Journal 1: Learning and Research Process

Topic

• Music

Passion and Stretch

• Started singing since I was 4 and I still do.
• I started taking voice lessons at the age of 8 and I started taking guitar lessons at the age of 12, but stopped just recently because my guitar teacher left to continue with school
• I was a member of the concert choir at my old school from grades 3-8 and and I'm currently a member of the music ministry for my church. 
• I sang for numerous recitals, talent shows, parties, and many solos back when I was in concert choir. 
• I want to be able to create my own song with my own lyrics and melody. 
• I pretty much know the basics, but for some reason, my lyrics can never match the rhythm to what I play on my guitar and I always leave it unfinished. 
• This time, I want to be able to compose my own song and be able to finish it with success. 

Resources and Research

• Vocal Coach (William Daquiaog) --- I see him every Sunday for practice
• Old music teacher (Mrs. Bernie) --- I'm able to visit her anytime at my old school
• Music ministry teacher (Mama Fay) --- I see her every Sunday morning/evening for Church
• Cheesa Laureta (The Voice Semi Finalist) --- She's currently in Hawaii but will be leaving to go back to California on Saturday, but I'm able to contact her via Facebook, text/call. 
• Youtube videos (Albert Posis, Mark Mejia, Melissa Polinar, and all those other youtube famous people) -- for inspiration 

Process and Product 

• Continue to sing and play the guitar on my own.
• Practice new chord progressions and plucking on the guitar to master my weakness. 
• Start off with writing a chorus, then add in the verses. From there, create a memorable title. 
• For the final product, put the lyrics together with the guitar and sing it on front of the class and possibly make a youtube video of my original song. 

Questions

• What does it take to compose a whole original song? 
• What skills do I need? 
• What are the basic elements to composing a song? 
• How much time does it really take? 
• What's the easiest way or trick I can use? 
• Any advice?