Embedded Files
Looking Back on MMS 172
As we reach the end of the course, and even just as I come close to finishing my project, I find myself looking back at the past three months. What I felt looking back was a mix of different thoughts and emotions. I felt relief, appreciation, and also some hints of disappointment as well. I'm really grateful and happy with all the concepts and knowledge that I have learned in the course, which, I believe, helped me acquire a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of audio production. The course also became a learning experience for me as it challenged how I listen, create, and think about sound as part of multimedia, especially media storytelling, on my side. What initially felt intimidating and unfamiliar has now become something I'm more comfortable with. Though, I'm not entirely sure about that yet.
Expectations at the Start vs. Reality at the End
At the start of this course, I was filled with curiosity, enthusiasm, and also uncertainty. But mostly, I was really, really excited. I have mentioned that I was interested in audio production, especially because of its importance in film and storytelling, but I was also aware of my limited technical background. And I know, and do acknowledge, that, in reality, passion and enthusiasm alone are not enough. I have seen that as well while I was working on my final project. Although I already knew a few things about audio production and am already familiar with the software, or the DAW, that I would be using, which is FL Studio, I have always known that I lack the practice and the skills to know what really sounds good professionally in terms of audio production. I have always realized that I don't have the "ear" to hear what's good or bad. For instance, whenever I watched videos about using compression, the tutors would always say that, once they have added the compression to the vocal track, there is some substantial change or something. While to my ear, they sound the same. Like, how? Are we listening to the same things? Am I just deaf?
Kidding aside, I understand that these things may take a lot of time and practice, same like with every other skill. With that being said, I just mean to say that the course was really challenging for me---some in a good way, some in bad (skill-wise). But still, I'd say that the difficulty of the course pushed me to be more patient with myself and more deliberate in how I learned. Also, despite the challenges, I think it's worth mentioning that I have kept my enthusiasm up to this point.
Self-Assessment and Personal Growth
Talking about how the course was really challenging for me, I believe I should take some time to analyze and reflect on my own performance. Actually, considering where I was at the start of this course, I can say that I did fairly well (if I look at it that way), at least a bit better than I expected of myself. But if I don't try to look at it in any way and just assess myself more objectively, truthfully, I did badly. Oh, come on. Just look at my quiz scores. LOL. Not that I like assessing myself entirely based on those, but I still acknowledge that they reflect some aspects of my learning. Besides, I can also tell by myself how I felt while taking the quizzes, reading the modules, and especially while working on my final project. I can tell that I was having a really difficult time understanding some things. Even now, there are still some concepts that I haven't fully grasped yet, nor have enough practice with.
More than this knowledge of the concepts, I'm actually more particular about the practical skills and experience that I really wanted and wished to acquire, but maybe couldn't have. I was actually really looking forward to the F2F session. I was really sad and shocked that it got cancelled or something. In terms of audio production, I really still have a lot to learn and need a lot of practice and experience.
Anyway, seeing my performance so far, I can say that I'm prone to not passing the course. Although, I don't really worry myself too much about those things. I'm here to learn. Actually, pass or not, I have already planned on retaking this course, hopefully still under Prof. Al's class. I was really excited about this course (still am) and have planned on learning these concepts of audio production as close to mastery as possible. At this point, I know to myself that I am nowhere near that, so I really plan on retaking this course again until I get a full grasp of these concepts and what needs to be done to get professional-standard quality sound. And, of course, I plan on continuing to practice by myself as well.
MMS 172 in my BAMS Journey
The final project, I feel, was an excellent activity. I became more comfortable with arranging audio, using MIDI instruments, and became more familiar with the DAW and the environment of audio production. I got to experience and practice arranging, layering, and mixing, even using automation, all while thinking about how things will support the mood and narrative of the score. Although, I am aware that my approach is more on analytical listening, as opposed to critical listening, which is more the criteria of this course. In that sense, I'm not sure of how well or badly I performed. I guess I'll find out soon. Still, come what may. Regardless of what my grade will be on my final project, I really really deeply enjoyed the whole process of creating that film score. A lot of things I could improve, especially with the vocals. I wish I could've found a more purposeful way to do with the vocals, rather than just something that was put there because I needed a vocal track on my project. Other than that, I am happy with everything else and how it came out. I have no regrets. Hopefully, I can do much better once I retake this course. Who knows, maybe at that time, when I'm writing another closing blog, I can repost my final project now alongside what will be my project at that time. Then, I can have a side-by-side comparison of my performance, and I'll be able to see how much I've improved. I think that would be a great idea.
Now that the course is about to end, and also as we had just finished our projects, I would like to say that I really appreciated the hands-on nature of the assignments given to us. Even the bonus activities and listening exercises were really fun, helpful, and engaging. I really wish I had given more time and deeper focus on them. The next time I take this course, I will, for sure. I just really hope that Prof. Al will still be my FIC, then. I have huge respect for his way of teaching and for how in-depth, well-thought-out, and executed the course is. Teaching a highly practical skill, such as this, in an online learning environment, I assume, is challenging, and I just want to say that I sincerely appreciate the effort put into ensuring that we gained as much meaningful learning as possible.
As mentioned, I have always appreciated the important role of sound in multimedia, specifically film, which is where I want to have a career. And this course has made me more aware of how sound shapes audience experience. Even if I do not specifically choose to specialize in audio production, the skills and awareness I gained here will surely influence my future projects and career.
Final Thoughts
From here on, I do see myself continuing to improve my audio production skills. While I may not pursue it as my primary focus, I plan to keep practicing and applying what I’ve learned to future creative work. And whatever projects I choose to pursue and work on moving forward, MMS 172 has given me a foundation that I can build on with greater confidence.
Altogether, MMS 172 has been a challenging yet rewarding experience for me. It helped me expand my skill set and taught me to engage with sound in a more purposeful way. That applies also to my approach and how I use sound in a more narrative and storytelling way. Not only did I learn more deeply how sound contributes to stories, but I also got to practice doing and applying it myself. As I move ahead with my academic journey and creative career, the concepts and lessons I have gathered from this course will surely be part of my skill set.
Till next time, MMS 172. (Very soon.)
Page updated
Report abuse