Did you change your topic or focus during this project? If so, explain.

I did not change my topic during this project.

Were you able to stretch yourself to learn more on the topic or did you find that you relied only on what you already knew on the topic?

I feel like I stretched myself on the topic; I did research in many different areas so I wasn't just looking up the same thing.

In what way have you grown and/or met your goals as a result of this project?

I now have built my foundations so I can write my own songs. I have definitely met my goals; my research covered all the areas of interest.

Describe the resources/information on your topic that were most helpful to your understanding of the subject.

All of my resources contributed to my full understanding of the topic. The tips, steps, and videos all were very useful to me. 

Comment on your ability to follow your sequential step-by-step plan and your time management in preparing for this project.

I set mini goals for deadlines so I did not fall behind. This was especially important during Prism weeks. I did a good job of managing my time well. 

Did you change the presentation format you planned in the proposal or did it remain the same?

I kept the same format; google slideshow.

Did your predicted elements of success from your proposal match the outcome of the project?

Yes–– my project turned out just how I envisioned it to be. 

What was the greatest benefit/most rewarding aspect of this project?

Applying some of my research to my playing–– I used some of the basic chord progressions that I learned from one of my videos, and tried playing with the finger-style patterns shown in the other videos and it sounded very unique!

Describe specific challenges, disappointments or regrets related to the project process and/or product.

Since songwriting is such a broad topic, it was hard to find a specific place to start. Once I really got into it though, it went smoothly.

If given the opportunity to re-do this project what aspects might you change?

I wouldn't change anything in particular, I believe it went well for me. 

Step 5

Pair and Share your Project Presentation

1.  Who was your partner?

Alejandro Shapiro

2.  Describe your partner's project.

My partners project was on Latin Jazz Piano Improv. He listed different rhythms (Montuno and Tumbao) in Latin Jazz and explained them. He also talked about the styles and how the music is played (both hands, arpeggios, etc.) He also talked about some theory, and important Jazz scales. He had lots of visuals which were really good in aiding the presentation.

3.  Was this topic new to you or familiar?

This topic was definitely new to me; I had never heard about this before so it was fascinating to learn about!

4.  Cite 1 take away from your partner's presentation.

I really liked the techniques on how to get better at improv because that can relate to any instrument especially. He said the most important things were to practice, listen to jazz music, and focus on rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. 

Review your Self Regulation Inventory in Getting Started

A.   Comment on how you addressed the weaknesses you identified and/or how you overcame challenges in regards to achieving success this semester thus far

I have addressed the weaknesses as a learner. I previously struggled with remembering information, having control over how well I learn, asking myself periodically if I am meeting my goals, staying persistent when working with a challenging problem, knowing how well I've done after I've finished a test, and asking myself how well I've accomplished my goals when I've completed my task. However, now I have gotten really good at that and I feel I have accomplished all my goals. 

B.   Reassess the 30 true/false statements for the Self Regulation Inventory.  Compare your current ratio to your initial one.

Previous ratio: True: 24, Sometimes True: 4, Mostly True: 1, False: 1. New Ratio: 30 True

C.   Will you approach the process differently for the second half of the semester?  If so, how?

Right now I seem to be on a good schedule with an even ratio of work on the computer (Unit stuff) and getting to be hands on with the guitar. I have been able to turn all my assignments in on time too so my process works for me. 

D.  How has your thinking about your thinking(metacognition)changed?

I have been very present during practice and not thinking about other useless things while playing. 

E.  Comment on the outcome of these self assessments as it relates to the quality of your work flow thus far

I think it correlates as I am doing well in the independent work environment in regards to time management and completion of all assignments thoroughly and to the best of my ability.

F.  What has been your greatest strength?

My greatest strength has been working well on my own. I don't get distracted easily and I manage my time well.

G.  How can you compensate for weaknesses?

I can compensate for weaknesses by continuously setting goals to stay on target.

Review the Benchmark Goals you set for yourself in Getting Started; What is it that you hope to know and/or be able to do at the conclusion of the course?

A. What were your intended results?

I wanted to be able to read sheet music, become a picking player instead of just strumming (using a pick) and learn all my scales.

B.  What were your actual results?

Working with Dave I've already achieved all these goals (there is still room for improvement in the second half of this course, but still)

C.  What caused your results?

100% Dave. He is so helpful and pushes me to become better.

D.  What will you do the same next time?

Keep practicing! It's the only way to get better.

E.  What will you do differently?

I want to keep improving my pick style (I'm struggling with that) so that is my new goal for the second half of the semester. 

Review your Music Literacy Benchmark Assessment & Tool Box located in Unit 1

A.  Comment on your achievements thus far (1,3,5) relating to your literacy confidence for each concept

I have improved so much in sight reading, rhythm, pitch, and chords in relation to the guitar (3's to 5's)

B.  Are you making good progress toward your goal?

I am definitely making good progress ! :)

C.  Describe the resources/tools that are most helpful to your understanding of this subject

Working with Dave; he is very resourceful on guitar and also provides great additional resources such as phone apps, etc.

D.  What might interfere with your progress and how can you prevent this interference?

Getting distracted which won't happen if I can stay on task. I can stay on task by goal setting.

Briefly review the assignments you have submitted for Units 1-5

A.  Comment on the quality of work reflected in your ePortfolio relating to areas of strengths as well as areas of needed improvement

My work quality is good; I always complete Units to the best of my ability. I manage my time well and I always submit before the due date.

B.  Will you continue to sculpt the work reflected in your ePortfolio as you did for the first half of the course or do you plan on making changes for the second part of the semester?

I will continue sculpting my work the same way because I have been successful with it.

Please help us sculpt the next phase of the course by providing feedback, suggestions, etc. related to Unit Content, Adjunct Staff, Wix, ePortfolio, On-Campus, Work Flow, etc.

Do whatever you can to make Dave full time. He should be here every day working in lessons with people. Most of the kids in applied and studio classes are taking guitar, and he is the most knowledgable guitar teacher alive. He gets so engaged in lessons and personalizes it to the student. Outside of studio class, he is so helpful in band and with working with individual musicians. 

Everything else is great, too.