Digital Media Course Final Reflection

This music-inspired blog is also the blog used for my Digital Media class, and as such, I will be dedicating a post reflecting my growth and what I have learned throughout my time here. As unexpected for me, this class was quite difficult. Funny to think, because I love art; my life has always been devoured by all the forms of art, creating a spectrum of diversity of values in thoughts. However, I have never diverged myself in the arts of the digital world, and I can say I was very challenged. I have definitely improved my time management for sure, because this type of artwork is not something you can always just sit down and do. The first big assignment was my absolute favorite-- I loved going out and taking photos with my phone to capture the urban landscape, and then editing it and putting my own spin on things. The different things I could do with it was awesome, and I became inspired right away. I thought I would really like making my own song, but I was not quite pleased with how mine had turned out, but that is also because mixed songs is not my cup-of-tea, but I definitely did experience their side of instruments! This was my first true lesson of time management, because I had a hard time toward the end trying to make it work and be a joy to listen to. However, with the time I had and the work I did, I am quite proud of my accomplishments! I learned there are many programs as digital "instruments" that you can make your very own music, like I play my own on the violin and the guitar. Resolution was difficult for me to grasp, but with the second lesson, I finally understand the importance of resolution-- even in every day activities! My family loves to print off pictures, and sometimes they are blurry, and we don't know why, but I know now that it is based on the digital resolution, and we can alter it sometimes to make it better. The hardest assignment for me was creating the website, but I did have some fun with it! I liked making my own portfolio based on how I am, and my favorite colors and my personal spin on things. I think knowing how to build websites is good for anyone, because almost everyone I know has had to do it at least one time in their life, and it is one good way to get yourself out there. I like how I can put all of my achievements in one place (other than Blackboard, of course)! Hard skills that I have learned are technical resources through lessons and experience, and since I have not very skilled in technology, many students supported me and helped me through this fault as well. I am proud to say I am much better and more confident while I am online. Communicating every week through our discussion board helped me immensely to feel comfortable to talk to others who are in my same position. I thought I would be the only non-art major in the class, but I wasn't! I felt very welcome, and opened up. Also, like I mentioned earlier, my time management skills have definitely improved, because everything is timely, and I had to work very hard to achieve that goal. So, a big thanks to everyone who came along in this experience with me, and taught me many new things!

The Art of The Violin

One of music's most beautiful instruments, the violin is a wooden string instrument that has a broad range of volume and an array of notes and keys. Music is a language in itself as in sheet music; all different notes and keys signatures contribute to the language. There are many different instruments in the strings "Section" that are just as incredible; however, as a violinist myself, I know this the best. There are many variations of violins, including a 5-string, because it also gives the musician an opportunity to play as a viola as well. Orchestral music can include brass and percussion instruments as well, all contributing to the fantastic sounds being played. The violin is famous for playing every emotion humans experience/portray; lighten up on the bow and increase your vibrato and you spread the lovely feeling of melancholy. Push forcefully down on the bow on the strings and swiftly move it to easily play pure anger out of the instrument. You can "fiddle" to show your love for southern country, or the exciting Celtic movements. There are so many opportunities you have with the violin, it's no surprise it is one of the most popular instruments out there. Not to mention it is very popular in duets, alongside the piano, cello, flute, and many more. The reason for this (possibly bias) post, is because the violin is what got me into music and evolved my love for it. I would not be who or where I am without the experience of choosing the violin as my first instrument, as it is for many others. I hope this can be inspiring to you readers to get out there and find what you're passionate for, be whatever it is!

Our Universal Language

The arts have forever been the single way we humans can communicate across the world; whether it be in America, Asia, Africa, Europe. We do not need to understand each other's languages to understand the functions and feelings of the arts, especially music. I'm not talking about Rock 'N Roll, Pop, or Rap, but the art in which we put into making the tunes. As a violinist, I understand how playing the music makes me feel, as well as how the listener feels when they hear me play. Everyone understands that, no matter if they like the song or not. Some argue that music is only a symbol represented in each culture, since every culture has some sort of musical behavior. But we know how music makes us feel. Heck-- we express ourselves through the power of music! Physically playing the music is art in and of itself, and it is known to have some communicative means without words. This TED Talk video is one of the best examples of great communication from the musician to the listener and even to other musicians, and I hope you find yourself understanding these emotions expressed as they play as well!

Relaxation: Creating Your Spa-Time Playlist

In the past, we have talked about Music and the Brain, the effects it has on us, and how it can make us feel (sad, happy, angry, energetic, etc). However, there is one thing we have not talked about-- stress relievers! That's right, musical therapy is a thing! Not everyone benefits from it, since it is totally up to the individual to make that choice and fully commit, but for those of you who are super stressed out, and are willing to try everything, you're in the right place! First off, let's go back to the brain. Listening to music promotes more connections within neurons and also releases hormones that can change our mood, simply put. When we listen to fast-paced music (70 BPM-120 BPM), we are typically going to feel more energetic as our heartbeat increase per minute, and this is why music helps motivate us to workout and lose the holiday pudge. What about easy listening? Classical? Piano and thunderstorm tunes? With the help of some purposeful slow breathing and a relaxed position (sitting or laying down), we can achieve relaxation at its finest! Will this cure all your problems? Probably not. However, it does provide some deep thinking time if that's what helps you to solve your problems. This is the basis of music therapy, and there are so many more musical options to choose from, as I only listed a few. Everyday struggles ARE a struggle, and music is here to help!

Film Music

If you're a fan of movies, as well as music, you have probably realized the amazing effect the film scores have on the films. However, have you ever analyzed why it contributes so much to it? I wanted to dig a little deeper, and put this knowledge to one of my favorite movie series, <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>. Looking into the facts on film music, I'd like to analyze Roy A. Prendergast's article, "The Aesthetics of Film Music", where he compares two different observations made on what makes film music important, or lack thereof. On one side, music can be used to make a sense of "color" to the movie, creating raw emotion in the dramatic aspects of the music. There are criticisms that say that this is too simple, but the truth is, there is "color" within the music of films, because it has to be dramatic in order for it to be noticed enough to make an impact. Musical color is the term for this observation, and there are several techniques to it. The main one, I find to be most general, is to "use musical material indigenous to the locale of the film", or in other words, use western music for western films, use pirate-themed music for pirate-themed films. Also, this is based on who the typical audience is. In the example within the article, they explain how the composer is not going to write authentic oriental music in a  1940's or 30's western film, because the western audience will not understand the true authentic music, thus having little dramatic effect for them. The most significant use for film scores is the psychological effect it has on the audience; the music can be a predisposition for certain characters or events to happen in the film. This can be a subtle effect, but it has much more impact than we realize, because depending on what the subject of the film the music is going to help focus in on, it can change the way we see it. Some critics believe that novels (film based) are of no comparison to the films, because the audience cannot truly see the thoughts and feelings of the characters. However, film music is the imagination and perception booster for this very reason; the music can expand the character's persona, and "can have the insight into different aspects of behavior and motivation not possible under the aegis of naturalism". And, of course, film music can have the sense of "filling in the background", providing continuity, and creating the feeling of finality of the film. In other words, music helps the film be great and move along to the basis that it is shown to the public. Without music, the films would be difficult to watch, and probably boring.                                                                                                                                                           Not to drag on too much, but now how to contribute this theoretical perspective! In <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>, Howard Shore is the composer of the film scores, and uses the music to create motifs (constant symbols created throughout the film) with characters and scenes. For example, when you see BagEnd, or the hobbits happily strolling or enjoying themselves, he uses the song "Concerning Hobbits", as you will hear. It is a wonderful song-- it provides great visualization of the beautiful green hills and hobbit houses; vast lands with bright blue skies with running waters and butterflies fluttering through the air. These descriptions prove that the music has had an impact on the audience (me). In another example, the elves are provided with dark and mysterious ethereal music to convey a sense of intrigue and beauty.                                                                                                                       I hope this has provided some insight for when you watch movies, and even more appreciation for the music they  put into them! http://web.archive.org/web/19970516041845/http://citd.scar.utoronto.ca/VPAB93/course/readings/prenderg.html                                                                                                                                                        

Music and Physical Activity

Do you have your own separate playlist for when you go to the gym or your morning run? Do you listen to something hard-core or lightly fast-paced? Studies show that when warming up for any exercise, you should listen to something around the 80-90 beats per minute range. As it turns out, the more fast-paced music you listen to, the faster your heart rate may beat, because it keeps you from getting fatigued, and keeps you alert. However, when you are in your peak of the workout, say in running, you can listen to about 120 to 140 BPM. The one criticism to these practices when exercising is the music volume you are putting into your ears; it is safe to say that if you constantly have your iPod up from day to day, you will damage your ears! The researchers recommend that you can listen the a few songs to a high volume when you're exercising, but you should lower the volume most of the time to reduce the chances of damage to your hearings. Also, don't listen to loud music with earbuds or headphones for a few days after this high volume exposure. However, I'm sure that since a lot of people exercise everyday, moderation is key when it comes to volume. So, knowing this, do these songs fit your exercise regimen playlist?                                                              https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-and-music#2

Music and Nostalgia

I think we all have those wonderful moments that we experience when we listen to music, and we think "oh, I remember when this first came out!" This nostalgic emotion makes us feel happy, and even sad at times, because I think we realize how much we are growing and how good times were "back in the day". This is because our most special "first time" moments happen when we typically listen to music, because music makes us feel good! Just had your first kiss? Might as well turn up the Taylor Swift in the car and remember this moment forever! It sort of makes sense when we realize that we still do it today. Just had your first horrible break up? Sit alone with your Ben & Jerry's and listen to some Secondhand Serenade, or maybe Kelly Clarkson. If on the rebel side of breakups, turn up the Carrie Underwood and bring your "Louisville slugger to both headlights".
Don't believe me-- listen to this video, and see if there are any songs that you can reminisce about!