I should have already started familiarizing myself with the equipment I’ll be using for this project. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I’ll be covering a song and using a sound card as my main recording tool. I’ve already explored its buttons and parts, and thankfully, it’s not that hard to learn. It’s just a mini sound card, and most of the buttons are labeled clearly, so it’s easy to figure out what does what. That gave me a little boost in confidence, knowing I won't be totally lost when it's time to start recording.
For now, I don’t feel too pressured since I still have enough time to prepare and revisit the modules. But I’m also aware that producing a decent output will take a lot of time and effort, which honestly makes me nervous. I want to do this properly and make sure I apply everything I’ve been learning. It’s one thing to study the concepts, but it’s a different challenge to actually put them into practice—especially when you’re doing most of the work on your own.
Prior enrolling in this course, I already had a bit of an idea about how production courses works, thanks to MMS 173. That subject gave me a glimpse of what to expect, both from the course and from myself. One of the first questions I had in mind was, “How can I use the limited resources I have to complete the requirements for this class?” Back then, all I had was a smartphone, a desktop, and a small Bluetooth microphone, which I also used for my other courses. While those might work to some extent, I knew they wouldn’t be enough for cleaner and more professional-sounding recordings. That’s when I made the decision to invest in a sound card and a proper recording microphone. I knew it was a bit of a risk financially, but I looked at it as an investment not just for this course, but for future projects as well—whether for school or personal projects.
Meanwhile, I’m still working through Module 3, but I find myself constantly going back to Modules 1 and 2 to refresh my understanding. I’ve been both impressed and slightly intimidated by the work of some of my coursemates, especially those with prior experience in music production and audio editing. Some of them are active in the discussion forums, confidently sharing their insights and explaining things clearly. It’s inspiring to see how passionate and knowledgeable they are, and it pushes me to put more effort into my own work, too.
I also really appreciate how Prof. Al guides us through this course. He consistently provides well-structured discussions and engages with us regularly. His explanations are clear and easy to follow, and he makes an effort to connect with us. One thing that really stood out to me is how he organized at least one face-to-face session. That meant a lot, especially for students like me who crave real-time academic interaction. I was able to attend the one held for MMS 173 course, and it was a really meaningful experience. I got to meet several of my classmates, and it helped me feel more connected to them.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the face-to-face session for MMS 172 due to a scheduling conflict with work. I was honestly disappointed because I had been looking forward to it. Hopefully, there will be another opportunity, maybe even just an online synchronous session. Since I missed out, I’ll do my best to be more active in discussion forums and group chats. I know that learning is better when you’re part of a community, and I want to make the most of what I can participate in.
Currently, my biggest worry is still my voice. I hope it doesn’t end up sounding off when it’s finally time to record. I’ve always had a bit of hesitation when it comes to hearing myself in recordings. But with almost a month left to prepare and about a week planned for the actual recording, I’m trying to trust the process. I’ll do warm-ups, maybe record practice takes, and just keep improving bit by bit.
Of course, this project isn’t just about how I sound. What matters just as much is how I apply what I’ve learned in editing and producing the final output. I want my work to reflect my growth—from someone who was unsure of what tools to use, to someone who can confidently navigate them and make something I can actually be proud of. That’s the goal I’m working toward.