Evaluation and Reflection
Creative Strengths
One creative strength of mine, was through my composing abilities, as I was able to
envision my objective clearly, executing it to the best of my ability. I was able to
successfully highlight the main sections that illustrate tension, through the use of
dynamics and instrumentation. The counter melody that features throughout, further
highlights this, as it subtly hints at the chaos that is taking place throughout the scene.
There is a sudden moment of silence in my piece, which foreshadows the destruction that
is soon to occur, alongside the use of a subtle clash note in two sections of the piece to
highlight the unsuspected death of Obi Wan Kenobi. Overall, my composition successfully
highlights the emotions that are evoked within the scene, using a variety of techniques to
convey my planned objective.
Another creative strength of mine, was through my secondary research, as I was able to
successfully execute a variety of relevant sources. As I thoroughly enjoy writing, I was able
to use my current skills to interpret each source, using my own words to describe what I
have learned. One example of this, includes my description of each of the ten composers
in one of my sources. I used my current knowledge on the composers to help build an
accurate interpretation of their successes, alongside briefly researching each composer
that I was not already aware of. I was also able to weave a selection of relevant
quotations into each source, all of which, lead to each section within my annotated
bibliography becoming successful. These quotes helped the ultimate success of my
research, as they were clear evidence of my understanding towards the source, further
backing up the points I made throughout each section. I found that this was overall my
most successful strength within my project, as there was a very little number of negative
setbacks, unlike some other features within my project.
Professional Strengths
One professional strength of mine, was my confidence that was specifically seen
throughout my project proposal presentation. I did not make as many verbal hiccups as I
have within past presentations, highlighting my ability to talk more confidently to an
audience. Through this, I was able to focus on giving a detailed description of my project,
instead of the potential mistakes that I may make when talking. Overall, I have seen this
skill improve with time, but this was particularly visible through this presentation, as I
entered this with a confident mindset.
Another professional strength of mine, was through my resilience, as I faced a variety of issues throughout my project, but I persisted to overcome each one. I feel that this will help me in future projects, as I will continue to overcome any obstacle with ease, similar to that of my Final Major Project. One example of an obstacle that I was faced with in my project, was the issues that occurred with the software. Sometimes BandLab would randomly alter my work, changing the size and placement of notes, which negatively impacted my work, as I had to spend more time rearranging this, instead of progressing forwards. I was able to see these problems in a positive light, as I motivated myself to push forwards and prevent myself from becoming stressed. Overall, this helped me build as a musician, as I learned more about the struggles of being a composer and how to keep a positive mindset throughout.
Creative Areas for Development
One creative area for development that occurred within my project, includes my
timetable. My original timetable stated that I was to start my composition in the first
week of my Final Major Project, which was later discussed to be unrealistic, as I had other
areas to complete before starting this. Furthermore, in the time I could have spent on my
research or planning, I was altering my timetable, leading to me already falling slightly
behind with my project. To avoid this in future projects, I will plan everything out
beforehand, to ensure that I set myself realistic targets.
Another creative area for development that occurred within my project, was through my
secondary research, as my original plan was to complete this in a word document.
However, this proved to be difficult, as the format appeared to be confusing to some.
After some research, I discovered that I could use Google Forms, as it would contain a set
lay – out, alongside a variety of features that were not available on a regular word
document. By this point in my project, I should have already completed this and sent it
out to a variety of people, as stated in my timetable, however, I was unable too, due to
my inability to realise there were more sufficient options. One positive outcome of using
Google Forms, was that it contained a simple template, which allowed for efficient work. I
found that the delay with my essay prevented me from progressing further, as this helped
me to determine which clip I should ultimately use for my composition.
Professional Areas for Development
One professional area for development that occurred within my project, was my time
management skills. As discussed throughout my essay and my project log, I faced a variety
of issues, such as: problems with the software and IT issues with the laptop. Both aspects
postponed my composition and my essay, which made it difficult for me to manage my
time between each section of my project, in the little amount of time I had left over until
the deadline. Although this delayed my work, I was able to resolve this through spending
more of my free time developing and improving various areas.
Overall, this negatively impacted my work, as it prevented me from progressing onto
further aspects within my project.
Another professional area for development that occurred within my project, was that I
found myself often struggling to concentrate on my work. Although this has been a
reoccurring issue, that I have faced multiple times throughout the course, I found that this
was particularly visible through my Final Major Project.
Although this affected my project, it did not impact the final result, as I ensured each
section was finished to the highest possible quality. Overall, the setbacks that occurred at
the start of the project demotivated me massively, leading to strong anxiety, which is
where I found myself losing focus.
What Went Well Creatively
One area that went well within my project, includes the final outcome of my composition.
After dedicating most of my time in college sessions, alongside my spare time, towards
altering and improving my composition, I was relieved at the ultimate successful outcome
of my practical work. One part I was particularly proud of, was the introduction, as I used
instruments with a low frequency to highlight the power of Darth Vader's’ entrance.
Another part I was proud of, includes the climax, as I moulded it to suit the dramatic exit
of Obi Wan Kenobi, through the use alteration of dynamics, alongside the addition of
instruments. Using feedback from my teacher to help me, I was able to make last minute
changes to further improve my piece, leading to a successful end to my composition.
Overall, I was very proud of the outcome, as it was the first time I composed a piece for
scene, that was ultimately very cinematic.
Another area that went well creatively within my project, was through the outcome of my
essay, as I was able to evaluate each aspect within my project, ranging from: my
composition, to primary and secondary research, to what I have learned from my project.
I found that I was able to make a detailed, in – depth explanation of how I completed
each feature within my project, alongside the successful and unsuccessful aspects that
occurred throughout. My research was evident throughout my composition, as I included
some skills that I learned from a variety of sources, such as the harmonisation that is
featured throughout my piece. I found ways I can improve this to create a more cinematic
effect within my composition. Overall, I was content with the outcome of my essay, as
used my writing skills to help guide me to create the highest quality piece, that detailed
everything that happened in my project, positive and negative.
What Went Well Professionally
One area that went well professionally, was my determination. This may be visible through various parts of my project, such as my composition and my research. Although there were various setbacks, I continued to complete everything to the best of my ability, as I was determined to impress myself with my strong dedication. I ensured high quality in my work, spending a lot of my spare time improving various sections, alongside receiving relevant advice on where I can improve. Overall, my determination steered me in the right direction, as I was able to complete each section in my project successfully.
Another area that went well professionally, was my ability to understand and adapt to
feedback. For example, after I thought I completed my composition, I requested that my
teacher give feedback on my work to see what could be improved. Although mostly
positive, I was able to see features that I may have missed when composing my piece
originally, allowing me to improve certain sections. My piece lacked lower frequencies
and was quite repetitive, which I altered before asking for further feedback. Overall, I
realised my appreciation for any kind of feedback, specifically on how I can improve my
work, as it allows me to develop my work to the best possible quality.
What Did Not Work Well Creatively:
One area that did not work well creatively, was that I had conflicting ideas of how I should
present my work. Before starting my Final Major Project, I was determined that I would
interpret my work in the form of a documentary, as I had done this often in past project.
However, once I was completing my project proposal, I decided that this may not
challenge me enough, as I was determined to step outside my comfort zone. After a
relatively long time, I ultimately decided on producing my work in the form of an essay, as
this would challenge me, without struggling. Although I had doubts to start with, I found
that this resulted highly successfully, as I was able to produce a high-quality essay that
included every detail that occurred in my project. Overall, had I been able to decide
sooner, I may have been able to start my work at an earlier date, potentially preventing
my work from falling behind to the extent it did.
Another area that did not work well creatively, was that I struggled deciding which scene I
should use for my composition. From my survey, I discovered two that would be suitable,
one from The Hunger Games and one from, Star Wars. However, after issues with finding
a software, I was only able to complete one, due to timing issues. For a while after
discovering this, I decided to continue working on the two that I started, to see which
would be more successful for my project. Although this proved to be an issue for an
extended period of time in my project, I was able to catch up soon after, resulting in a
successful end to my composition. Overall, this was a time-consuming task, as I spent
some time working on one that would not affect my grade, which I did not realise until
afterwards.
What Did Not Work Well Professionally:
One area that did not work well professionally, was that I often became distracted. At college, I found that listening to music and talking to people would take away my attention, similar to when I worked at home, video games and my family would often distract me. I felt this, alongside many other factors, contributed to the stress I felt when completing this, which overall, negatively impacted my project. I was able to eventually solve this issue, by sitting in my room, getting rid of all possible distractions, to allow myself to fully concentrate on my work, with no other people or technology.
Another area that did not work well professionally, was that I found working on my own
to be a challenge. Usually, in past projects, I have been able to receive advice from others
who completed the same project as me, but as I was the only person working on this
specific topic, I was unable too. I feel that I dealt with this challenge in the best possible
way, as it allowed me to focus on being independent within my work, regardless of the
struggle I faced. Overall, I found this very challenging, as I was unfamiliar with completing
a solo project.