Week 2: 16 - 20 April 2012

Topics (Theory): Dm7 and Music Notation Written Test

Reflection Question: What are the functions of music in society?

Music and society are always related. Music reflects on how society is formed. For example, music and society are always related. Music reflects on how society is formed. For example, starting in the late 20th century the development of music recording techniques has revolutionized to the extent which most people have different access to music. Hence, nowadays all age groups are able to access all kinds of music 24 hours a day.

Music is also a powerful media and in some circumstances, society uses music in different attempts. Music is powerful even at the extent of social group because it facilitates communication which goes beyond words; the meaning and messages in music are able to be shared to different groups of people. Music also gives identities to each culture and country.

Moreover, music is able to induce multiple responses, including physiology, movement, mood, emotion, cognitive, and behavior. Wide range of human functions are included as well. It would be difficult to predict specific effects of certain piece of music to any individual because there are different ways of music processing by brain.

Music is also well known as treatment without medicine. Music is now used for therapy. Therapy using music refers to listening to the music itself or composing music, or even it could involve both of them. Therapy using music have been explored extensively with particular groups of patients, especially the elderly, those with brain damage, and those with persistent pain. Music therapy has also been used to promote appropriate behavior in vulnerable group and enhance the quality of life of those who cannot be helped medically.

Instrument class

I tried to apply the music notation learned during the theory session using my instrument. I started the practice by playing F major scale using different beat (1/4, 1/3, 1/2). Then, I practiced playing F Major 7th which consists of F, G#, B and D. At the beginning, I encountered difficulty in playing F Major 7th proven by I kept accidentally playing C Major 7th instead. However, I was able to play it fluently because I stayed longer at the instrument class even though the recess time has come. In addition, I also practiced playing C Major 7th and C7. It was not difficult to play both chords.

Practice videos
F Major Scale, FM7, F7, and Fm7

I practiced playing the scale and chords because I just once again learned it during the theory class, and my instrument teacher also taught me how to apply it in flute. I played it fluently and I did not make any mistakes, however I still have to practice for the other scales and chords.

Smile (First 16 Bars) - 3rd Practice

I once again practiced the first 16 bars before proceeding to the next bars of the song. I feel that I've done a lot of improvement since last week. I blown the flute so that the sound is clear. It is just I took breathe too often so the playing doesn't sound very smooth. In order to improve it, I will practice my breathing.

Week 1: 9 - 13 April 2012

Topics (Theory): Major scale, major 7th, minor 7th
Reflection Question: What is the role of music in your life?

Music is a daily need for me. I listen to music everyday, using different devices such as radio, CD player, laptop, iPod, and mobile phone. Music is one way for me to express my feeling. In the morning, in order to enhance my energy I listen to fast and strong beat songs. At night, in order to ease me to fall asleep I listen to slow beat (mellow) songs. The lyrics and beat of the songs I listen to represent what mood I am on.
Music is the reason why I'm learning different culture. I like Japanese and Korean pop hence I'm learning the culture of both countries. By trying to understand the lyrics in Japanese and Korean, I learn some words in both languages.
Music also determines the way of how I socialize. I often talk to people who like the same music genres as me because we know and understand the same things and we have so many things to talk about. It also makes me to be close to them.

Instrument Class
I discussed about the songs provided in the jazz songs selection booklet with my instrument teacher. He played some songs in the booklet as examples for us, including Fly Me To The Moon, One Note Samba, and Smile. I'm considering to pick a song from the 3 songs for the ensemble performance next month. At first, I would like to choose One Note Samba, however I found it difficult to memorize the tempo of One Note Samba even though it does not involve many kinds of note. Hence I'm considering to play Smile for the ensemble. However I am still not sure about it, so I will try to play some songs from the booklet first so I can decide which song I am going to play.

Practice Videos
Smile (First 16 Bars) - 1st Practice

This was the first time I played song from the Jazz selection songs booklet. I chose Smile because the notes in the song are easier to understand than the others. I did not make any mistakes even though it was the first time playing. However, I still have to improve my breathing skill in order to play the song smoothly.

Smile (First 16 Bars) - 2nd Practice

This was my 2nd practice in playing first 16 bars of Smile. I feel that this practice is worse than the first one because I did some mistakes when playing, even some notes cannot be heard clearly. I think it was because I practiced at night and I was sleepy. On the next practice, I have to be more passionate.