I've had a ball reading some of the blogs by others in the class and learning more about them and their activities. I've commented on blog posts by Alice, Merryn, Charlotte and Hannah.
This is honestly a very short posting because I've said what I wanted to say in the other blogs and I don't really want to end up flogging a dead horse.
My wonderful resources are as follows
Arendt, Hannah. (1958). The human condition. Chicago: Chicago University Press. (not quoted but I enjoyed reading)
Beeching, A. (2010) Beyond talent: Creating a successful career in music. 2Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Hargreaves, D.J., Macdonald, R. & Miell, D. (2005). Musical communication. Oxford University Press: UK
Hopkins, H.L., & Smith, H.D. (1983). Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy. In Crepeau E. (2003). Analyzing occupation and activity: A way of thinking about occupational performance. In Crepeau, E., Cohn, E., & Schell, B. (Eds.),Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy (10th ed., pp.189-198). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
The Power of Music - I do not have a reference but here is a link to view it online...
Verbal communication/quotes from people
“Soothing the soul so you can become fit to be a human being.” – Mary Butler personal communications 2011 (I told you I would quote you on it and here you are...)
"Music should strike from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of women" - Ludwig van Beethoven
"Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
What all of this means to me...
It's been a really interesting process of trying to explore what music is to me over these past however many weeks... Sitting down with my guitar is something that seems impossible to define. "Music is a natural instinct in man" (The Power of Music) Music means different things to everyone and each person has different passions. Though we all have our own appreciations for music such as green day, record players, pink floyd and music-so-weird-I-have-no-idea-how-she-found-it there is a reason I'm the only one of my 5 flatmates to be found sitting in the sun on the balcony playing my guitar regularly or quietly strumming away on my bed singing to myself, there is an intrinsic bond between me and my music.
A paper last year drew me to thinking about the essence of humanity. I've come to the conclusion that my deep connection to music is because it is part of the essence of my humanity. Though it may be an isolating activity at times it allows me to ground and collect myself so that I can become fit to participate in society. As a teenager it was not acceptable for me to yell at my father or speak to him in a tone while angry or in the grips of a particularly feisty bout PMS, instead I would go to my piano and play for however long it took to sooth my soul and then I would be once again able to rejoin my family. I'm sure forensic testing would show traces of my tears on the keys from a number of occasions including after a breakup when all I could do was play and cry till it was out of my system.
Ambience, ergonomics, affordances and practical considerations all rolled into one only begin to scratch the surface of what engaging in music really means, to me at least. Some people are driven to draw, others to write articles and crave knowledge. Personally I am content so long as music is never far from my side. I'll never be a famous musician nor will my music soothe the hearts of millions as the only heart it is commissioned to soothe is my own.
A paper last year drew me to thinking about the essence of humanity. I've come to the conclusion that my deep connection to music is because it is part of the essence of my humanity. Though it may be an isolating activity at times it allows me to ground and collect myself so that I can become fit to participate in society. As a teenager it was not acceptable for me to yell at my father or speak to him in a tone while angry or in the grips of a particularly feisty bout PMS, instead I would go to my piano and play for however long it took to sooth my soul and then I would be once again able to rejoin my family. I'm sure forensic testing would show traces of my tears on the keys from a number of occasions including after a breakup when all I could do was play and cry till it was out of my system.
Ambience, ergonomics, affordances and practical considerations all rolled into one only begin to scratch the surface of what engaging in music really means, to me at least. Some people are driven to draw, others to write articles and crave knowledge. Personally I am content so long as music is never far from my side. I'll never be a famous musician nor will my music soothe the hearts of millions as the only heart it is commissioned to soothe is my own.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Aaaambience
Ambience is one of my favourite things about sitting down with some music. It's a feeling or mood associated with a thing. For me picking up my guitar reminds me of sitting in the sun on the balcony and I'm filled with a sense of peace an happiness. A lecturer described it as a potential process of “soothing the soul so you can become fit to be a human being."
Music fills a number of roles in society and in each scenario it evokes a different emotional response according to the mood of the listener. Though playing and listening differ greatly both have the power to provoke responses like tears from either joy or sorrow. "Many non-musicians experience music as aural wallpaper, the backdrop of their daily life, creating ambiance for commuting, shopping, dining, and at work." - Beeching (2010)
Music to fill silence – A classic example is the dreaded ‘elevator music’ or the catchy tunes you get to listen to while on hold with annoying companies that enjoy putting you on hold so much they provide irritating music just for your pleasure, interspersed of course with “your call is very important to us, please continue to hold". The music that simply makes you want to clench your fists
Music to accompany boring tasks – The soundtrack to life: iPods.... iPods have become accessories that accompany vast amounts of people in menial daily tasks, driving down the street it is uncommon to not see an adolescent filled with teenage angst, headphones in their ear’s and stuck in their own world of how unfair life is and how cruel their parents are. From listening to Mumford and Sons on my walk to polytech in the mornings, to listening to Hamish and Andy podcasts while driving long distances (or at the gym, however my tendency to burst into random laughter and the resulting weird looks from strangers has discouraged this specific use). Listening to music allows me to fill gaps of silence within my day, just like dancing to music and doing the dishes it makes the atmosphere more enjoyable.
Music for remembrance – Funerals are one place you would expect to hear and sing music. Where a special selection of songs are chosen to reflect a person’s life and allow you to feel a connection to them. Some songs are forever ingrained in your memory for being played at funerals, songs that you have been conditioned to associate with that event in time, that from now on provoke an emotional response. Just as SOOO many tv shows have managed to forever associate "how to save a life" with sad scenes evoking an emotional response from their viewers
Music for entertainment – By far one of the preferred forms of music is that which is used for entertainment. Attending an event to see a performance by someone who has dedicated many hours and days to mastering (or attempting to master) their specific skill. My father attended a Ten Tenor’s concert where, much to my delight, 10 strapping young lads sang specifically to me (fine... and entire auditorium) for a few hours. Perfect harmony mixed with just the right amount of melody, crescendo and pauses to build an atmosphere and sound of pure brilliance. Closing my eyes the ambience of the sound filled me and I could be anywhere I wanted to be
Ambience... The ability to alter and evoke mood responses through simply the atmosphere surrounding an activity....
"To ancient philosophers so apparent was the influence of music on mind and body, that education without its assistance seemed inconceivable"
Beeching, A. (2010) Beyond talent: Creating a successful career in music. 2Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
The Power of Music - link to book online
"To ancient philosophers so apparent was the influence of music on mind and body, that education without its assistance seemed inconceivable"
Beeching, A. (2010) Beyond talent: Creating a successful career in music. 2Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
The Power of Music - link to book online
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October 1 An insight into quiet time with my guitar
As a mood filled with melancholy sweeps over me and I feel myself sinking into a sense of sorrow, the next logical step is to reach behind me and collect the solid black case from the head of my bed. The touch of the plastic handle and familiar weight and balance are a reassuring reminder of times gone by. The solid silver clasps come undone with a flick and an audible thump thanks to the springs in them, revealing my baby in all her glory. The plus aqua lining of the case contrasts and caresses the dark rich polished wood inside. Easing my hands around the neck I bring my guitar out of her hibernation.
Before sitting down I collect my capo, just as fond of a friend as the guitar now nestled in my lap. Each string is tested to see it is perfectly pitched with the others so that each strum produces a magical combination of notes. My fingers move in familiar patterns over each string to exact the perfect note and to follow the tune playing in my mind. Each chord builds on the last and slowly creates a sense of peace within me. The empty house slowly fills with discarded notes and chords and I picture a jumble of animated notes laying at the bottom of the stairs as I continue to play and sing.
Mournful songs sate my sorrowful desires that give way to songs that follow a different tune, strumming elopes from slow and heavyhearted to carefree and upbeat. The music drips from my fingers as my soul embraces it, feeling the peace and happiness once again filling me from within. Sorrow is removed from my surroundings as I give myself as equally to the music as it gives itself to me. As I drift closer to reality once again I continue to play. Now I overlook the street and my gaze is first captured by unfamiliar faces passing by, soon they give way to the attention of the clouds changing in the sky.
My mind is clear and satisfied as I strum a closing chord before tenderly returning my guitar to the embrace of aqua velvet, closing the lid and setting the clasps in place to send her back to slumber. I'll wait until she calls to me once more to caress the smooth dark wood again and to feel the magic of the music consume my soul.
Before sitting down I collect my capo, just as fond of a friend as the guitar now nestled in my lap. Each string is tested to see it is perfectly pitched with the others so that each strum produces a magical combination of notes. My fingers move in familiar patterns over each string to exact the perfect note and to follow the tune playing in my mind. Each chord builds on the last and slowly creates a sense of peace within me. The empty house slowly fills with discarded notes and chords and I picture a jumble of animated notes laying at the bottom of the stairs as I continue to play and sing.
Mournful songs sate my sorrowful desires that give way to songs that follow a different tune, strumming elopes from slow and heavyhearted to carefree and upbeat. The music drips from my fingers as my soul embraces it, feeling the peace and happiness once again filling me from within. Sorrow is removed from my surroundings as I give myself as equally to the music as it gives itself to me. As I drift closer to reality once again I continue to play. Now I overlook the street and my gaze is first captured by unfamiliar faces passing by, soon they give way to the attention of the clouds changing in the sky.
My mind is clear and satisfied as I strum a closing chord before tenderly returning my guitar to the embrace of aqua velvet, closing the lid and setting the clasps in place to send her back to slumber. I'll wait until she calls to me once more to caress the smooth dark wood again and to feel the magic of the music consume my soul.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
September 17 Affordances
Music as a whole is something that lends itself to communication. Not verbal communication but instead on a spiritual or emotional level. It allows a communication between people who would otherwise never talk and transcends boundaries we experience on a daily basis. "[Music] provides a means by which people can share emotions, intentions, and meanings even though their spoken languages may be mutually incomprehensible" (Hargreaves, Macdonald & Miell, 2005)
Walking down the street one chilly afternoon I noticed Mathias Piano Man busking with a piano. He offered to let me play and since then we have become friends.
He recently sent me a link to the video Music, Universal Language showing a number of us busking on his piano. One song I played captured his attention and a number of months later I received a message saying "there you go.. the one you inspired me...is finally a complete song.. and... free to download :) Cheers, enjoy !!"
Music has a unique way of touching the hearts of those around us. It lends itself to solitude and company, listening to an iPod or attending a concert, it knows no bounds to how it communicates with the world around us. "It is through our activities that we…practice skills, express our feelings, experience pleasure…” (Hopkins & Smith, 1983)
From watching a Samoan RWC game at the pub with at least 80 samoan supporters all singing the anthem with harmony to attending a church service allowing you to open your soul as you blend with the voices around you, to simply sitting on a quiet balcony playing to yourself music knows no bounds. Why else would every nation have an anthem?
Hargreaves, D.J., Macdonald, R. & Miell, D. (2005). Musical communication. Oxford University Press: UK
Hopkins, H.L., & Smith, H.D. (1983). Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy. In Crepeau E. (2003). Analyzing occupation and activity: A way of thinking about occupational performance. In Crepeau, E., Cohn, E., & Schell, B. (Eds.),Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy (10th ed., pp.189-198). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Walking down the street one chilly afternoon I noticed Mathias Piano Man busking with a piano. He offered to let me play and since then we have become friends.
He recently sent me a link to the video Music, Universal Language showing a number of us busking on his piano. One song I played captured his attention and a number of months later I received a message saying "there you go.. the one you inspired me...is finally a complete song.. and... free to download :) Cheers, enjoy !!"
Music has a unique way of touching the hearts of those around us. It lends itself to solitude and company, listening to an iPod or attending a concert, it knows no bounds to how it communicates with the world around us. "It is through our activities that we…practice skills, express our feelings, experience pleasure…” (Hopkins & Smith, 1983)
From watching a Samoan RWC game at the pub with at least 80 samoan supporters all singing the anthem with harmony to attending a church service allowing you to open your soul as you blend with the voices around you, to simply sitting on a quiet balcony playing to yourself music knows no bounds. Why else would every nation have an anthem?
Hargreaves, D.J., Macdonald, R. & Miell, D. (2005). Musical communication. Oxford University Press: UK
Hopkins, H.L., & Smith, H.D. (1983). Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy. In Crepeau E. (2003). Analyzing occupation and activity: A way of thinking about occupational performance. In Crepeau, E., Cohn, E., & Schell, B. (Eds.),Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy (10th ed., pp.189-198). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Saturday, September 10, 2011
September 10 What the heck are ergonomics?
"Music should strike from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of women" - Ludwig van Beethoven
I was reading an excerpt from the book Performing Matters by Barry Gibson where he talks about the ergonomics of knowing an instrument, the developed familiarity that leads someone to name it, the acute knowledge of where each finger should go on this specific instrument and the size and weight that feel at home nestled in my lap...
Caulton and Dickson (2007) describe ergonomics as the ability to “constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose”.
To me ergonomics include the size of the body of my guitar, the thickness of the neck, nylon vs steel strings, having a pick or a capo, how I'm sitting when I play and all those other things that allow me to close my eyes and play with confidence, not having to look but having what seems to be an innate knowledge of the piece of equipment I'm holding. All that really remains is for me to find the appropriate name for my dear guitar.
I became acutely aware of these factors following a fight between myself, a kinfe and a potato during dinner preparation that led to a nice cut on the tip of the middle finger on my left hand (you should see the other two...). Anyway this incident has impacted on my ability to play the guitar comfortably. Until now I had not been this aware of how important my middle finger is (and not in the sense of a single finger salute). Chords previously played with ease are now played with irritation as my short term memory steps up in all its GLORY and I repeatedly cause myself pain by forgetting to not play with my injured finger!
On the other hand time out from playing allows me time to write without the distraction of trying to fit a tune. Composition of lyrics and composition of melody are two very separate items. The environment surrounding me provides me with inspiration; someone unexpected walking past my window, rain when the sun is still shining bright, clouds lazily drifting by, blank walls, a poster I've had all my life, seeing a friend, receiving a txt or even checking up on facebook are all things that dare me to put them onto paper. Triggers for a physiological or emotional response just waiting to be translated to the language that is music.
"Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Guitar and my inner creativity
An introduction to the purpose behind this part of the blog is my passion for music. One of the activities that has played a big role in my life so far is music: listening, playing, writing, singing and pretty much any other 'ing' word imaginable. At home growing up teenage angst and the odd occasion of PMS helped develop my passion for music, whenever I was feeling angry or emotional the piano was my best friend. Leaving home and travelling to university was the beginning of a new friendship with a nylon strung guitar in a solid case sturdy enough to deal with any clumsiness I could throw it's way.
One of the goals in my two hours of guitar and (attempted) composition this week was to focus on something else at the same time. It sounds simple enough on the surface but attempting to craft and compose while not focusing on the task at hand is something that creates an internal war of sorts. To create music it needs care and attention, something that is difficult to offer while focusing on not focusing on the topic at hand. Playing absently can be done without focus however as soon as you want to capture what you have been playing your focus shifts.
As much as I enjoy playing for personal enjoyment and as a method of relaxation and stress relief, attempting to purposely compose a piece of music can become a significant cause of stress. The physical issues like the caluses developing on the tips of your fingers, tired fingers from plucking and a stiff back from hunching over. Emotional stresses include realising your lack of co-ordination, trying to find the right words and melodies, trying to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling in words and notes that never seem to match up quite right. However this is only week one and the weeks to follow will give a more complete picture of composition and if i have what it takes. Till next time...
One of the goals in my two hours of guitar and (attempted) composition this week was to focus on something else at the same time. It sounds simple enough on the surface but attempting to craft and compose while not focusing on the task at hand is something that creates an internal war of sorts. To create music it needs care and attention, something that is difficult to offer while focusing on not focusing on the topic at hand. Playing absently can be done without focus however as soon as you want to capture what you have been playing your focus shifts.
As much as I enjoy playing for personal enjoyment and as a method of relaxation and stress relief, attempting to purposely compose a piece of music can become a significant cause of stress. The physical issues like the caluses developing on the tips of your fingers, tired fingers from plucking and a stiff back from hunching over. Emotional stresses include realising your lack of co-ordination, trying to find the right words and melodies, trying to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling in words and notes that never seem to match up quite right. However this is only week one and the weeks to follow will give a more complete picture of composition and if i have what it takes. Till next time...
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