Exploring a career in the creative sector.

1.1, Outline the key sources of information.

Music Producer

• Youtube

These tutorials are key sources of information for todays music production methods, they're free and offer vital information on the basics of a DAW ( digital audio workstation ) which the person can then use to start their musical career. 

• Record label's website

This is Sony Records website, it offers information on what they do as a record label and they even have a 'careers' section. This section shows how to contact Sony Records if you are looking to get signed to their label.

• Personal experience

This website shown here is Audiotool. This is where i started my musical adventure. I taught myself the basics of music production. Doing this I eventually gained followers and I kept to the trend of music popularity.  I managed to get some experience in many genres such as Hip-hop, House, Electro, Dup-step, Trap. 

• Tutor

A music tutor is a vital source of both information and skills in terms of music theory and production. Having a tutor will help you learn how to play an instrument and how to understand music theory.

• College

This is Leeds College Of Music's website. On it, you will find key information on how to apply there and it offers an insight into what you can do an learn there.  Doing a course at music college will look great on your CV if you're wanting to have a career in the creative sector, showing you're dedicated to the industry. 

• Internet

The internet is an amazing source of information. Here is an example, I 'googled' Music Production, instantly 250,000,000 results came up. This is extremely useful as you will be able to access this information almost instantly.

1.2 Outline a range of job roles in the sector

• Music producer

• In order to get a job in music production, its advantageous to have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Production. However, the biggest asset is pure talent and dedication. You should have a sense of what's popular in the charts so you can evolve your production around that.

• Sync artist ( Making music for movies, video games e.t.c )

This is a very difficult area to get into, and you have to get in via word of mouth, or send your portfolio to a sync company that is just starting up. This includes adding sound effects to the movie to add atmosphere and drama to a scene, hoping to grab the viewer's attention; key in a trailer as you'd want them to watch the movie and tell their friends about it.

    

• Singer. To be singer it would mean that you write lyrics and sing them to a song. You would travel a lot and work with a variation of different producers. One example of a singer/ rapper would be MF DOOM, he is a rapper and only raps, but he works with lots of producers to make his tracks. 
  

1.3 outline two ares of training or work of your own interest

• Take a course at Leeds College Of Music - BTEC level 3 music technology. Being at college allows you to meet people learning the same course as you. Also you can learn the most current ways of music production. You can also share ideas with college friends and form very important and lasting relationships.

Private Tuition course,
These are useful as they are one of the best ways in which a person can gain information and skills.

2.1 Outline own options for developing skills and acquiring knowledge, towards achieving career aims.

• Online

 There is lots of information on available online, and courses based around music production. One place where you can find useful, relevant and qualified information would be Youtube

• College, further education.
• Working with friends, colleges, groups 
• Working in a band
• Volunteering 

2.2 Identify actions to take to archeive goals

• Creating a CV
• Look for apprenticeships in your field of work
• Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find out about things and you have more of a chance of being referred by someone that has good influence.
• College course
• Work experience is still seen as more relevant and more valuable that qualifications as you have hands-on experience.
• Volunteering is good because you can learn key skills; also showing that you're dedicated to get that job and it will look very appealing on your CV.

3.1 Identify the elements of a CV

• Showing your qualifications and achievements. By doing this, you will show your self to be a good learner and that you've excelled
• Work experience is still seen as more relevant and more valuable that qualifications as you have hands-on experience.
• Self promotion - write a profile/personal statement, you need to "sell yourself", basically show all your good traits; hoping to impress your employer.
• Show your strengths, by doing this you will show that you work well and efficiently under stress 
• Show how transferable your skills are
• Show your positive attitude, by doing this you will show that you are a person that works well with others and works well, even in stressful situations.
• display aptitude, this shows how capable you are, and that you are knowledgeable in terms of music. 

3.2 Outline the ways a CV, Portfolio or repertoire could be used.

Your CV should be presented to your employer to show your strengths in the field of music, showing you have a gift and that you should be employed by them. A good CV will include things such as any work experience, personal experience and evidence of work. It is advised that you adapt your CV to your job that you're applying for, for instance, show your skills for that job. 

When you show your quals in your CV it shows your employer that you're dedicated to learn and determined to work. Also if you've done work experience, you will know how to work efficiently and professionally. 

You should say that you're very punctual. This tells your employer that you're reliable and that you can be trusted to be on time, polite and friendly.

Showing things about your self allows your employer to see your character and you will stand out from the other CV's if you show that you're bubbly and adventurous and positive.

With the advent of the internet it has made things more easier in terms of your CV.

For instance, you can have your CV file saved in the cloud; accessible from any computer with wifi access. 

Make sure that your CV is appealing, clean and easy to the eye. Use modern fonts, subtle colours to separate sections and don't write walls and walls of text.

Discovering music - know about the main types of popular music

The definition of popular music is a type of music that is viewed, purchased, shared listened to and or enjoyed by large amount of people.

pop music is short for popular music which coveres many genres and artists. genres under the category can be hip-hop, rock, EDM (electronic dance music) and indie.

• hip-hop: Hip-hop started in the 1970's and gradually became culturally popular by the 90's
• Edm : edm as a genre started in the 90's but became popular in the 2000's 
• rock : rock started in the 1950's and was known as rock and roll, but as it became more and more popular and was shortened to just rock.
• indie : this genre started in the uk and in the 1980's and became mainstream in the 1990's

one example of a hip-hop producer is xxyyxx, he produces relaxed hip-hop one example of his tracks is 'breeze' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smNTG6zqwfI. - Breeze

this track starts off as a slow beat with a vocal sample that has been pitch shifted. As the track progresses the vocals are chopped, the beat becomes more of a hip-hop beat and a some synth chords are in the background towards the end.

Another example of a hip-hop artist is Biggie Smalls, he raps over hip-hop. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZom_gVfuw biggie smalls ''juicy'' - the track starts off as a simple hip-hop beat, which then is complimented by a rap segment. As the track progresses the beat becomes more complex and other instruments are brought in, such as a subtle bass. The main characteristic is His rap vocals.

Types of EDM producers are Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Example. they produce house, dubstep and pop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJVmu6yttiw Bangerang - This track starts off with a guitar sample which is then complimented with vocals. As the intro progresses a heavy dubstep beat is introduced along with some heavy synth bass growls. The main characteristic, was the drums and the heavy bass wobbles, blips and growls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGi4hNgyhik We'll be coming back for you - The main characteristic is the vocals and the dance beat as it goes on for the majority of the track. Also in the background there's instruments like a range of synths with some guitars. 

The main similarities between the 4 of the tracks i've chosen are that they rely on some form on controversy to catch the listeners attention in from of explicit vocals, videos and names. Also they use a lot of vocal work, whether it be in the form of chopped samples, acapellas or raps.
The main differences are the way in which the vocals are introduced. For instance in hip-hop there is a lot of rapping which is a form of speaking, usually about the rappers life and things that are special to him or her. In rock the vocals are usually about anarchy and rebellion.




Xxyyxx Breeze.
The reason why i have chosen this track out of his wide selection is because of one very important reason. Listening to it gives me a sense of euphoria and happiness. This track gives this effect on me because it's everything i like musically in one track: hip-hop, synth and chill. It's perfect for me.

Biggie smalls, ''juicy''
I chose this track as it's a great example of hip-hop, from his meaningful rapping to the percussion. The entire track has a good vibe and i enjoy it. 

Skrillex, Bangerang.
I don't like this track very much as it's repetitive. I chose it though as it's a very popular track and fits with the purpose of the blog. The drums in this are good as they are punchy. The sound design in the synth work is rather nice although put to shame by being over used.
Calvin Harris Ft. Example We'll be coming back for you.
I chose this track as it's a good pop track and has a range of instruments, synths, guitar, drums and vocals. I like this as it's catchy and flows well.

Discovering music , 20/3/14

name: Charles Dancla
date of birth: 19th december 1817
nationality: French
date of death: 10th october 1907
type of composer: romantic classical
period: classical
secular or sacred: secular

The piece i am going to provide feed back on is : Charles Dancla- Variations on a Theme by Pacini Op.89 № 1.

This piece starts of as short and soft melodies of piano notes. It was then complimented by a violin, as this happened the piano work became softer. The piano work then became more powerful and joyful and had a counter melody against the short jabs of the violin.

The main characteristic of this piece is most definitely the violin, as it is played the loudest and is played in a very melodic fashion with allot of dynamics. The violin is complemented by a piano that has allot of dynamics and counter melodies to the string work. The tempo of this piece is constantly changing, from slow to fast.

This piece has an impact on me in a positive way, making me feel relaxed and happy, the reason for this is the fact that the piano is played softly , with joyful melodies. And the string is played in long notes, then short 'happy' counter melodies to the piano.

The key similarities and differences between all four of the pieces i looked at are that they all seem to have some string work , weather it be the main characteristic or just a complement to the piece. The differences are the purpose of which they were composed, one was sacred - to be played in a church environment. The other 3 were secular, which means they are meant to be played in a theatre. Also in all four of the pieces there was a lot of melody and counter melody work, with lots of different dynamics.

discovering music. Samuel Barber 13/3/15

Date of birth: 1910
date of death: 1981
type of music: 20th century classical
sacred or secular: sacred
most famous piece: Angus Dei ''lamb of god''
nationality: America
when the piece was written: 1967

This piece clearly stands out at very sacred and precious, i feel this way because the vocals are very heavenly and relaxing. In the beginning the vocals started off and gradually began to increase in power,  also the impact of the vocals was strong on me as it made me think of heaven and serenity. As the piece progressed the vocals began to build up in to a range of different octaves from deep, high and mid. There were no instruments, only vocals. This makes it feel more power full as my ears are concentrating on one type of sound this adds to the sacred ambiance. 

The main characteristics of the piece are the vocals. They stand out to me and therefore i find them to be strong and thought provoking.

discovering music 13/3/15. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

nationality: Austrian.

date of birth: 1756.

date of death: 1791.

type of composer: Classical.

it is secular.

This piece of music is called Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Movt 1 was written in on 10th august 1787, which is from the classical period: This has a extraordinary vibe to it and is instantly recognisable because it has been played globally for years and has a very powerful and familiar impact. It makes me feel joyful as the notes from the strings are high pitch and played in a fast and short melody. In the beginning there was just strings. and stayed strings thorough the whole track. The tempo was slow but increased. It did this in a roller coaster type fashion, meaning it goes up and down in speed, there was also small parts of counter melodies : fast and slow.

Possibly, the types of instruments that have been chosen is why i like this piece so much they are thought invoking. 

the main characteristics of this track are the dynamics because they differ throughout the track. Also the power and impact of the strings are noticeable as they start off soft but then become very powerful.

Discovering music. 6/3/15 - Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach: 1685 - 1750.
nationality: German
date what the Brandenburg Concerto No 1 was written: 1721
he was a brooch composer:1600-1750

The  Brandenburg Concerto No 1 - Allegro is from the baroque period. ( 1600 - 1750 )
some of the main characteristics are in the instrumentation, i could hear woodwinds, strings. but the main characteristic was the strings as they were most prominent and had melodies and counter melodies. there was lots of counter melodies as different instruments were brought in and out. The tempo varies are very subtle throughout the track from slow to mid tempo.

The mood that this track gives off is very relaxing and subtle. The reason why it is relaxing is because the strings are very soft and soothing. Also the melodies of the main strings are joy full and are complimented with counter melodies from instruments like wood winds, this makes me feel happy and calm at the same time.

It is a secular piece, which was part of a series of concerts which were widely considered to be some of the best of the period. He was one of the best Baroque composers and as a result when he passed away, baroque as a stopped and then came classical.

 Beethoven's 5th Symphony: 
every time i hear the main riff in the symphony the tempo changes , it goes slower and gives a impact to the sound and creates tension with a smooth movement. The tempo keeps going faster and slower , like a roller coster. It creates a very dramatic mood.

Diana Ross - Love hang over:

It starts with a smooth and slow tempo, this makes me feel relaxed, chilled. The tempo is also nice and steady. When the tempo changes it goes faster and makes the vibe feel like a disco party

Ike and Tina Turner - Proud Mary: in the beginning the tempo is slow and chilled. This makes me feel calm and relaxed. When the tempo changes the groove feels faster because the tempo is faster and makes me want to dance and makes me smile.

Radiohead - Paranoid Android:

The tempo started slow in the beginning and creates a relaxed yet dark feel. When the tempo changes it becomes slower and softer, this makes me feel calmer: even though the atmosphere is heavier and darker and sad

Queen Bohemian rhapsody:

the tempo is slow at the start , it is an accapella. it is calm because it's slow, this creates a feeling of sadness. Half way through the song the tempo becomes faster and and gains energy and becomes very dramatic and theatrical, the speed of the tempo fluctuates from slow to fast then slower. Like a roller coaster. At the end the the tempo gets slower with the same energy and then the energy gets slower, then becomes very slow and ambiguous and its all over the place and its hard to interpretate.  this makes  me listen closely to the fine details of the tempo and track