English Folk

Analytical Essay about The Beatles

Melody Challenge

Ground Bass Composition

After having talked about ground bass in class, our task was to compose our own 'ground bass' piece. 

These are document we made, on "How Music Works". Due Oct 2019.

Here are my notes on these 3 videos!

Due Jan 2021

Learning an English Folk song by ear!

This was my attempt at learning an english folk song by ear. We then later performed it together, as a class (you can find the video in 'Performances' -> 'Class Performances').

Due Nov 2020

Presentation on English Folk Music

This was our presentation, which we gave online, on English Folk (Traditional) Music. In this we outlined the main characteristics, the origins and history, instruments used as well as a short song analysis!

Due Oct 2020

Analytical Essay

This is an essay I wrote about the evolution of The Beatles, by analysing three of their songs.

Due Oct 2020

Melody Challenge

After doing the rhythm challenge in class, we decided to also try out a 'melody challenge'. 

I chose the main theme from Schindler's List, because of its very (very) high notes and position shifts.

Due June 2020

Having already composed a short piece, using the ground bass concept, I knew where to start. I chose four chords (this time I chose them myself, and did not use a chord generator like last time). I chose B, G, Em and A. This sequence is repeated throughout the entire composition (=ground bass). The challenge came later, when I had to build an actual melody on these chords. Strangely, it didn't seem as simple as the first time I did it, and I was seemingly less inspired. 

Eventually, I started and improvised on these chords, until I actually found something I liked.

I tried to build up in terms of complexity in this piece; it starts with a simple bass line, followed by simple chords and then notes. I used only quarter and half notes a first, and then built up towards sixteenth notes and slightly more complicated rhythms. I did not wish to add too many instruments, becauseI have a tendency of making pieces too 'crowded' when using many instruments. However, I did think piano and violin ONLY sounded quite empty; which is why Iadded the rhythm line!

I think the main challenge I faced while composing this, was the lack of inspiration and what felt as a 'lack of freedom'. I like to be free when composing, to suddenly change the melody or even modulate when I want to. Here it is not a possibility, as the chords/bass line have/has to stay the same. I still think composing differently than I usually would forces me out of my comfort zone and forces me to try new things that I wouldn't have thought of using.

Click here to listen to it on NoteFlight!

Click on that button to listen to the MP3 version of my composition!

Due May 2020

These are our notes on the 'Age of Invention', a video by Howard Goodall.

Due Oct 2019

My rhythm challenge

First Song

After having worked with rhythms in class, our task was to find a rhythmically challenging piece and then perform it (either through video or live). I chose 'A Little Tango', a piece of which I already had the score but never actually learned it.

However, I got multiple comments stating this did not seem challenging enough. I do think this is slightly disappointing, because being a rhythmically (extremely) unstable person (especially when actually playing an instrument, and not just singing), any dotted note or legato kind of throws me off.

I still do think my rhythm improved thanks to the work I put into this piece, and that was the whole aim of the task.

Due Nov 2019

In music class, we had to write our very own song, as a part of our 'composing in the last 100 years' curriculum. All students were provided with the same chords and the same lyrics, and had to come up with a least two verses and a chorus. My song is called 'Destined Way', and was one of the first songs I ever wrote.

Due March 2018