MMS 172 Midpoint Blog

When I got to the middle of MMS 172, it felt like I was at the top of a hill. I could see how far I've gone, the path that took me here, and the challenges and opportunities that are still ahead of me. Reflecting on the course so far,  it’s clear that the journey is not just about acquiring technical skills but also about discovering my own creative voice and cultural identity.  

I wasn't totally sure what to expect when I got into MMS 172. Although I was aware that the course would include audio production, I wasn't sure how in-depth it would be or how I would relate to the subject matter. I've come to the realization that this course has evolved into much more than a technical one now that the halfway of the trimester has passed and almost all of the key lessons have been covered. It has been a creative adventure that has been interesting at all times despite occasionally being chaotic and difficult.

My expectation was that we'd not just be learning technical content but also doing meaningful projects that would enable us to explore our own communities and stories. Now, looking at the units we've covered, I'm happy to say that my expectations are being fulfilled, if not exceeded. 

One thing I was particularly interested in was the concept of signal flow, which initially seemed daunting. But as it was explained, it was easy to see how crucial this concept is to audio quality. Furthermore, it was also immediately relevant once I began designing my own system for Assignment 1. Another key thing for me was the explanation of acoustics and environment, because it made me realize how frequently I end up ignoring the importance of the room I work in. Sound, after all, does not occur in a vacuum.

For Assignment 1, I proposed a podcast episode about the use of indigenous instruments in modern music, a topic I've always been curious about but never had the structure or motivation to pursue. Writing the pre-production blog was unexpectedly therapeutic—it provided me with a clear road map and made the project feel more tangible. I needed to think like a producer, not a student. Reading about some of my classmates' plans was both inspirational and humbling. Some create original music, while others work on ambient soundscapes or voice acting projects.  It made me understand that we're all coming at this course from various perspectives, which makes our small community in MMS 172 diverse and innovative.

Missing the F2F, but Staying Connected

I could not make it to the in-person session, which I do regret. I can only imagine it would have provided some explanation of a number of the technical issues I've had and would have been a good way to engage with classmates outside of forum posts. Nonetheless, I've made attempts to remain active through the discussion boards and forums. Seeing others share their ideas, challenges, and progress helps remind me that I’m not going through the process alone—even if I’m physically apart.

Moving forward, I hope to be able to find means of collaboration or at least give and receive feedback from some of my colleagues. Even something basic like getting feedback on my mix or being willing to listen in on someone else's draft could really help solidify the final products on both sides.

The Pressure 

There is certainly a sense of tension as we get closer to the final output deadline.  I am challenged. I know what I want my output to sound like. I know the feeling I want to create. And now I possess the skills to at least attempt to make that possible.

Final Thoughts

MMS 172 is not merely software learning or checking off tasks. It's learning how to tell stories in sound, how we hear and how we compose. I've loved how there's been a balance between technical learning and creative liberty.  The FIC  has done a wonderful job creating room for experimentation while keeping us focused on the nuts and bolts. My fellow students, through forum debates and shared frustrations, have also made the learning less lonely.

So where am I at now? Somewhere between anxious and elated. I still have a lot of work to do, and a lot to tweak, but I now feel ready—not technically, mind you, but mentally and creatively—to produce something I can be proud of.