My individual learning plan aims to outline my experience with the course, my current standing in regards to its education aspect, and an individual assessment of where I plan to be in the future.
What are the key lessons I have learnt since starting the course?
Throughout my short time here, I have already learnt a plethora of information and skills.
My instinctual answer to this question is how I learnt to work with people. Prior to my placement, I was out of school for multiple years; outside of a real social environment. This made coming into college a daunting experience, for me at least.
During my first week or two at the college, I was quite withdrawn from social interaction with my fellow students as I tried to absorb and understand my surroundings. When I was placed in a band together with Levi and Joey, my experience completely changed - these were the first reasonable people I was able to relate to.
In our current band, Due Diligence, I have been able to put my opinions forward to the group and conference changes, including to the song structure, song composition and band-defining decisions (members, logo, aesthetic). Camryn, the singer for our band, has also been overwhelmingly useful in her contributions and social forthcomingness.
This has also increased my confidence drastically.
In addition, I think I have been able to further my skills on the guitar through challenging myself with my own composed passages, and improvising during jam sessions. Since joining, I have also explored multiple different genres which I would previously have never listened to.
I came to appreciate the musicianship of all types of music, especially the electronic music which Sol has been DJing time to time.
Have I been able to use my skills effectively?
The short answer: yes. Or, at least, that's what I believe.
As the lead guitarist for our current band, I have been able to compose my own guitar parts and I have never felt oppressed by anyone to comply with a certain standard.
Well, how were they used? I have been allowed to play challenging guitar solos and hone my skills in different genres, giving me the opportunity to expand my repertoire of techniques and develop my composition skills.
What skills do I most need to develop to become successful on the course and in my career?
I believe I still have a long way to go becoming comfortable on stage - even though I have performed at least 3 times in public and 4 times in college, I have yet completely relaxed on stage. Development of this skill will come with repeated exposure to the spotlight, and I am more than willing to work towards eliminating my anxiety.
I have noticed progress - it becomes a lot easier each time I perform. I remember previously being completely unable to play because of the severe, involuntary shaking I was experiencing.
Furthermore, I want to practice more techniques on the guitar which I am unfamiliar with, including sweep picking, fast alternate/economy picking runs and fast legato runs. I could also work on my tremolo picking since I believe my arm movements are ineffective, and symbolic of improper technique, and that my wrist should be the primary component in maintaining rapid, effortless movements.
Another skill I need to develop would be leadership, as I struggle with asserting authority and detaching myself from the social aspect of music in favour of the business aspect.
Finally, I want to develop my vocal skills as it is one of my goals to be able to produce my own music with my own vocals. I am currently taking vocal lessons at a local music shop, which focus on furthering my vocal dexterity, strength and pitch accuracy.
In conclusion, I will be working on improving my picking technique and legato guitar playing with frequent video updates.
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