Reflection: Week 10: 19 – 23 March 2012

Topic (Theory): 12 Bar Blues Performance (Assessment)
Reflection Question: How was your understanding in blues after the assessment?

Through the assessment, I understand how I apply improvisation in blues using my instrument. Basically, the concept of improvisation in blues is easy. It is just the repetition of 3 7th chords, which are C7, F7 and G7, repeated 4 times so it forms 12 bar blues. However, since this was just my beginning in learning jazz, specifically blues, I need to compose the melody first before playing the improvisation. However, if in the future I am used to it, I will be able to play improvisation without compose it first in music sheet

Instrument Class

Since it was assessment week for music, I didn't have any instrument classes.

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Practice Videos
1. 12 Bar Blues Performance (1st practice)

I did this practice on the weekend before the assessment. I didn't do any mistakes although I played the composition in slow beat. However, in the assessment later on I guess I will play the song in medium beat. In order to play it well in medium beat, I have to memorize the melody, concentrate and don't be nervous.

2. 12 Bar Blues Performance (2nd practice)

I did this practice at night before the assessment. Again, I played the song in slow beat. I still have no confidence to play it in at least a bit faster than my performance on the video above. I am always nervous even though it is just when I record practice videos for reflection. If I still can't do the medium beat, I will just play the song in slow beat during the assessment.

Reflection: Week 9: 12 – 16 March 2012

Topic (Theory Class): 12 bar Blues Performance Rehearsal

Reflection Question: How is my understanding about improvisation especially in blues?

Improvisation means the creation of a musical composition while it is being performed. The art of improvisation is critical in jazz. The blues is built using a simple 12 – measure chorus comprised of three chords, C⁷, F⁷, and G⁷. Thus, the melodies consist of the chord tones only. 

Instrument Class

I started warming up using C scale as usual by different beats (1/4, 1/3, ½ and speed skill). Then, I practiced playing blues scale. My instrument teacher asked me and the other woodwind students to play the instrument using blues scale with the arrangement that I compose on my own on my mind as I play the instrument. Now, I understand how to apply improvisation using blues scale.

My teacher usually checks our playing (major scales, blues scale, the tonics) one by one. I was waiting for my turn by using the time to practice my composition. I feel that I need to make my lips more relax while blowing the flute so I can perform better.

Practice Videos 

1. G blues scale

Since it was the first time I play G blues scale, I think it is still understood if I haven't been able to play it fluently. I did some mistake at around 1:10, but it is alright because I will practice more in order to cover the mistakes in the future.

2. C blues scale

During this term, I often practice C blues scale during the instrument class, thus no wonder that I've been able to play it fluently. However, I still need to practice more especially on my breathing because on the video it is obvious that my breathing skill is quite messed up.

Reflection: Week 8: 5 – 9 March 2012

Topic (Theory Class): 12 bar Blues Performance

Reflection Question: How the roles of blues in development of early jazz?

The term “the blues” actually refers to the “blue devils”, which means melancholy and sadness. Lyrics in blues often used to describe depressed mood. A transplanted New Orleans pioneer, Clarence Williams, was in charge in many jazz and blues recording in New York. It made the jazz center in the United States moved from Chicago to New York City in the late twenties. Along with the ragtime, blues popularized what was call syncopation. Syncopation refers to the placement of rhythmic stresses or accent where they wouldn’t normally occur. Syncopated notes and rhythms became so popular that even sheet music publishers included the word “syncopated” in advertising.

Instrument Class

My performance during rehearsal on theory class was very disappointing. The sound from the flute didn’t constantly come out and I was nervous when playing the notes so I messed it up. Thus, I started practice from the major scales and then 7^th chords. I also practiced playing blues scales. After that I practiced my 12 bar blues composition and showed it to my instrument teacher as well. He told me that I actually would be able to rehearse well during the theory class if I wasn’t panic and stayed calm. I should assure myself to always be calm during performing so I will achieve a good mark especially for the assessment.

Practice Videos
1. D blues scale

I tried to play the other blues scale, which is D blues scale. On this practice I didn't make any mistakes. I also followed the same tempo. It was quite an improvement since actually on this practice I was quite sleepy because it was late night. Since I did it well on playing D blues scale, I would like to try to improvise using D blues scale. It would be an exciting challenge.

2. Improvisation in Blues

Before I tried to apply improvisation, I played the C blues scale first. I did well in playing C blues scale. I was able to play it on the constant tempo and without any mistakes. However, I think that my improvisation on the practice is not that good to hear. I even think that the improvisation I did on the previous practice is way better. I think it was because on this practice I didn't really concentrate well since it was late night already.

Reflection: Week 7: 27 February – 2 March 2012

Topic (Theory Class): Performing 12 bar Blues

Reflection Question: How do I practice and apply my 12 bar blues at home?

I haven’t once practiced my 12 bar blues composition at home because there were a lot of assessments due on the same week. However, since I always come to school early, I practiced my 12 bar blues every time after I arrived at school. After the practices, I feel that what have been taught in theory class were important, especially on how to apply the rests when playing the instrument. I also still encounter difficulty to follow the accompaniment. Nonetheless, I made those practices effective by record them so that I can compare in which aspects I have been and not been well, and which ones I should improve.

Instrument class

I practiced my 12 bar blues in the instrument class. However, I haven’t asked for my instrument teacher regarding on his thoughts about my performances because I haven’t showed my playing to him. Nonetheless, I feel some improvements with my playing. I didn’t stop a lot in the middle of playing the composition.

Practice Videos
1.   Improvisation

During the class, my instrument teacher has taught me how to improvise using blues scale. He said that we can play any notes when improvising using blues scale, as long as the notes that we play are notes on blues scale. I think I've done well in improvisation since I feel that the improvisation I did on the practice above is good to hear. I will practice more on improvisation to gain my skill on how to apply it on instruments.


2. A blues scale

After playing B blues scale on last 2 weeks, this time I tried to play A blues scale. Although it was the first time I play blues scale, I didn't encounter any difficulty and even I only did a minor mistake on 0:51. Looking at last 2 practices on blues scale, I think I am quite fast in learning scales. Thus, I would like to play other blues scales on the practice next week.

Reflection: Week 6: 20 – 24 February 2012

Topic (Theory class): 12 Bar Blues on Finale: Feedback and Submission

Reflection Question: What are your challenges when working on 12 bar blues finale task?

I’ve actually encountered difficulties from the beginning when I had to collect my resources. I didn’t receive the Finale template from my teacher because my Binusian mail hardly receives e-mails and I didn’t notice that my teacher sent the template to my parents before he told us. I also found out a day before submission that my Finale has been expired. I tried to download it on my other laptop but it couldn’t work. However, I could overcome the problem by borrowing my teacher’s computer to run the Finale so that I can work on the task.

I also encountered difficulties when composing the melodies itself. However, by the help of the chords and blues scale, I was able to finish the composition

Instrument Class

I didn’t have any instrument classes this week because the time left was too few.

Practice Videos
1. Improvisation (4 Bar Blues)

Since this week is when the Finale sheet is due on, I worked on it as fast as I could. When I was composing the melody, I felt curious whether the melody is good to hear or not. Thus, on this practice I tried to play the first 4 bars of my composition. After I played the melody, I think I should just stay with this melody.

2. Improvisation (8 Bar Blues)

I continued to practice what I've composed for my 12 bar blues. Before this practice, I've done until the 8th bar so I tried to play it. However, after this practice I decided to change the whole melody I've composed because I don't like it. Moreover, it doesn't apply enough syncopation.

Reflection: Week 5: 13 – 17 February 2012

Topic (Theory class): 12 Bar Blues

Reflection Question: How is my understanding of blues and the application in 12 bar blues?

I’ve understood the basic concept of blues. The notes in blues scale are C E♭ F F^# G B♭ C. The chords used in blues scale are C⁷ F⁷ G⁷. In theory class, I’ve been taught about the rests. Those concepts are helpful for me in order to compose my 12 bar blues melody composition. I memorized the notes included in C⁷ F⁷ G⁷ and different kinds of rests to compose the melody.

Instrument Class

My instrument teacher taught me how to play blues scale. I didn’t encounter much difficulty to play blues scale. However, I still need to practice more because I wasn’t fast enough when playing blues scale by flute. 

 Practice Videos
1. Do Re Mi

 I once again played children song for my practice. I didn't encounter any difficulty when playing Do Re Mi song because I've memorized the melody before. I feel satisfied knowing that I didn't make any mistakes although I played the song 2 times. The thing that I have to improve is the tempo. I usually play songs without following certain tempo which makes is not really good to listen. I have to practice playing songs following the tempo so I will make great performances.


2. B blues scale

I just found it from the internet that actually there are various kinds of blues scale, which is based from its starting note. There are C, F, G, B, A and more other blues scale. What I have been taught during the music class is C blues scale. On the practice above, I tried to play B blues scale. I only did mistakes on 1:09, which is quite called an improvement because usually I did so many mistakes when playing things that I just figure out.

Reflection: Week 4: February 6 – February 10, 2012

Topic (Theory Class): Singing assessment

Reflection Question: How do you understand the learning of jazz through your assessment task done?

Speaking about my singing assessment, I really feel satisfied with what I have done although I only got 8 marks out of 10. I do so because I didn’t have specific time out of music class to practice for singing assessment. During some time before the assessment, I sometimes still forgot the lyrics because I didn’t manage to memorize it in particular time. I only relied on the practices done as I kept repeating the lyrics and started to memorize the lyrics. Moreover, at the last minutes my partner decided to do the assessment with the other student so that I had to do my assessment alone. At first I didn’t like it when my partner decided to do so but I thought that it was a good opportunity to practice and gain my confidence.

Through the assessment task done, I understand that jazz can be even applied in singing. I found some songs which have jazz melodies and have lyrics to sing (which are I Got Rhythm, What a Wonderful World, and When the Saints Go Marchin’ In) because at first I only know the instrumental jazz songs. I am also inspired to look for the other jazz songs which has its lyrics so that I can sing the songs.

Instrument Class

I did the preparation for singing assessment with my partner by the help of my instrument teacher. My instrument teacher suggested us to sing on key note 0. However, I felt that singing on key note -1 is way easier. Nonetheless, even though during the assessment I sang on the key note -1, my theory teacher said that I would perform better if I sang on the key note 0. 

Practice Videos
1. Blues scale (1st practice)

On the video above, I tried to play blues scale for the first time at home. I didn't do it well. I often pressed wrong notes and also missed some notes especially Bb. I think it was just because I was too nervous because usually I can play blues scale well at the instrument class. I just have to make sure that I can stay calm on the next practice.

2. Blues scale (2nd practice)

 On the video above I still practiced playing blues scale to improve the last time I practice it. Compared to the last practice, the mistakes I did on this practice is fewer. However, I still can't play it on the same tempo because sometimes I have to stop to remind myself what notes I have to play afterwards. I believe that if I practice more, I will get used to it and will able to play blues scale fluently.

Reflection: Week 3: January 30 – February 3, 2012

Topic: “The Beginning of Jazz” and “Improvisation in Jazz” Essay

Reflection Question: How did I do my essay and how did it affect me when learning and applying jazz?

I was able to finish the essays on time and by following the required number of words. However, I didn’t do the essay with complete structure (Introduction – Body – Conclusion). Nevertheless, I still cited all the resources I used to write the essays. Also, I feel satisfied with the essays because actually doing the essays itself brings me benefits. It encouraged me to do some research and by the research done I was able to gain my knowledge regarding on the history of jazz and the role of improvisation in jazz. However, I still have no clear ideas on how to apply improvisation in jazz. Thus, I have to learn it on the instrument class.

Instrument Class

Since I haven’t been able to play F scale well after the instrument class last week, I continued practice F major scale using ¼, 1/3, and ½ beat. Then, I practiced speed skill. I still haven’t done well in my breathing so sometimes I lost some notes. I have improved my speed skill yet I still need more practices at home so I wouldn’t just practice major scales all the time in instrument class.

Practice Videos
1. F major scale

After watching the practice video above, I feel that my speed skill has improved. I didn't miss any notes nor press wrong notes. Nonetheless, I can't see any progress on my breathing skill which makes my performance not really good to listen. My instrument teacher suggested me to practice my breathing everyday but I don't know how to manage my time to do so.

2. Ibu Pertiwi

I think my performance in playing this "Ibu Pertiwi" song is quite messy because I don't really remember the 2nd until 4th line of this song. However,  I am glad that I am able to practice national song for my weekly practice.This kind of practice doesn't only gain my skill in playing flute, but also gain my knowledge in Indonesian national songs. I should play such a song more.

Reflection: Week 2: January 23 – 27, 2012

Topic: The Beginning of Jazz (The Big Band Era and Swing)

Reflection Question: How was my progress in learning the roots of jazz?

I have made some progresses on my knowledge and understanding about jazz thanks to my teacher for delivering some handouts so that I can gain more information. I also have tried to apply improvisation in jazz although I still need my teacher’s assistance. I just found out that AABA composition that I made last term has relations to the jazz topic.

Instrument Class

I practiced F major scale using different beats (1/4, 1/3, and ½ notes). I also practiced speed skill. I didn’t feel any improvements done and if that happens continually I won’t be able to practice with songs. I still need more practices out of the class.

Practice Videos
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

At first I didn't have any intentions to practice this song. However, I feel that keep uploading major scales practice videos is also boring. So then I started looking for children song and decided to practice this song. Actually, this song is easy to play. However, for a beginner in flute like me, practice simple songs is important. I will routinize this activity so that I will be able to proceed to more complex songs.

2. My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean 

I think "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" has higher level of difficulty than "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Nonetheless, I am still able to play it well. Also, another benefit that I feel in playing children songs is that it helps me to concentrate. Usually, the melodies on children song are not vary; it just twists the same melodies over and over and I can't be confused by it.

Reflection: Week 1: January 16 – 20, 2012

Topic: The Beginning of Jazz (Slavery Era)

Reflection Question: How did you find the beginning of jazz and how did the teacher do it?

I found that the beginning of jazz was sad because the birth of jazz was actually caused by the slavery era in America. Afro – American (black people) in the era were discriminated and they couldn’t do their activities freely. However, thanks to jazz they are now considered as human beings who are same as other (especially white) people. My teacher delivered some handouts and it helps me in understanding what happened during the slavery era.

Practice Videos
1. C Major Scale

 

I started to practice from C major scale because it was the first week of the semester and I didn't spend anytime to practice during the holiday. I can play major scale correctly but on the video it is obvious that I still have difficulty in taking breath. Thus, I should practice long breath regularly.

2. When the Saints Go Marchin' In

I practice this song because this week I learned how to play this song during the instrument class. On this practice, I didn't do it well because I still had to look at the notes on my laptop screen. Besides, even I played the song as I looked at the notes on the screen, I still had difficulty in playing the song. I have to memorize the melody for this song so I will be able to play it fluently.