Blog (12.11.17): Creating loops in Sibelius. This time I had my original files in Sibelius. I used the Ideas Panel and created my loop excerpts that I wanted by capturing the selected motif and adding to the my Sibelius "loop library". Following this I then added the loops to record them separately in Sibelius, but when I copied them back I noticed that Sibelius was sometimes changing the notes from the original loop idea. I also wasn't overly fussed with the sounds being created. So I exported the loops as midi files into Soundtrap and created new loops using the midi instruments in Soundtrap. This also helped the editing of the MP3 required to download onto Bare Conductive. It was a little tedious in editing each individual loop, however there was much musical consideration in syncing tempos, re-adjusting the Sibelius files to the right pitch, coordinating between the different midi and MP3 files, adding some extra reverb where possible on the Soundtrap files. The process of creating loops alone (through this or the earlier process using Garage Band, was a real demonstration of incorporating elements of performance, listening, composing and production all at the same time (Humberstone, 2015; Hein 2013; Otondo, 2016).

When programming in the loops into Bare Conductive, you have to name the files as a generic 001 etc. It is really essential therefore to keep a record of what order you want things and which one is which! Back to my spreadsheet!

Otondo, F. (2016). Music technology, composition teaching and employability skills.

Journal of Music, Technology & Education, 9(3), 229-240.

Hein, E. (2013). The problem: Why are so many young people alienated by music class? In

Designing the Drum Loop: A constructivist iOS rhythm tutorial system for beginners. Masters thesis, New York University, New York. Retrieved from http://www.ethanhein.com/wp/my-nyu-masters-thesis/the-problem-why-are-so-many-young-people-alienated-by-music-class/.

Humberstone, J. (2015). Defining creativity for a more pluralist approach to music education.

Paper presented at the ASME XXth National Conference 2015. Music Educating for life, Adelaide, Australia. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292001106_Defining_Creativity_for_a_More_Pluralist_Approach_to_Music_Education.