maintain the heritage of the tradition of musical literacy.

Thus, reflecting to Gouzouasis’ article by applying his findings to the classroom, the music educational software, Garage Band, is surely a beneficial application in the purpose of learning. It is an instrumental and versatile tool especially for students who do not have a musical background. Simultaneously, while enjoying the benefits that the advanced technology has brought to the society as well as the musical industry, it is necessary to remain the heritage as well as the literacy of the traditional musical notational.

References

Gouzouasis, Peter. (2005). Fluency in General Music and Arts Technologies

Is the future of music a garage band mentality?, 5-6.

Gouzouasis, Peter. (2005). Fluency in General Music and Arts Technologies

Is the future of music a garage band mentality?, 8-9.

Gouzouasis, Peter. (2005). Fluency in General Music and Arts Technologies

Is the future of music a garage band mentality?, 11-12.

EDCP 305 Reflection 1

The influence of music has certainly plays a pivotal role in my life; it is one of the most significant elements in inspiring me to improve the relationship with my parents, by guiding me to gain a better control over my emotion. There is no doubt that music is an inherent part of my life; while I am listening to music, it increases my creativity by enhancing my intelligent and reduces tension. Music has been illustrated as “the international language”, and for the first time in my life, I have finally realized the significance of this powerfully enriching element, it was one of the most memorable experiences that music has bought to me. When I was at the age of fourteen, which is a transitional stage that known as adolescence, I was acting as an immature young teenager, particularly while I was dealing with school as well as family issues. During that period of time, a very minor instance could trigger me to have a seriously bad temper, which I tended to reflect the anger and frustration on my parents.

The spiritual aspect of music has shaped my life by guiding me to be optimistic, and it has constructed a fulfilling child-parent relationship in my childhood.  The empowerment of music first occurred on my life when my parents bought me to watch the world’s renowned musical—Mamma Mia, which was written by British playwright Catherine Johnson. The songs in the play emitted a great amount of optimistic energy. The musical has created an enjoyable environment, which allowed my mind to step into a stage of relaxation. I was slowly starting to dance with the rhythm of the songs with my parents; I saw the smiles on my parents’ faces, it was a touching moment. I knew that my parents truly care about me, which I told myself that instead of acting as an immature child with bad temper control, I should be a considerable son, and treasure the love that they have offered to me. This musical is like an endowment gift to our family, it had dramatically help me in improving the communication and relationship with my parents, and bought the distance between us closer than ever before.  Music is not only an entertainment to me anymore; I have never imagined that music can have such a great impact on my life, it is just as important as my family doctor. Music has enriched my life, I will listen to my favorite songs and plays from musical when I encounter obstacles or feeling confused in life, music can guide me back on track with an optimistic attitude. Undoubtedly, the power of music is influential and immeasurable, it is not only a performing art that is composed with melody, pitch, rhythm, and tempo, but also an experience of joy that creates positive effect, which leads the listener into a stage of relaxation as well as inspiration.

The experience in class of utilizing the technological equipment of music has changed the concept of creating music in my mind. Before I have attended this class, I have a concept in my mind that composing a song is a very complicated process, which requires professional equipment and software that is not user-friendly. Indeed, after attending the recent lecture, I have got a chance to experience with Garage Band, a soft-ware that allows user to easily create music or podcasts. The built-in useful features of this application has impressed me, it is definitely useful and user-friendly, such as the audio recording system, and the different types of musical instruments features. Garage Band is a versatile tool, with this application, now a non-musician individual can create professional-quality music product by using this software; and with the simplified tools and features, it is excellent software for educational purpose. As a student, I am pleased and looking forward to learn even more on utilizing this application by discovering more features on the software. During class time, I was learning in a group of three, with the power of music, it brings different cultures together, as we share our thoughts and ideas in using Garage Band to compose a song. Once again it proves that music is an “international language,” and there is no doubt that this software is instrumental in educational use. I believe that Garage Band will lead the new trend of creating music and generates a great impact in the society. Moreover, in my personal prospective, I am looking forward to utilize Garage Band with other digital media applications. For instance, students can use iMovie to produce a film and use Garage Band to compose a theme song or opening song for the film that they produced on iMovie. Furthermore, I have an idea of using Garage Band to compose a rock version of happy birthday song with me singing it, as a surprise gift to my mother for her coming birthday in October.

Comfort level in the class is high. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet some new friends at UBC while learning the utilization about different digital media applications. The lecture of the class delivers a high quality of musical as well as digital media experience to students. I enjoy a lot while we do the discussion with other classmates and the professor, it is a valuable chance to hear from what others’ ideas from different prospective; I am glad to see everyone shows respect to others’ thoughts, which it really generates an enjoyable learning environment for the class.

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