So, got the solenoid working with the Arduino, and realized that was not the solenoid I was looking for. So, I've placed an order for three more different types (don't worry they are SO CHEAP). Holy crap they are a power drain, though. I learned how to wire my batteries in a series circuit so as to increase the voltage. Go me. (It is laughable how much little about electronics I actually know)
Also, had yet another productive practice session. The metronome is the best invention ever, btw. I need to start learning another intermediate/easy piece, I think. I'm also... putting Libertango to the metronome before I starting learning more measures of it. I did that a lot today, with much success, hands separate. Hands apart... not so much. Also, yesterday I went on a sheet music buying SPREE. I was liiiiike: Sheet music? YAYA! I bought three books: one for French accordion music, one for Irish Trad (written by a former teacher!), and one with 10 Astor Piazzolla tangos... Ye-ah, I need to get some easier tangos to play. There was the 'Easy Tango' book but ehhhh I didn't want dumbed down versions...
My roommate and I are going to apply for the i-Park residency. I have no idea what project we might propose but hey! it would be totally fun if we got it.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
discouraged, drinking wine... over-practicing
well... so I haven't done so much on my list. I have done (1) & (5) and started on (4) & (7).
I've never read any music/composer blogs where people publicly doubt their own talents and capabilities (tho, I have seen a lot of: its the MAN that's keeping me down...even from clearly established composers)... I'm sure that they exist. So yes, sometimes, often lately, I feel that my chosen path in life is completely futile. So, getting that nth rejection, it really stings.
Further, I'm tired of people telling me to buck up, especially people who have hardly ANY experience in receiving the sort of constant rejections that I experience. Let me just say: Fuck y'all*, you don't understand. Forgive my regression into teenage-hood but I think there's something VERY true that most non-musician/artists just won't understand. Truly, I don't know how to communicate how people brushing off this sort of thing (who clearly don't have experience with it) makes me feel murderous.
I seem to be practicing the accordion almost pathologically lately. I'm not sure if this is my goal or not: to practice four or more hours a day. I mean, it is better than binging on sf&f tv shows and so forth, but my end goal is to be a composer** not a accordionist. Notice how I haven't composed in the past month. However, I am a better player than I was a month ago, so I mean, maybe I should just see it positively. Also, there is something about introducing the metronome into the daily practice routine that really causes me to practice like an insane person. I'm not sure what it is. I hope I'm not the world's most annoying roommate.
I think I should really do the one-woman cabaret thing again plus my robots and really, you know, tour/perform hardcore but. It is pretty exhausting. I dread the booking / promotion I mean, not the actual performing. I wish I had a musician I could force to go with me and do stuff. I suppose I could probably recruit my violinist friend for doing all his web stuff. Hmm. I mean, I could also form a group but I mean, since I'm already part of a big collab dance thing for April performances I need a project where I am a complete dictator. That's just how I roll, man. Maybe. But yah, I need an outlet for me me me me music / ideas.
*on purpose, to show evidence that I am Southern
**composer / digital artist / performer -- I mean, the problem is that "composer" seems very restrictive (just dealing in notes / sound ) but clearly I'm interested in building robots, musical interface, the performance aspect, dance, embodiment as well... but it is all from a musical perspective more or less rooted in western art music (ok, other stuff, too). But I mean, I read composers saying that they are interested in embodiment who clearly don't see it as an imperative to do more than write trad. scored music, so. GAH, this is so trivial: I'm stopping.
I've never read any music/composer blogs where people publicly doubt their own talents and capabilities (tho, I have seen a lot of: its the MAN that's keeping me down...even from clearly established composers)... I'm sure that they exist. So yes, sometimes, often lately, I feel that my chosen path in life is completely futile. So, getting that nth rejection, it really stings.
Further, I'm tired of people telling me to buck up, especially people who have hardly ANY experience in receiving the sort of constant rejections that I experience. Let me just say: Fuck y'all*, you don't understand. Forgive my regression into teenage-hood but I think there's something VERY true that most non-musician/artists just won't understand. Truly, I don't know how to communicate how people brushing off this sort of thing (who clearly don't have experience with it) makes me feel murderous.
I seem to be practicing the accordion almost pathologically lately. I'm not sure if this is my goal or not: to practice four or more hours a day. I mean, it is better than binging on sf&f tv shows and so forth, but my end goal is to be a composer** not a accordionist. Notice how I haven't composed in the past month. However, I am a better player than I was a month ago, so I mean, maybe I should just see it positively. Also, there is something about introducing the metronome into the daily practice routine that really causes me to practice like an insane person. I'm not sure what it is. I hope I'm not the world's most annoying roommate.
I think I should really do the one-woman cabaret thing again plus my robots and really, you know, tour/perform hardcore but. It is pretty exhausting. I dread the booking / promotion I mean, not the actual performing. I wish I had a musician I could force to go with me and do stuff. I suppose I could probably recruit my violinist friend for doing all his web stuff. Hmm. I mean, I could also form a group but I mean, since I'm already part of a big collab dance thing for April performances I need a project where I am a complete dictator. That's just how I roll, man. Maybe. But yah, I need an outlet for me me me me music / ideas.
*on purpose, to show evidence that I am Southern
**composer / digital artist / performer -- I mean, the problem is that "composer" seems very restrictive (just dealing in notes / sound ) but clearly I'm interested in building robots, musical interface, the performance aspect, dance, embodiment as well... but it is all from a musical perspective more or less rooted in western art music (ok, other stuff, too). But I mean, I read composers saying that they are interested in embodiment who clearly don't see it as an imperative to do more than write trad. scored music, so. GAH, this is so trivial: I'm stopping.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
as I slip further and further behind, yay?
SoooOOOooOoOOO...
What am I NOT behind on? I keep on procrastinating on booking a show(s) for robot et. al. Dunnoz. I want to have a show but I don't want to run one / promote / etc. I have some stuffz for robot but I'm missing some crucial pieces I need in order to start. Dumb things like resistors and transistors... its even possible I could just get the missing things from le Radio Shaque, but still dubious since the Radio Shack consistently impresses me with it's immense suck-age.
On the plus side, I'm in a Spanish class, yay! And I'm doing this dance-collab thing. And I'm muddling through a php website thingy for the possibility of $$$. I'm also practicing accordion a lot... which means at some point I may get better? One hopes!
On the negative, I've been terrible about looking for jobs. Gah.
Things to do:
1. Write proposal for FM project with Justin (ASAP, as deadline is Feb. 15)
2. Bring recording equipment while traveling on subway to class... as could start subway project.
3. Book show(s). Write those damn emails GAH. KTHXBAI.
4. Start stretching again!
5. Go to Wed. tango, as I keep telling myself I will...as I have paid for it... but haven't gah.
6. Get missing parts for robot and start that.
7. Get the proximity sensor werkin'. Yah yah.
What am I NOT behind on? I keep on procrastinating on booking a show(s) for robot et. al. Dunnoz. I want to have a show but I don't want to run one / promote / etc. I have some stuffz for robot but I'm missing some crucial pieces I need in order to start. Dumb things like resistors and transistors... its even possible I could just get the missing things from le Radio Shaque, but still dubious since the Radio Shack consistently impresses me with it's immense suck-age.
On the plus side, I'm in a Spanish class, yay! And I'm doing this dance-collab thing. And I'm muddling through a php website thingy for the possibility of $$$. I'm also practicing accordion a lot... which means at some point I may get better? One hopes!
On the negative, I've been terrible about looking for jobs. Gah.
Things to do:
1. Write proposal for FM project with Justin (ASAP, as deadline is Feb. 15)
2. Bring recording equipment while traveling on subway to class... as could start subway project.
3. Book show(s). Write those damn emails GAH. KTHXBAI.
4. Start stretching again!
5. Go to Wed. tango, as I keep telling myself I will...as I have paid for it... but haven't gah.
6. Get missing parts for robot and start that.
7. Get the proximity sensor werkin'. Yah yah.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
post-application
I guess we'll see. Its hard to figure out my next moves for some reason. I think I should probably start on the second robot...probably.
I'm going to be working with dancers, again. First rehearsal is tonight.
I think I need my own project, though... and need a day-job.
I've started to learn Irish folk songs... First one, Bedlam Boys... then, 'whiskey before breakfast'...
I'm going to be working with dancers, again. First rehearsal is tonight.
I think I need my own project, though... and need a day-job.
I've started to learn Irish folk songs... First one, Bedlam Boys... then, 'whiskey before breakfast'...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
update on grad school messessssssssss
I am almost finished with applications. Last is this damn UCSD application which demands two writing samples. The first one is easy: my thesis. But the last time I wrote a lot of papers was in undergrad, now almost ten years ago. Although, I think my Shostakovich paper could have been great for this... partly since it contrasts with the experimental nature of my thesis. GAH. But I just realized that I wrote a paper about the dsp involved in my 'balancing act' piece... I have to download Open Office again to read it... but I have it, at least.
Hopefully this one will work out, because then I might start have to use my reader's response papers to the biomusicology class last semester @ Dartmouth, and basically consist of rants. At the very least, I'm not making any real arguments or taking any positions I have to back up... DSP papers tend to be pretty cut and dry. I did just re-read one of the biomusicology papers (Miller, G. F. (2000). Evolution of human music through sexual selection. In N. L. Wallin, B. Merker, & S. Brown (Eds.), The origins of music, MIT Press, pp. 329-360.) and damn if it doesn't still make me see red.
This process is hella exhausting. But part of it is my fault. I finished and recorded four accordion parts for "Origami Cranes" -- aka. the origami piece. It turned out better than I thought it would at first. It turns out that piece really needs practice before you perform it. Associating pitch with color did NOT come naturally to me.... although the rhythm part was relatively straight-forward. I think it would take even more practice to be able to sightread it and create the music on-the-fly as per my original vision (this is still an option in the score).
I also re-recorded the dancing chair robot and spliced that footage with my previous performance. Its a reel that lasts for about a minute. It was a bit of work, but I wasn't extremely picky... the sound conditions for the second recording were abysmal, though. So much feedback.
Also, everything takes longer than you think, it seems...
Even though I desperately want to get in one, I fucking hate grad programs right now.
No, I haven't done anything for a next project. Talk to me after this is DONE.
Hopefully this one will work out, because then I might start have to use my reader's response papers to the biomusicology class last semester @ Dartmouth, and basically consist of rants. At the very least, I'm not making any real arguments or taking any positions I have to back up... DSP papers tend to be pretty cut and dry. I did just re-read one of the biomusicology papers (Miller, G. F. (2000). Evolution of human music through sexual selection. In N. L. Wallin, B. Merker, & S. Brown (Eds.), The origins of music, MIT Press, pp. 329-360.) and damn if it doesn't still make me see red.
This process is hella exhausting. But part of it is my fault. I finished and recorded four accordion parts for "Origami Cranes" -- aka. the origami piece. It turned out better than I thought it would at first. It turns out that piece really needs practice before you perform it. Associating pitch with color did NOT come naturally to me.... although the rhythm part was relatively straight-forward. I think it would take even more practice to be able to sightread it and create the music on-the-fly as per my original vision (this is still an option in the score).
I also re-recorded the dancing chair robot and spliced that footage with my previous performance. Its a reel that lasts for about a minute. It was a bit of work, but I wasn't extremely picky... the sound conditions for the second recording were abysmal, though. So much feedback.
Also, everything takes longer than you think, it seems...
Even though I desperately want to get in one, I fucking hate grad programs right now.
No, I haven't done anything for a next project. Talk to me after this is DONE.
Friday, December 17, 2010
brief update
1. I wrote the most compelling SoP EVAH. And it starts with a conversation with an ex... but I say 'pianist' instead of 'ex-lover' which probably works better for academic settings.
2. I am working hard recording the origami piece. I am definitely going to have to tweak it. I hate myself for composing this argh!
3. Robot piece is being re-recorded in VA. On Wednesday. I think.
I have too many things up in the air. I am so far behind!! Oi. Why does stuff take so long? Why is my laptop starting to crap out on me? Blah!
No I still haven't booked any shows yet. Grad apps are taking oveh my liiiiiiiiiife. And also! also my sleeping schedule is FUCKED UP. I need to get back to more normal hours pronto.
2. I am working hard recording the origami piece. I am definitely going to have to tweak it. I hate myself for composing this argh!
3. Robot piece is being re-recorded in VA. On Wednesday. I think.
I have too many things up in the air. I am so far behind!! Oi. Why does stuff take so long? Why is my laptop starting to crap out on me? Blah!
No I still haven't booked any shows yet. Grad apps are taking oveh my liiiiiiiiiife. And also! also my sleeping schedule is FUCKED UP. I need to get back to more normal hours pronto.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
tired
So, origami piece is almost finished. I'm going to record all the parts for my portfolio next week... I think.
Also, I am going to re-record the video for my robot piece since I really don't like the video from the show.
I am tired.
Looking for dayjob or really just contract work... 20-25hrs is nice... actually way less stressful than having to look for a source of income but having all the time in the world.
Trying to get grad. apps. together. Gah, it is depressing. I am trying to be optimistic, tho.
Justin & I are putting together some exciting stuff. Hopefully will have proposal & THEN a show booked for it soon.
I think I do need to book my own stuff, but will do it after I have a good robot video.
Also, I am going to re-record the video for my robot piece since I really don't like the video from the show.
I am tired.
Looking for dayjob or really just contract work... 20-25hrs is nice... actually way less stressful than having to look for a source of income but having all the time in the world.
Trying to get grad. apps. together. Gah, it is depressing. I am trying to be optimistic, tho.
Justin & I are putting together some exciting stuff. Hopefully will have proposal & THEN a show booked for it soon.
I think I do need to book my own stuff, but will do it after I have a good robot video.
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