Project Proposal
Name Erika Moulds
Pathway UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production
Project title Final Major Project - Music Production and Compositions
Section 1: Context
Throughout my time on this course, I have developed a variety of skills that have
benefitted me massively, ranging from confidence to creativity. This is highlighted through
various projects, specifically the “Genres,” project, where I strongly evoked confidence
within my performance, alongside creativity through the drum fills that I improvised. A
visible improvement has also been conveyed throughout my theory work and research, as
I produced a detailed essay, with an Annotated Bibliography that related one to the other.
I enjoyed various aspects within the course, such as: writing, recording and mixing in
Project two, “What a Wonderful World.” I found this to be an exciting experience, as I was
completely unfamiliar with this before I started this course. I also enjoyed working in
different bands throughout each project, as I was able to gain a stronger sense of
teamwork, which contributed to the overall increase of my confidence throughout. I also
thoroughly enjoyed the theory aspect in each project, specifically the documentary in
Project two, the presentation in the “Genres,” project and the presentation in the Year
one Final Major Project. I found these enjoyable, as I was able to produce my research in
my own way, in a visually appealing manner, which further highlights my creativity. I
ultimately fought some challenges throughout some projects, including the Skills and
Development Project, where I performed a solo piece. Through my struggle, I learnt
further skills, including how to develop myself as a solo artist, which contributed to my
overall success as a musician. I have also been able to overcome stress and anxiety in
performances, which has helped me in every aspect within each gig.
Through the previous projects, I have gained the correct experience that I require for my
Final Major Project. My chosen objective for this project is, “Film Music,” where I plan on
focusing on the production aspect, where I will compose a minimum of two pieces.
I aim to accompany my compositions with visual clips, as it will help me relate my pieces
further to the films. This will also help the audience to understand my compositions, as
they will be able to see how the music progresses, as the atmosphere changes.
I would like my specific theme to be, “adventure/ survival,” meaning I will use inspiration
from films such as, “The Hunger Games,” and, “Star Wars.” I aim to use sounds from the
films, alongside sounds that I feel will be appropriate for each piece. For example, as the
atmosphere within, “The Hunger Games,” is based in a forest, I could record birds singing,
leaves crunching or the wind whistling, to highlight the overall setting within the piece. I
will also write an essay, with a minimum of 1500 words, that will introduce and discuss my
chosen topic. This will be detailed and will inform the reader of my project, alongside
specific features within film music.
I chose this topic for my Final Major Project, as it I have always felt intrigued by the
emotions that music portrays within films. I ultimately found inspiration from the previous
project, as I thoroughly enjoyed composing my own unique piece, so I found it to be a
good idea if I implemented this into my current project.
Section 2: Research
For my research, I plan on taking notes and screenshots throughout the project, influenced by my chosen topic: Film Music. With this information, I will produce a detailed essay, that further discusses aspects from my Project Proposal, alongside information about the objective as a whole. I will use a variety of articles, interviews, videos and clips from films that highlight the key aspects, to help me with my essay. I will also visit various libraries to find books that may include information that is relevant to my project. I will also create a survey that will discuss my chosen topic, getting multiple opinions on this, which will help me to complete my work to the highest possible quality. My essay will be a minimum of 1500 words, which will allow me to include all the relevant information that I will need. I will conduct my research around the production aspect of film music and how I can compose my own pieces that relate to film music, specifically, “adventure / survival,” films. Researching film music composition will help me throughout my project, as I will find useful techniques to include in my pieces. I aim to use visuals to help inspire me in my compositions if possible.
Section 3: Problem Solving
To overcome issues in my Final Major Project, I will use past mistakes to ensure high-
quality research. For example, during the, “Genres,” project, I faced problems with,
“BandLab,” which is the specific software I used for producing my composition. It would
change my progress at random, and rearrange my work, making it difficult for me to
complete this, persuading me to discover a new range of available software, so I am able
to complete my composition(s) with no issues. Having these issues could negatively affect
deadlines, as it requires more focus, forcing other aspects in the project, backwards.
I will also start attending college on my day off, so I have a comfortable amount of time to
complete my project, as I found it difficult to keep up in the previous project, where I fell
behind slightly.
One potential issue that could occur in my Final Major Project, is that I may not be able to
reach the minimum work count for my essay, which is 1500 words. To overcome this
problem, I could conduct further detailed research that covers areas where I have not
touched upon.
Another potential issue that may occur within my Final Major Project is that I may struggle
to add a visual video into my composition. To overcome this issue, I will research different
types of software, and see which are more suitable for adding visuals.
Section 4: Planning and Production
To begin my project, I will write out a clear plan of what is required for each section in my
project. I will research a variety of different aspects that are vital when producing film
music, such as: techniques, modulations, structures, instrumentation and more. This will
help me with both my compositions and my essay, as my specific focus in this project is
film music production / composition. Alongside this, I will complete a weekly log, that will
allow me to discuss targets, my progression and areas where I can improve. My evidence
will be in the form of screenshots that will highlight my progress. My timetable states that
I will spend two weeks on each composition, before planning for my essay, where I will
dedicate another two weeks to my essay. The rest of my time will be spent improving
areas where required development throughout the project.
Section 5: Practical Skills
The practical skills that I will need to apply throughout my project, include my Music
Productions skills, as I will be composing my own original tracks. I will need to implement
my knowledge in the DAW that I will be using, alongside many other appropriate aspects,
including structure, modulations and instrumentation. I will also need to consider the
emotions that I would like my pieces to convey towards the audience. I recognise that I
also need to entice the listener, keeping each piece interesting, using my creativity to help.
I used these skills previously, in the, “Genres,” project, where I composed my own track,
which will massively contribute to this project, as it gave me experience implementing
these skills.
Section 6: Evaluation and Reflection
I have decided that I will create a weekly log, that will document my progress throughout
the project. This will allow me to reflect on the successful aspects within the project, areas
that require development, alongside ways in which I was able to overcome issues that I
face throughout. I will also gather evidence, in the form of screenshots, that will highlight
my progress within that week. To complete each log, I will evaluate my weekly progress
and discuss realistic targets for the following week. After finishing my work, I will complete
an evaluation, which will document all aspects that have taken place within my project,
including strengths, weaknesses, areas that went well, and areas for improvement. This
will ultimately help me to grow as a musician, as this is a clear insight into my various
abilities, highlighting my production skills, my writing skills and organisation.
Section 7: Presentation
I plan on presenting my work in the form of an essay, that will detail aspects within my
chosen objective. I will use my plan to help me build my essay, which will contain a core
focus of music production and how to compose film music. I took a particular interest in
music composition in the previous project, which influenced me to continue to increase
these skills in my Final Major Project. This will be documented on my website, in an
organised manner. I will also document the evidence I used to help me with my essay, in
the place I feel is best, whether that be on a separate page of underneath my work. I will
ensure detail within my writing, alongside highlighting my passion for film music. I aim for
my final practical product to include two tracks, that ultimately relate to my objective.
Bibliography
1) Academy. C (2022) How to compose cinematic music (in 7 easy steps) online video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF4yNpzSARQ&t=652s (accessed on 05 February).
2) Aube. S (2022) John Williams | The interview. online video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_vpRcQUP7I&t=321s (accessed on 07 February).
3) Blog. N (2023) The role of music in cinema: Crafting emotions through sound. Available at: https://blog.novecore.com/the-role-of-music-in-cinema-crafting-emotions-through-sound/ (accessed on 07 February).
4) Fair. V (2023) How ‘Dune’ composer Hans Zimmer created the Oscar winning score | Vanity Fair. online video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93A1ryc-WW0&t=1s (accessed 07 February).
5) Farrant. D (2024) 15 of the greatest film composers of all time. Available at: https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/greatest-film-composers/ (accessed on 05 February).
6) Fix. C (2019) Top 10 film scores of all time. online video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsDYCS3SQm0 (accessed on 07 February).
7) Notes. M (2023) The thrilling soundscapes of adventure movie soundtracks & scores: A symphony of excitement. Available at: https://www.musicnotes.com/blog/the-thrilling-soundscapes-of-adventure-movie-soundtracks-scores-a-symphony-of-excitement/?msockid=281e5c9878686cb303af49b6794d6dcc (accessed on 07 February).
8) Score, T. M (2024) How to write cinematic music. Available at: https://www.masterthescore.com/article/how-to-write-cinematic-music#:~:text=Cinematic%20Instruments%201%20Strings%3A%20Use%20lush%20strings%20to,effects%20and%20textures%20to%20create%20a%20unique%20soundscape. (accessed on 07 February).
9) Tiedemann. G (2015) The music of ‘The Hunger Games’. Available at: https://www.yourclassical.org/story/2015/11/20/hunger-games-music (accessed on 05 February).
10) Xylophone. T (2024) How to compose adventure music. online video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEzIcVKsFWQ (accessed on 07 February).
Timetable
Week 1
In week 1, I will conduct research that will help me plan my project, where I will look at how to compose music for films. This will be my key focus for the first week, as it will be beneficial for further aspects of the project, such as with my compositions and with my essay. This will give me a clear path on where I need to start, and how I can develop each section. I will also create a survey for my Primary research, that will discuss how I can use techniques and ideas to help me with my work. Towards the end of the week, I will create a weekly log, that will document my progress within my project. I will present clear evidence in my log, in the form of screenshots.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer that will help me with my research, Project log and survey, alongside a classroom, where I will be able to receive relevant advice that will help me with my project. I will need headphones for my research, alongside a word document that will contain my research.
Week 2
In week 2, I will continue to plan for my research, answering questions, such as: How can I compose a piece for film music? What will make my music successful? How can I implement real sounds into my work? I will also begin preparing for my first composition. I will also start my SWOT analysis, which will allow me to reflect on my progress throughout the course, allowing me to implement my skills into my Final Major Project. I will further add to my Project log, documenting further progress from the week, alongside screenshotted evidence.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer to further help me with my research, alongside my SWOT analysis and my Project log. I will also need headphones for my research as I may find videos that will help me with my project. I will need a word document for my planning and my preparation. Finally, I will require a classroom, where I will be able to fully concentrate and get the correct advice to help me with areas where I may need to improve.
Week 3
In week 3, I will focus on starting my composition, using my plan to help me with areas where I may struggle. I will spend the majority of my time working on this, as I feel it may be a time-consuming task. I also plan on finishing my SWOT analysis. To finish the week, I will update my Project log, wit clear evidence that highlights my progression.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer, which will allow me to complete my SWOT analysis alongside the continuation of my Project log. For my composition, I will need a computer, the software I chose, alongside headphones. I may also need a classroom, where I am able to concentrate and get advice from peers or teachers.
Week 4
In week 4, I will continue to focus my full attention on my first composition. I will continue to use my plan to help me with areas where I may be struggling. My aim is to complete my first composition within this week. I also aim to start preparing for my final composition. Alongside these, I will update my Project log, that highlights my progress made this week.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer for my Project Log, alongside headphones and my chosen software for my composition. I will also need a word document for my preparation, alongside time in a classroom, where I can receive the relevant advice for my completed composition.
Week 5
In week 5, I will begin my final composition, using my plan to help, alongside the specific preparation from the previous week. I will also begin to plan and prepare for my essay, which I plan on starting in week 7. To complete this week, I will update my Project log, which will contain evidence of my progress within the week.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer for my Project log, and a word document to begin planning for my essay. I may also need a classroom, where I am able to fully concentrate. I will require this, alongside headphones and my chosen software for my final composition.
Week 6
In week 6, I plan on completing my final composition, further using my plan to help me. I will make any necessary improvements to my piece, ensuring my piece is to the highest possible quality. I will also continue planning for my essay, researching relevant resources to help me, so I am able to start this in the following week. Finally, I will update my Project log that will contain my progression, alongside evidence to back this up.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer for my Project log, composition, alongside my essay planning. For this, I will also need headphones and my chosen software. I will also need a classroom, where I can get the relevant advice that I may need, as I would have completed my practical work for this project.
Week 7
In week 7, I will focus my full attention on my essay, using my plan from the previous weeks to help me with this. My maximum word count for this is 1500 words. I feel it is important to start the research at this point, as I can discuss my compositions and how I used my research to help me with them. I will update my Project log for this week, with evidence that will highlight my progression.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer, so I am able to work on my essay. I will also require a classroom, so I am able to completely concentrate on my work. Finally, I will need this for my Project log.
Week 8
In week 8, I will continue to focus my full attention on my essay, as I plan on completing it this week. I will continue to use my plan to help me reach my maximum word count of 1500 words. After completing this, I will update my Project log, where I will discuss my progression, with clear evidence.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer, for my Project log, and so I am able to complete my essay. I will also need a classroom so I can receive useful advice and to ensure my work is to a high quality.
Week 9
In week 9, I will spend my time working on any improvements or areas where I needed to develop to ensure high quality work. I will also complete my Evaluation, which will highlight my strengths, weaknesses, alongside aspects that went well in my project and areas for development. Finally, I will ensure that my Project log is completed, that contains my progression from this week, alongside clear evidence.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer, so I am able to complete my Project log and my Evaluation, alongside the improvement of other aspects in the project. I will also need a classroom, so I am able to concentrate on the final sections of my project.
Week 10
Week 10 is the deadline for my project, so I will ensure that all my work is submitted, alongside adding everything from the current project to my website. I will ensure high quality work that remains visually appealing.
Resources
This week, I will require a computer, alongside the, “Wix,” website where I can upload and submit my work.
My Project Proposal Presentation