Alternative Project.mp3 Class Discussion/Online Peer review Basics -

Student work benefits from feedback in class and online.  In our class, we are safe to try things that might not work at first, but are worthy of our efforts to develop further.  Sometimes a composer intends to put something one way, and it is helpful when they hear how it is actually percieved by the listener. Other times our ears are just not catching something, probably because the piece is no longer new to us, and a sharper set of ears can provide vital information.

Composing music requires revising and revisiting ideas "with a new set of ears". Feedback from peers provides several sets of "fresh ears" and the insights provided by another persons perspective are always helpful.

Our peer review process follows some basic rules:

1. "warm" feedback first. Always tell them what worked well in the piece, describe what you heard that stood out in a positive way, or what you found to be enjoyable.

2. "cool" feedback. These are things that we might consider revising, fixing, balancing in terms of volume level, EQ or even compositional proportion.  It is important that these be described in terms of what you heard and what affect it had on you as a listener. In this way the composer can be led in the direction of what might need more attention before the piece is presented in a public performance.  

How to Criticize with Kindness offers some additional insight.

Listen to and comment on three (3) classmates projects (online, these could be students from any of our current classes). Provide substantive and productive input/dialogue such as: What I like. Where I hear it. Describe the sound. Are there unique features? Does it effectively show understanding of the project objective and creativity/craftsmanship in its production? Why was it effective or why not, and what specific feeling did you get from the music that could help describe this. Is there anything you would like explained by the student composer?

Potential Concert Pieces and New Song Ideas (add a link to your song below - include title/First name and last Initial):