| Candidate Name | Roan Westall |
| Candidate Number | |
| Pathway | |
| Project Title | Project 4 Final Major Project |
| Section 1: Context (approx. 300 words) |
| Since the beginning of this course I have developed a variety of music production and performance skills through a series of personal projects; An objects and ideas project taught me how to collect, edit, use and master samples properly to add into my own tracks in Logic; A documentary project taught me how to edit sound over video in both logic and premiere pro and also widened my secondary research skills, opening up my access and knowledge of different sources like books, research papers and websites; My final major project taught me effective collaboration in studio production as I brought my band in for an EP recording, including the delicate handling of sound files between separate locations, intricate mastering, instrument recording, and primary research through focus groups and peer review. Beyond the course I have played in multiple ensemble stage performances with various bands playing both guitar and bass, having played guitar and bass for 4 years. I spend a portion of my free time producing beats and originals using logic and ableton, both independently and with my band, and I have worked in an around the recording studio setting with my neighbour as an assistant for work experience, teaching me how to keep a studio clean and safe, how to take care of different equipment properly and how to use the studio for a variety of purposes. For this project I want to explore the gaming side of music production, how game themes are made and what their inspiration comes from, as I have a personal interest in the games industry. I intend to make a solo EP based around video game styles (eg chiptune, arcade, themed). I have applied for a games audio course at Falmouth university amongst other sound production and performances courses, which if I choose to take this experience should help me a lot going into that production scene. |
| Section 2: Research (approx. 50 words) |
| I intend to use the internet as a research source, alongside contacting any local games music practitioners and also some tutors and students within the college who are experienced in games composition for advice and guidance surrounding my project idea. When I have demos made of my songs I will get together a focus group to help me judge the direction and quality of my tracks. |
| Section 3: Problem solving (approx. 100 words) |
| Problems I foresee now could leave me unable to complete my project to maximum standard and efficiency if not prepared for and dealt with properly. These problems include: writer’s block which I can help by removing pressure upon myself by changing the environment I write in and taking short breaks when necessary, technical studio issues such as computer errors or mishandling of equipment which can be resolved with preparation, help and advice from my research or from my tutors and peers, and also I may forget to save my digital work or lose written notes, so I will remember to save regularly, keep a second save of all my digital work, and keep my notes under close watch. |
| Section 4: Planning and production (approx. 50 words) |
| I intend to create an in-depth plan detailing what I need to get done each week alongside a research plan with every topic and source I intend to research before I begin the production aspect of my project. The research plan will include a variety of primary and secondary sources. |
| Section 5: Practical skills (approx. 100 words) |
| For this project I will need to research and develop my digital production skills using either Logic or Ableton. This will include learning about and practicing mastering techniques before applying them to my work in post-production, and potentially sample collection and integration if I choose so to use samples in my music. I will also be using practical research and reflection methods like calling in focus groups. |
| Section 6: Evaluation and reflection (approx. 100 words) |
| In reflection, I will write about what I feel went well and what I feel I could have done better in my research and practical work after each production process is done (eg research topics, mastering, etc). I will also include how I could improve my work within the next action of the project, or in future projects, and also my teachers, my peers, and my own perspective on my work. |
| Section 7: Presentation (approx. 100 words) |
| I will be documenting all progress on this project on this wordpress site and I will be uploading each save of the songs I intend to produce to soundcloud which will be linked onto this page also. If a more efficient and convenient method of presentation is revealed to me throughout this project, changes shall be made accordingly. |
| Proposed Research Sources and Bibliography (Harvard Format) |
| Alexander Haynes. (2017). The Importance of Music in Video Games – Developing A Story With No Words. Available: https://lwos.life/2017/12/28/importance-music-video-games/. Last accessed 13th Feb 2020. Anara Publishing. (2020). The Importance of Music in Video Games. Available: https://www.anarapublishing.com/the-importance-of-music-in-video-games/. Last accessed 13th Feb 2020. Harmonia. (2020). Digital Audio: the real meaning of 8-bit music. Available: https://medium.com/@harmonia.global/digital-audio-the-real-meaning-of-8-bit-music-1be5fc8ab2b1. Last accessed 20th Feb 2020. Imogen Mellor. (2018). The Importance of Music in Video Games. Available: https://www.redbrick.me/importance-music-video-games/. Last accessed 13th Feb 2020. Ian Shepherd. (2019). Jargon-busting: Tracking, Mixing and Mastering.Available: http://productionadvice.co.uk/tracking-mixing-mastering/. Last accessed 3rd May 2019. LANDR. (2019). How to mix music The simple guide to mixing..Available: https://www.landr.com/how-to-mix/. Last accessed 3rd May 2019. Modernmixing. (2019). How to Mix Music: A Beginner’s Guide.Available: https://modernmixing.com/how-to-mix-music/. Last accessed 3rd May 2019. Tim van Doorne. (2018). How To Mix Music (Part 1): Fundamentals.Available: https://heroic.academy/essential-guide-becoming-music-mixing-mastering-professional-fundamentals/. Last accessed 3rd May 2019. |
Roan Westall FMP 