We were tasked to read an article outlining the expectations of employers from college graduates. The article mentions employers wanting candidates who understand how powerful media can be and can use it to connect with people effectively. They appreciate individuals who can analyse media, understanding how it works and how it can influence others. It shares thoughts from both job seekers and employers highlighting the need for creative thinking (Scott, 2019).

Currently, I am excellent at communicating and staying organised and I find fulfillment in collaborative teamwork and creative endeavors. Additionally, I value being flexible at work and I posses a comprehensive understanding of how media functions and the skills to interact with different social platforms. However, I am aware I can improve my time management skills more and maintain a healthier lifestyle to better my job performance.

Afterwards, we were asked to contribute a post to our local class Slack channel and introduce ourselves to everyone. Below is my submission:

Hey everyone! My name is Eris. I've been working as an apprentice painter for 5 years now while teaching myself about producing and songwriting on the side. I love music and I enjoy singing. I also play a few instruments and would like to improve my knowledge and skills while learning how to produce my own music. I'm hoping to enhance my skills at SAE and do a lot of networking, be a songwriter and a music producer after graduating. In 5 years, I see myself as in independent musician/producer and performing locally and globally through social media and in person (hopefully).

We were asked to introduce ourselves to a classmate and share our music preferences, creations, preferred genre, and methods to improve our musical skills and knowledge. Each of us then presented our self-introductions to the entire class individually.

I favor music genres such as R&B, Hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Cyberpunk/wave. To date, my creations have primarily consisted of Lo-fi and Hip-hop tracks as well as song covers. I enhance my musical skills and knowledge through continual online research in music production, viewing tutorials, and hands-on experimentation with production techniques.

TASK 2:

We examined the unit guide and project briefs followed by a viewing task focusing on "The Truman Show" trailer. The trailer proved to be engaging and thought-provoking particularly in its exploration of how media influences and constructs our perceptions of reality and highlighting our reliance on it for knowledge and understanding.

TASK 3:

In addition, I have provided my reflections on the concept of media below.

"Media transgress borders. This is their main purpose and function: to put people in contact with someone or something that would otherwise be beyond reach in time or space - like an image from the past or a voice from far away.

(Fornas, Becker, Bjurstrom, & Ganetz, 2007, Consuming Media, p. 1). "

As I perceive this, media acts as a channel for connectivity, bridging gaps between people, experiences, and diverse realms. Understanding the significance of media is important as it a primary mode of communication in the 21st century. Media facilitates immediate transmission of messages across the world shaping our perceptions, providing entertainment, and evoking emotional responses.

Media often aims to shape public opinion with the presentation of stories impacting individuals' knowledge and perspectives ranging from policy matters to consumer behavior. Individuals often gravitate towards media that aligns with their existing beliefs potentially restricting a comprehensive understanding of topics (National Geographic Society, 2023).

It pervades every aspect of our lives from print and screen media to entertainment, radio, advertising, and social interactive platforms. The presence of media guarantees constant exposure making it nearly impossible to go a day without encountering it in some form (National Geographic Society, 2023).

TASK 4:

We commenced on our projects and constructed a genealogy tree on Padlet with the help of our lecturer. I eagerly started on researching my selected artists - Ateez and The Weeknd. Their profound influence on my life is evident through their exceptional vocal abilities, emotive performances, and innovative music productions. Inspired by their ability to make a positive impact, I aspire to follow and contribute my own story to the world. Delving into the topic of influence, I investigated at least three primary creative inspirations for each of my selected artists.

Our in class activities did not include the task on our individual knowledge in Audio and Music Production. Therefore, I am about to address the questions outlined in the Session 1: In-Class Resource Book.

We were asked about the sources of our information and what led us to pursue studies in Audio/Music Production. Personally, I rely heavily on online platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter for information and inspiration. These platforms connect me with like-minded individuals and allow me to explore the work of the artists I admire. The emotional connection I feel to music has motivated me to learn more about its production with a desire to create one that resonates with others.

Considering the reliability of information is a two-way street. Sometimes it's trustworthy while other times it's influenced by personal agendas. Reflecting on the relationship between others' ideas and my own helps me navigate this complexity and gain insights and inspiration along the way.

I left work earlier than usual to participate in the Zoom national class. We discussed critical thinking in depth, exploring its methods and how to utilise the CRAAP test to evaluate reliable sources. Though the lecturer provided extensive explanations with various examples, some of which were not directly related to the topic, I still understood the main concept and its importance for university research and reports.

TASK 2:

The pre-class activity involved learning how to cite a form of media from the SAE library. We were assigned to select a suitable book on critical thinking and utilize the CITE button to copy the citation in APA 7 referencing style.

For instance, I posted this on the Slack local class channel - Nilson, L. B. (2021). Infusing critical thinking into your course : a concrete, practical approach (First). Stylus Publishing, LLC. February 12, 2024.

I encountered no issues and found the SAE library very convenient for referencing various forms of media and information used in our reports.

TASK 3:

We were tasked with sharing one of our selected artists and providing reasons for our choice. Here is the response I shared on the Slack local class channel:

I chose Ateez as one of my creative influences since I enjoy their distinctive sound that blends elements of K-pop, hip-hop, EDM, trap, and rock. I also admire how authentic and vulnerable they are when they write their lyrics. Their focus on navigating the complexities of young adulthood and adolescence have resonated with me many times and have inspired, motivated, and encouraged me to pursue my dreams, overcome my challenges, and stay true to myself.

Ateez's creative influences:

• Eminem

  Eminem's music underscores rhythm's importance skillfully utilising syncopation to create tension and release. His intricate rhyme schemes define his unique rap style which made him so significant in the music industry. Hongjoong, who is greatly influenced by Eminem, honed his own rap technique through dedicated practice resulting in a unique style that sets him apart in music production. This is evident in Ateez's song "Wake Up".

• Bruno Mars

• Michael Jackson

The Weeknd's creative influences:

• Prince

• David Bowie

• Michael Jackson

I encountered some challenges while researching credible sources for Ateez's influences leading me to invest additional time in this endeavor. Despite spending hours browsing through Google, utilising related word searches, and expressing frustration, I eventually succeeded in finding references for each artist involved. To smoothen the process and optimise efficiency in the future, I plan to select a more well-known artist whom I admire which will ensure easier access to reliable sources for my report.

TASK 1:

Upon arrival, the class had just begun discussing how to effectively utilise the CRAAP test when searching for sources. I took the opportunity to revisit its definition and purpose displayed on the projector and I diligently made handwritten notes to retain them in my memory.

We further delved into tasks related to APA7 referencing and utilising resources from the SAE library and MyBib APA citation generator. I also took a moment to review the unit guide to confirm I am on the right track with the project requirements before proceeding to use the SAE library to search for peer-reviewed articles about our chosen artists.

TASK 2:

This is the knowledge I acquired while reviewing the slides presented during the in-class lesson.

Strategies for Assignment Research

1. Prioritise Research

   • Begin with thorough research to understand the topic and allocating sufficient time as research typically consumes the majority of assignment time.

2. Context-Appropriate Definitions

   • Use reliable sources like core texts and journals to ensure definitions fit the context especially for terms with multiple meanings.

3. Citation Guidelines

   • Follow proper citation practices. Back claims with evidence and conduct additional research if needed.

4. Source Credibility

   • Evaluate the expertise of sources prioritising those with recognised qualifications or relevant experience.

5. APA Style Guide

   • Refer to the APA style guide for formatting and referencing especially for online content. Online resources provide detailed instructions for citations and references.

   
   

By the end of the lesson, I have gained insights into various approaches to contemplate and articulate ideas within my field of interest. Additionally, I have learnt techniques to pursue topics I am passionate about through research.

After briefly reviewing the mid-project reflection task, I opted to postpone it for another day as my priority was to complete my 50-word summaries first.

However, condensing the information within the 50-60 word limit was challenging and somewhat stressful. Summarising my insights and opinions within a limited word count is a bit tricky for me. I recognise my need for improvement and I am committed to practicing concise writing more for my future projects, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in my communication.

Upon returning home, I commenced my learning journal documenting class notes and reflections on each task undertaken. Subsequently, I resumed my research on Ateez and The Weeknd's creative influences summarising how they link to each other and their impact on them in 50-word segments encompassing genre, technology, production methods, social themes, musical devices, and location.

I concluded my day by organising my references and incorporating in-text citations. It felt rewarding to stay productive throughout the day and I thoroughly enjoyed delving deeper into my research about my favourite artists.