Additional Blog: Music Genre Research

As I delve further in expanding my repertoire, I decided to start learning about every music genre I can, starting with jazz. I picked up a book about the jazz genre itself one day over the course of the summer at a yard sale, just because I thought it would be an interesting read. This book was The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Jazz by Loren Schoenberg. Little did I know that it would be quite informative in many ways, not to mention pertaining to my senior project, which is on piano. So far, I have read the extensive history behind it, from its roots in late 19th century New Orleans to Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole throughout the 20's-50's up until now. 

Within this book that I have been reading are also techniques specific to the piano when playing jazz music, such as the stride, which consists of left hand movements that alternate between single or lower octave notes and higher, fully fingered chords with improvisation. Among some techniques mentioned, there is also a section describing the variations of jazz, such as Be Bop, Cool, Swing, Fussion, Bossa Nova, and Dixieland Jazz. When finished with this book, I will continue to find other sources to learn more about jazz, and maybe even try to find method books on how to play jazz, or attempt to improvise.

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

1. Who is your mentor and where does she work? 

Stacey Ulmer is my mentor, who works at the San Dimas Music store as a private instructor.

2. What five questions will you ask her about her background?

•  What made you want to pursue a career in music?
•  Have you been involved in events and concerts both as a soloist and accompanist?
•  Do you have a degree in music? If so, where did you study, and in what department was it?
•  Do you do anything else outside of piano that pertains to music, like singing, or play any other instruments?)
•  Is music a career worth going into?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

1. Something positive that has happened with what I have completed is that I've progressed a little with my practice routines, and have been getting a sense of accomplishment every time I practice for two hours. I am able to sit down now and just play, as opposed to struggling with reading and playing at the same time, as well as being able to play without hurting myself.

2. A piece of research, such as an article I found that had to do with the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of playing piano has helped me understand just how much of a positive influence the piano can have on a person's mind, body, and emotions because it can be used as a means of expression, creativity, learning, and physical therapy.

3. So far, with the senior project, being able to effectively communicate with my mentor whenever I have needed her, and whenever I meet her (which is every Tuesday, or other day if I am not available), has worked well for me because she has answered many of my questions and has shown me how to approach everything I currently am learning effectively, such as not rushing into things or skipping ahead of what I am supposed to be doing.

4. What has not worked so far is that I haven't been able to secure my interview date yet. I'm hoping to have it by next week, and if I can't interview the person I specifically want to interview, I do have a backup plan. I just feel that I haven't been punctual with my scheduling.

5.

• How can learning to play piano be a positive influence in someone's life?
• For mentorship, I will continue taking lessons, getting advice, practicing, teaching my sister the fundamentals of piano under the supervision of my mentor (who is also my sister's teacher), and possibly be apart of various events including Talent Show, fall festivals, concerts in parks, and so on.