Course Reflection
Initially, I expected that this class would only focus on the processes of producing African American gospel music. I anticipated that lessons and lectures would discuss on the importance of production or songwriting processes. We touched base on those topics and more extensive work during the course. The course covered very integral parts of black gospel music. Some of the sections include the evolution of music techniques, the meaning of black gospel production, aspects that are important when listening to music, the composition of music, the 10-step reversal plan, SWOT analysis, and various factors that relate to music and its marketing. The course was a broad subject on learning how an individual can start a musical journey up to its consumption by fans. I was keen on the fact that relevant and resourceful information and materials were provided and available for enlightenment. Some of the things learned ow may not be applicable currently, but in the prospective future or at some point during my college life, I am sure I will apply the information. Also, the availability of PowerPoint presentations was very encouraging and useful.
Course SP20-BL-AAAD-399-6926 expanded my understanding of the progression of the black gospel recording from sacred music in the 1880s, which used cylinder recordings to the live recordings in the 60s. I managed to understand that the live recording aims to capture a live audience’s energy and response. I discovered that gospel music was exclusive, and an artist had to be discovered or invited during those periods. However, presently, due to technological advancement, the recording is available ad artists can have more control over their work. It is now clear that I can use my gift and work exclusively on my own instead of waiting for someone to choose or discover me. Through this course, I managed to compose a piece and was thrilled to create something that focuses on most aspects of writing music, and that may be released in the future.
The course challenged me to incorporate my lessons into ordinary daily activities such as listening to music. For instance, the course enlightened me in the composition vocabulary, such as the evaluation of a song’s words, melody, harmony (chords), fugue, and various factors that form a quality piece. The information from this course has helped me to identify multiple songs and assess their quality. I can differentiate an excellent-quality song from ordinary compositions as I can differentiate a secular song from a gospel. One can distinguish between the two through reviewing the message, principles, culture, and philosophy upon which the piece is founded, the aim of the song (transformation or conversion), moral standard, and the presentation. It is during this course that I have paid attention to music when listening to determine the purpose, rhythm, melody, pitch, tempo, and style and even created virtual pictures regarding the songs I hear. I have mastered the rules of listening to music, such as noting comments as I listen, listening for any shifts, listening without talking, which are essential and applicable now and later in life.
I will continue to learn more about music through school and after school once I begin my career. I have used the 10-steps reversal analysis knowledge acquired in class through this course to create a concept map and clear goals that I want to pursue after school. The SWOT analysis idea has helped to discover some of the weaknesses that I need to work on regarding my plan after school. The course has also helped me learn more about music from various cultures and learn to appreciate the music and culture in general. I have been enabled to learn historical music patterns; thus I have an idea of ways that can help me after venturing in this profession. All discoveries and transitions marked from this course have taken me into an adventurous and new direction career-wise.