Kelley Smock
Bill Wightman
Senior Project Skills
May 15, 2022
Week One
This week I began my Senior Project of learning to play the guitar. I have successfully learned how to play the songs, “We’re Going to be Friends,” by The White Stripes, and, “Brown Eyed Girl,” by Van Morrison. Initially, I was going to learn “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” by Death Cab for Cutie, but I didn’t have a capo when I started so I switched it to, Brown Eyed Girl.” This made things much simpler since, “Brown Eyed Girl,” uses the same chords as, “We’re Going to be Friends.” On a few of the days, I spent some time learning basic skills from YouTube videos, such as chords and stuff. Many of the videos that I have been referencing are by a YouTuber called Marty Music. He has an entire series of beginner guitar lessons, but also has many videos teaching individual songs. I have found him to be a very good resource.
I am finding a lot of enjoyment in this project. Music is something that I was not very interested in when I came to Proctor, and that has changed completely this year. The music studio is also a very beautiful building that I love to spend time in. Sitting in the music building, or finding a place outside to just sit, play guitar, and sing, has made for a very peaceful senior project. The only part that is not as relaxing is the anxiety of performing in front of people. The culmination of my project will likely result in some sort of performance, which already makes me nervous, except this time I will be singing in front of people, and I have never done that before. Despite this, I am excited because it is a new experience.
Throughout this next week, I am going to work on refining these two songs, and improving my singing abilities. Tomorrow, Monday, I will meet with the vocal teacher, Candace, to work on my singing with these two songs. I will also continue by watching some beginner lessons. This week, I will have to do some planning for what my final presentation will look like. I know that I will have an amp and a mic to sing and play guitar, but I may add a poster or something visual to show the process of my project.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKelley, I am so amazed at how much progress you have made. Your voice is lovely, too! I know performing is hard (it terrifies me!), but someone once told me to remember that everyone listening is listening with their best ears and their biggest hearts. :-)
ReplyDelete