Avyukta G's Senior Project Blog
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Project Title: From Inspiration to Creation: Demystifying the Art of Music Production BASIS Advisor: Zach Wetzel Internship Location: Artistry Academy Music & Art - Oro Valley Onsite Mentor: Joseph Tranvik, Piano Teacher and Producer |
Project Abstract
My project centers on the creation of an original music composition accompanied by a comprehensive documentation of the creative process. This endeavor seeks to demystify the art and technique of music production by presenting a detailed, step-by-step guide and blog that captures the journey from conceptualization to the final mix. The project aims to illuminate the technical and artistic intricacies of producing a song, offering insights into the foundational principles of music theory, the functionalities of digital audio workstations (DAWs), and the essential techniques employed in modern music production. To achieve this, I will compose and produce an original track, integrating core musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and effects. Utilizing a DAW, I will meticulously layer these components, documenting each phase of the process through written descriptions, annotated screenshots, and video recordings. This documentation will form the basis of a resource designed to engage and inform the audience, fostering an appreciation for the creative challenges and technical considerations inherent in transforming an abstract idea into a cohesive musical composition. The ultimate objective is twofold: to craft a compelling and resonant piece of music that reflects artistic authenticity and to provide an accessible resource that empowers others to explore their creativity and embark on their own musical endeavors. By offering a transparent view into the music production process, I hope to inspire aspiring musicians and enthusiasts to experiment with their artistic ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of the discipline and its boundless creative potential.
Week 10: Reflection, Growth, and What’s Next: The Journey Behind My EP
This EP began as a creative challenge, a personal journey to tell a story through instrumental music, and it evolved into something far more meaningful. It’s been a process of discovery, of learning to trust my instincts, and of finding beauty in both precision and imperfection. With four songs completed and the fifth well underway,... Read More
Week 9: Cover Art & Amp; Branding: Telling the Story Visually
This week, I’ve been diving into a different side of music production—something just as creative as the music itself, but in a completely different medium: cover art and branding. As I near the final stretch of the EP, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to visually represent the journey my songs take the listener... Read More
Week 8: How do you know when a song is “finished”
One of the trickiest parts of making music isn’t starting a new track—it’s knowing when to stop. There’s always one more thing to tweak, one more plugin to test, one more automation curve to adjust. But at some point, you have to let the song go. This post is all about recognizing when a track... Read More
Week 7: Collaboration And Feedback
This week, I want to talk about collaboration and how feedback has shaped my music. One of the biggest influences on my production process has been my mentor, Joey—my piano teacher and a professional music producer (who you should definitely check out https://open.spotify.com/artist/0EwxM1Pv0584OF4jZsG8TI). We meet weekly, and his guidance has been invaluable, particularly when it... Read More
Week 6: Overcoming Creative Blocks in Music Production
One of the most common struggles artists face—whether in music or any other creative medium—is dealing with creative blocks. While working on my EP, I encountered this challenge multiple times, especially with the third track (more on that later). For now, I want to share a few tips and techniques that have helped me push... Read More
Week 5: Mastering Music Production in Logic Pro: Effects, Plugins, and Balance
Crafting a well-balanced mix isn't just about throwing effects on a track—it’s about sculpting sound, creating depth, and making sure every element sits perfectly in the mix. In this post, I’ll walk you through some essential techniques I use for sound design, must-have plugins, and how I balance different elements in my music. Sound Design... Read More
Week 4: Refining the Sound – Advanced Production Techniques
This week, I’ll be diving into the different tools I use to record and produce my music. From my setup to sound layering techniques, I’ll break down how I bring my ideas to life using Logic Pro. I’ll also touch on how I fine-tune sounds and experiment with MIDI for recording both virtual instruments and... Read More
Week 3: Composition & Amp; Arrangement, Building Instrumentals for a Song
Creating the instrumental for a song is one of the most exciting parts of composition. Whether you're starting from a melody, a chord progression, or just a mood you want to capture, the way you arrange and build the instrumentation can completely transform your track. In this post, I’ll cover the fundamentals of composition and... Read More
Week 2: How to Start a New Song, Building the First Track of My EP
Starting a Song Starting a song can be tricky, especially when you're trying to match the sound in your head. To make things easier, it helps to have a structured approach. For me, I like to follow a specific order when creating a song: I usually start by figuring out the chords using a... Read More
Week 1: The Blueprint – Creating the Story of My EP
Hey everyone! My project is a 7-song EP that tells a story through music. Over the next 10 weeks, I’ll be sharing my progress here, kind of like a creative diary. This will help me track everything while also giving you a peek into how I make music. I’ll be diving into songwriting, recording, production,... Read More