Well, sort of. Seeing as I have really been lurking at the Con for three years, I can’t really claim that any of my impressions over the last couple of weeks are anything particularly new. But they are my first impressions as a Uni student.
After two orientation days, a week of classes, and various other activities, I can say that unfortunately I have not been overly pleasantly surprised, and do not expect all my classes to be sunshine and roses, but on the other hand, neither have I been disappointed. Foundation Core Studies (contemporary) is taught by Al Dobson, who is a great saxophonist and a cool guy, the class seems like it will actually be fun, and I am looking forward to learning the things which may be a little tricky to learn but once I have that knowledge… I’ll have some cred as a musician, I suppose! Haha. Foundation Audio seems like it’ll require concentration and work, but I’m willing to put that in, and it doesn’t seem it’ll be too difficult. Plus I find it quite interesting. Part of Core Studies is a keyboard class taught by Kelly Ottoway (wonderful keyboard and vibraphone player) which seems like it will be very useful. My final proper class is Tonal Theory… just as frustrating and boring as always… but I know it is necessary, so I’m soldiering away.
There is SO MUCH WORK to do outside classes. I need to do at least an hour of singing practice every day, plus vocal exercises, learning scales and modes, clapping rhythms, learning to recognise intervals, keyboard practice, working on the music program “Auralia”, and whatever theory homework I may get. I am no longer going to have a social life, it seems. Ah well, I should’ve expected it.
In the long run, I want this, more than anything else. To pass my courses at the Con, and to become an adept musician in various ways, is the most important thing in my life. And as long as I continue to feel this passion for my music – and I see no reason why it would stop – and this want to learn and improve, I should be okay with all the work.
I’ve been writing a lot of music lately, which is strange. I even got a pretty decent song finished. I think the Con is inspiring me.
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