Step It Up.

For the first time since the start of my academic year I feel that I am heading in the right direction and with the needed tempo of progress. All proposals for all projects have been completed and I am now concentrating solely on the content and contribution needed for each one. The implementation of a schedule to manage my time and other management resources has begun and simple tasks like getting out of bed at a set time each morning for 6 days of the week are already helping me achieve weekly deadlines I am setting for myself. I feel I need to follow a disciplined routine to compensate for the stuttering start I have made to my course.
The dissertation I am working on has started to take shape as my output levels have increased resulting in the weekly maintaining of this blog as well as beginning my literature review and completing a first draft of a possible introduction. Already I am feeling more confident with my ability to effectively manage this research project and have also found that a consistent awareness of new information sources that may help with my particular topic has become a more efficient way of uncovering more specific data on how the Beatles compositional and recording techniques where changed after they decided to stop playing live and on tour.
The blues brother’s project has progressed further this week as we all had our first meeting on the research part of the project and also managed to have a very productive practice despite having a few members of the band missing in action. We also have a new addition with an HNC bass player named Bob Hollis stepping in to help us as our original bassist has taken ill and been hospitalised recently. His enthusiasm for the project itself seemed to lift our spirits and he managed to quickly learn 4 songs which were sounding quite tight towards the end of the practice. This progress has been a huge positive and is one I recommend we continue until show time.
The digital multimedia project has also taken a few steps forward as I managed to create a workable template for my own website which gives me a closer look at how I will integrate the content I wish to include. I am also working on my proposal/contract as I look to develop it according to the changes that may take place within my original idea.
For the portfolio project I have organised another photo shoot to mimic some real life images of sketches made by my designated designer. I was very pleased with the outcome as I had made a rough sketch from the designer’s sketch and communicated this to a photographer who managed to capture a number of images that were very similar. Next week I will submit my case study and presentation on the Beatles promotional image use which will leave me the remainder of the module to work with my designer on the various aspects of a professional press pack.
Recording of the EP is progressing well and I plan to use one final recording session at home to capture the 3 vocal/acoustic guitar tracks I intend to include. Once completed I will then be free for about 3 weeks to work on the production and mastering of each track to hopefully create an impressive and professional product.
Overall the best week to report so far and on reflection I feel silly for not initiating the same enthusiasm and energy that I have applied this week. With and effective schedule in hand I hope to progress each week from now on as I have done this week.