Who you are and your interests and hobbies

• Do you play, sing or produce music?

• Favourite bands and artists

• Favourite songs - explain why you like them

• Have you been to any gigs? Who would you like to see perform live?

• What you did

• What you learnt

• What went well

• What you could improve on

• Include screenshots and videos from your own projects and performance sessions

TIP: You should make us of at least 2 research sources to help you gather your information (websites, articles, videos etc)

• What are your aspirations in music?

• What job in music would you like to have one day?

• Why do you want to achieve these things?

• How do you think you will achieve them (college study, making beats, university, playing in bands etc)?

• What it is you like about each song

• The types of sounds and instruments used

• What the lyrics, vibe or mood of the songs mean to you?

• Live performances

• Recording studios

• Theatres

• Music Festivals

• Spotify links

• YouTube links

https://www.canva.com/ 

Singing was not invented by a particular person it arose organically throughout time with humans mimicking sounds and humming. There has been evidence that humans have had the physical capacity for singing for over 530,000 years ago.

Who developed or made singing popular?

This is up for interpretation as many people sang and sing now who are very popular. Some people will believe that Beyonce and Taylor swift where I believe that the Beatles and queen made singing popular and developed the bar for lyrics and music.

Singing is used in all styles of music geners

Famous people I like that sing

Lucy spraggan

Adele

Lilly Allen

Kate Nash

short version

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UdijnaZezgQzHCRQ3lXlV?si=edb9dfa756524cff&pt=95b63070b99f9e1006c23b08527f5c56

The performance group was split into 3 bands and in my band there is Me (Elise), Alfie,Jack,Max and Phoebe. When in the boothe we struggled to chooese a song changing a few times from supersonic to warpigs. Everyones music taste was very diffrent so it was hard to decide. Then thursday we performed supersonic which could do with much improvement but was proud as it was are first time performing. Alfie was not there but we carried on. Then we performed again monday the 8th and sounded much better and more organised.

My Favourite songs:

• Painkillers

Artist- Rainbow kitten surprise 

Album-How to:Friend,love,freefall 

Release-2018 

Why-The lyrics send a beautiful message and in the song there is a tempo change and this part is my favourite. To be honest there is nothing i can point out specifically about this song i just  love the way the songs come together 

• Waterloo sunset 

Artist-The kinks 

Released-1967

Why- This song is beautifully written. I love the guitar in the song. This song is one of my all time favourites. The kinks I think were perfect for this song. The way it sang is immaculate and the sentimental reason probably makes it sound 10 times better for me but I believe this song to  be perfect. 

 Gigs and msuicals ive seen

Six the musical 

Ksi 

Harry styles 

Little mix 

The script 

Pink 

Wet leg 

Hamilton 

Lucy Spraggan 

Gigs i would like to go to

The kooks 

oasis

Catfish and the bottleman 

Hozier 

Fleetwood mac - never going to happen 

Arctic monkeys 

Billy joel 

Radiohead

The smiths 

-Verse-prechrous-chorus,structurece is fairly conventional with indie rock

-Heavy reliance on repetion- the chorus cricles back with very little variation

-instumental sections are short and functionall mostly serving as transitions (not elaborate solos or breakdowns)

Harmony & Tonality

-the song sit in a major key which gives it brightness and energy despite the raw strained vocal delivery

-the harmony however is relativley static- power-chord driven witth simple progressions

melody & vocals

-Van McCanns vocal line is limited in range but highly rhythimic with wmphasis on phrasing and delivery rather thane wide melodic leaps

-Vocals often sit right on top of the instrumental texture mixed foward to carry the energy

-the chorus melody is more of a chant-line and is almost shouted

Rhythm & groove

Drums-steady four-on-the-floor kick pattern during choruses, driving eight-note ho-hats and occasional syncopated snare fills.

guitars-use of striaght eight note strumming with muted attacks to creat a percusive feel. Lots of down strokes,adding urgency.

Bass roots the harmony firmly often doubling the guitar rythm to reinforce the drive

This song is amazing. I personally love the lyrics and how they can be related to people around the world. The lyrics mean to me that it dosent really matter what other people think aslong as you have your person why should it matter.

I would like either to perfom myself and write music or i would mind writing lyrics for others i just want to get my messages out there to me it dosent matter how that happens.

i want achive this for myself because ive done everything else for everybody else and music is my passion so i want to prove that i can do it for my sake.

Monday we performed Supersonic by oasis and it went okay was not as nervous as i thought i would be. After this we had Abbie where we learnt about diffrent types music notes and there names and there values such as a crotchet that has a value of one or a sembreve that has a value of 4. Then we has suze where we did portfolio and spoke aboout what are assingments where. Then wednesday the 10th we had context with chris and tutoral with mikey . Then on Thursday we had boothe but are groups changed so now its me (elise), alfie,elleana and max. I like this band as we all have similar music sense and we all gelled pretty quickly and the energy in the boothe was good. We decied to sing and practive the song Bitter sweet symphony and we soundeed good. Abbie also gave us a good susgestion that elleana should go higher in the chorus and it went well. Then friday

we didn't perform on Monday like we should have we had a talk with a company instead. Thursday we had a great session in the booth going over bitter sweet smphomhy and also gaining through the original I wrote lyrics for which was very fun. Then today 29th September I performed and sang on my own for the first time I was nervous and had a bit of a panic but all together it went well even though Alfie was not here max played very well was a bit of time but we could all improve and Ellie stepped in and played bass altogether happy with how it went.

Definition:

• Evaluation is “the act or result of evaluating; determination of the value, nature, character, or quality of something or someone.”

• Also: “the systematic and objective assessment of a planned, on-going, or completed project, programme or policy, its design, implementation and results.”

Explanation :

Evaluation means looking at something (a piece of work, a process, a performance, a project) and judging how well it worked: what its value is, whether it achieved its goals, what quality it has, and often how to improve. It is more than just describing — it’s assessing and making judgements.

In a music/media context:

In the music industry, evaluation might be used when analysing how successful a release was: Did the single meet target streaming numbers? Did marketing resonate with target audience? What could be improved? Or artistic evaluation: How well did a composition or production work in terms of audience engagement, musical quality, or coherence? Good evaluation helps decision-making and continuous improvement.

Definition:

• “Musical composition, the act of conceiving a piece of music, the art of creating music, or the finished product.”

• More detail: “At its most fundamental level the act of composition involves the ordering of pitched sounds in musical time and space … melody, harmony, rhythm, texture.”

Explanation :

A composition is either the process of creating a piece of music (writing the melody, chords, structure, etc.) or the actual piece of music itself. It requires creative decisions about form (how the music is laid out), harmony/melody/rhythm, and often notation or recording. It’s the blueprint or actual work of music.

In a music industry context:

When someone writes a song (lyrics + melody), they are doing composition. Once recorded, that composition becomes an asset (musical composition rights) which can be licenced, published, performed and so forth. Understanding composition is central to songwriting, publishing, and intellectual property in music.

A music producer is the person that guides and shapes the creation of a piece of recorded music from start to finish.They function as a creative leader, technical supervisor, logistical coordinator and often a sound architect for an artist or band.

Core roles & why they matter-

• Song selection and arrangement. Helps choose material,structure sections and refine harmony and rhythm so the song communicates clearly, Without this guidance a lot of great ideas will not be completed.

• Performance coaching .Guides artist to the best takes,balancing vibe with precision,important for more emotional recording

• Session staffing and coordination. hires sessions players/engineers books studios and manages the schedules and budgets so momentum doesn't stall.

• Sonic vision and over sight. Sets the aesthetic(instrumentation,tempo,feel),makes call during tracking,and editing editing/mixing/mastering to keep the record cohesive

• Artist advocacy and mediation. translates between label goals and artist vision protecting creativity while meeting deadline-very important for finishing strong 

CASE STUDY

Who: Frederick “Rick” Rubin, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, former co-president of Columbia Records. Known for minimalist, artist-first productions across hip-hop, rock, country, and pop.

Who he’s produced for / worked with (snapshot):

LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy; Red Hot Chili Peppers; Johnny Cash; Metallica; Adele; Jay-Z; Kanye West; The Strokes; Linkin Park.

Signature skills (and why they matter):

•Minimalist focus on performance. Strips arrangements to expose the song’s core emotion—heard on Johnny Cash’s late-career albums that revived Cash’s legacy.

•Cross-genre translation. Bridges hip-hop, rock, and country cultures, expanding artists’ audiences without losing authenticity.Crisis finishing & editing. Famous for stepping in late to clarify vision and meet deadlines (e.g., executive producing Kanye West’s Yeezus under extreme time pressure).

•Deep listening & artist psychology. Prioritizes environment, mindset, and honesty in the room—skills he often discusses in interviews and masterclasses.

Notable projects & what the producer did:

•Johnny Cash — American Recordings series. Rubin re-framed Cash with sparse arrangements, foregrounding voice and song narrative—producer as curator and emotional editor.

•Red Hot Chili Peppers — Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Helped capture a raw, live feel and groove cohesion—producer as performance coach and vibe-setter.

•Kanye West — Yeezus. Executive producer triaging unfinished material into a stark, abrasive statement—producer as finisher.

•Paul McCartney — McCartney 3,2,1 (docuseries). Rubin co-explores songcraft on camera—producer as musical interlocutor.

Definition:

• Research is “careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something.”

• It is “studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts.”

• It also involves “a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.”
  

Explanation (in own words):

Research means going beyond simply knowing something already, to systematically investigating a topic: collecting information, analysing it, and drawing conclusions. This might involve reading materials, doing experiments or surveys, comparing results, and generating new insights or confirming what’s already known.

In a music/media context:

A music professional might carry out research when exploring audience behaviour (which platforms they use, how they consume music), genres’ trends, or the impact of digital streaming. For example, a label might research which markets are growing fastest, or which streaming services users prefer, to plan releases or marketing.

🎭 What Is a Theatre Director?

A theatre director is the creative leader of a stage production.

They are responsible for turning a written script into a live performance, guiding actors, designers, and the production team to create a unified artistic vision.

In simple terms, the director decides how the story will look, sound, and feel on stage. They make artistic decisions about acting styles, staging, lighting, and movement to bring the play to life for the audience.

🎬 Job Role Description

• The theatre director oversees the entire creative process of a play or performance.

• They interpret the script, develop the concept, and decide how to present the story.

• The director works closely with actors, designers, stage managers, and technical teams to make sure every part of the production fits together.

• They lead rehearsals, give feedback to performers, and ensure the production meets both artistic and practical goals.

Essentially, they are the visionary and leader of the whole production.

🧩 Key Responsibilities

• Interpreting the script: Understanding the writer’s themes, characters, and messages, and deciding how to communicate them to the audience.

• Developing the concept: Creating the overall style or vision of the production (e.g., setting a Shakespeare play in a modern city).

• Casting actors: Choosing performers who best fit the characters and bring the story to life.

• Leading rehearsals: Directing actors in performance, movement, voice, and emotion to achieve the desired tone and pacing.

• Collaborating with designers: Working with costume, set, lighting, and sound designers to ensure all elements support the director’s vision.

• Problem-solving: Managing creative or technical challenges that arise during the production process.

• Time and budget management: Ensuring rehearsals stay on schedule and within budget limits.

• Final performance quality: Making last adjustments before opening night to ensure a polished and professional show.

💡 Skills Required

• Creativity: Ability to imagine how the script can come alive on stage in a unique and engaging way.

• Leadership: Guiding and motivating actors and crew, while maintaining authority and respect.

• Communication: Clearly explaining ideas, giving constructive feedback, and collaborating with different departments.

• Decision-making: Making confident creative choices under time pressure.

• Organisation: Planning schedules, rehearsals, and coordinating production elements efficiently.

• Attention to detail: Ensuring that every moment on stage contributes to the story.

• Understanding of performance techniques: Knowledge of acting, movement, and stagecraft to guide performers effectively.

• Adaptability: Staying calm and flexible when plans change or problems occur.

🎭 Example of a Well-Known Theatre Director

Sir Trevor Nunn

• Directed major productions such as Les Misérables, Cats, and Shakespeare in Love.

• Known for his ability to combine classic storytelling with emotional realism.

• Worked with major theatre companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre in London.

• His success shows the importance of creativity, leadership, and collaboration in directing.

  
  

✨ Summary

A theatre director is the creative force behind a stage production.

They guide every part of the process — from script interpretation to final performance — to create a powerful experience for the audience.

Strong leadership, creativity, and communication are essential skills for success in this role.

⚠️ What Is Health and Safety?

Health and safety means the rules, practices, and precautions that keep people safe and well in the workplace.

In the music industry, it protects everyone — musicians, crew, and audiences — from accidents, injuries, and stress during rehearsals, performances, touring, and studio work.

💡 Why Is Health and Safety Important in the Music Industry?

• The music industry often involves loud sounds, heavy equipment, travel, and long working hours, which can all be risky.

• Health and safety make sure that everyone can work safely and perform at their best.

• It also helps avoid injuries, hearing loss, or stress-related problems that could end a career.

• Following proper procedures keeps shows running smoothly and protects reputations.

🎸 Six Examples of Health and Safety Risks in Music Environments

1. Loud noise exposure (hearing damage)
   - Risk: Constant loud music can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.

   • Prevention: Use ear protection (earplugs or in-ear monitors), take breaks from loud environments, and keep volume levels safe.

2. Manual handling and lifting injuries
   

   • Risk: Lifting heavy instruments, speakers, or stage gear can cause back or muscle injuries.

   • Prevention: Use correct lifting techniques, get help from others, or use trolleys and lifting equipment.

3. Slips, trips, and falls
   

   • Risk: Cables, drinks, or clutter on stage can cause accidents.

   • Prevention: Keep walkways clear, tape down cables, and make sure stages are well lit and dry.

4. Electrical hazards
   

   • Risk: Faulty cables or equipment can cause electric shocks or fires.

   • Prevention: Regularly test (PAT test) equipment, use qualified electricians, and never overload sockets.

     
     

     5. Fatigue and overworking
     

   • Risk: Long rehearsals, tours, or recording sessions can cause exhaustion, mistakes, or illness.

   • Prevention: Schedule regular breaks, sleep well, stay hydrated, and manage time realistically.

   
   

5. Crowd and performance safety
   

   • Risk: Poor crowd control or unsafe staging can cause accidents at concerts or festivals.

   • Prevention: Work with trained security, check stage structures, and have clear emergency exits and first aid plans.

     
     

🧠 Importance of Mental and Physical Health in the Music Industry

Mental Health

• Musicians face stress, pressure, anxiety, and loneliness, especially during tours or fame.

• Good mental health helps artists stay creative, focused, and happy in their work.

• Many famous musicians have spoken about this:
  

  • Billie Eilish has opened up about anxiety and depression and encourages young people to seek help.

  • Lewis Capaldi has spoken publicly about Tourette’s syndrome and mental health struggles, even pausing touring to focus on his wellbeing.

  • Adele has discussed post-tour depression and how rest and therapy helped her recover.

  • Shawn Mendes took a break from touring in 2022 to prioritise his mental health and anxiety.

Physical Health

• Performing is physically demanding — singing, dancing, or playing instruments can strain the body.

• Staying physically healthy helps artists perform better and avoid injuries.

• Musicians like Harry Styles and Beyoncé follow exercise and nutrition routines to stay fit for long tours.

• Regular stretching, warm-ups, hydration, and rest are all vital for maintaining energy and endurance.

💬 Summary

• Health and safety keeps people safe from harm in all music settings — from studios to stadiums.

• It’s important because it prevents injuries, protects hearing, and reduces stress.

• Risks include loud noise, lifting injuries, trips, electrical hazards, overworking, and crowd safety issues.

• Good mental and physical health are essential for long-term success and happiness in the music industry.

• Famous artists like Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, and Adele remind us that it’s okay to take care of yourself — because health always comes before fame.

Definition:

• As an adjective: “relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill.”

• As a noun: “someone who does a job that requires special training, education, or skill.”

• Also: “characterised by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.”

Explanation :

When someone is “professional,” it means they perform in a field where special knowledge, training and skill are required. They adhere to standards (in conduct, skill, ethics) typical of their profession. It also implies that the work is done with a certain level of competence, responsibility and seriousness, often for payment rather than just as a hobby.

In a music industry context:

A “professional musician,” for example, is someone whose work in music is their livelihood, who has developed their skills, maintains industry standards (rehearsals, technical competence, etc.), and works reliably. Similarly, labels, producers, engineers who operate at a professional level adhere to business norms, contracts, deadlines, and quality control.

A music performer is someone who presents music to an audience by singing, playing an instrument, or both.

They bring songs to life, express emotions, and connect with people through live or recorded performances.

Performers are the storytellers of music, turning written notes into sound and emotion.

🎤 Roles and Responsibilities of a Music Performer

•Interpret music: Understand and express the emotion, mood, and meaning behind a song.

•Rehearse and practise: Regularly practise to improve skills, timing, and stage confidence.

•Show stage presence: Use movement, facial expression, and energy to engage the audience.

•Work with others: Collaborate with bandmates, conductors, producers, and engineers to achieve a professional sound.

•Handle pressure: Stay calm and adaptable when facing live performance challenges or technical issues.

•Maintain professionalism: Be punctual, respectful, and reliable to build a strong reputation.

🎶 Key Skills and Characteristics

•Musical ability: Strong command of instrument or voice to perform confidently.

•Confidence: Comfortable performing in front of others and commanding attention.

•Emotional expression: Ability to communicate real feelings through music.

•Creativity: Adds unique interpretation and style to performances.

•Discipline and dedication: Commitment to regular practice and improvement.

•Communication: Connects with both the audience and other performers effectively.

Inspirational Performance

🎸 Freddie Mercury (Queen) – Live Aid, 1985

📍 Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

📺 Watch: Queen – Live Aid 1985 Full Performance (YouTube)

•Freddie Mercury’s Live Aid show is one of the greatest performances in music history.

•His charisma, energy, and vocal power captivated an audience of over 70,000 people.

•He interacted with the crowd through call-and-response (“Ay-oh!”), showing his ability to command the stage.

•The performance displayed confidence, emotion, and connection, turning a 20-minute set into a legendary moment.

•Why it’s inspirational: It shows how stage presence and passion can make a performance unforgettable and unite a global audience.

🎤 Adele – Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 2011

📍 Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London

📺 Watch: Adele – Someone Like You (Live at the Royal Albert Hall)

•Adele’s performance highlighted emotional honesty and vocal skill.

•She focused on authenticity rather than flashy visuals or effects.

•Her natural storytelling, humour, and vulnerability made her performance relatable and heartfelt.

•Songs like “Someone Like You” showed her ability to make an entire audience feel deeply.

•Why it’s inspirational: Adele demonstrates that true artistry comes from connection, simplicity, and emotional truth.

🎯 Summary

•A music performer is responsible for bringing music to life through skill, creativity, and emotion.

•Great performers combine technical ability, confidence, and emotional depth to connect with audiences.

•Freddie Mercury inspires through his powerful stage energy, while Adele moves people through emotional sincerity.

•Both prove that music performance is about making people feelsomething real — whether through excitement or emotion.

🎧Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) –

A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a computer software used to record, edit, mix, and produce music or sound. It acts like a full recording studio on your computer.

💡 Key Points

• Lets you record vocals and instruments.

• Allows editing (cutting, moving, or fixing mistakes).

• Used to mix multiple tracks together.

• Adds effects like reverb, echo, or compression.

• Exports finished songs as MP3 or WAV files.

🎵 Examples

Popular DAWs include Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton Live, GarageBand, and Pro Tools.

🧠 Why It’s Important

A DAW is essential in the music industry because it makes professional recording and production possible from almost anywhere — helping artists create high-quality music quickly and creatively.