ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Question/Issue:

Can performance through a musical medium help reduce related insecurities? Along with this, how difficult and time consuming is it for someone with fairly basic musical experience to learn a new instrument, specifically the guitar? In my capstone I will be exploring these questions with a hands on approach to learn how to manage stage-fright in a virtual way.

History and Distinction:

A lot of my work is inspired by friends who have picked up instruments and hobbies in their college careers. I have been inspired by them and the great musicians of the world to use me learning a new instrument as a platform to develop from my reserved personality. The guitar has always played a part in my life as family members and friends have always been playing around me. I had always wanted to learn but was afraid of the time and commitment it takes to learn a new instrument. I also would be playing for myself, which is great, but I wanted to do something I wouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed to play in front of others because of how bad I would be at the start.

Approach:

My approach in the capstone is to teach myself guitar, paired with biweekly lessons teaching basic chords and progressions so I can work to a complete song published online for all to see. By continuoisly dedicating myself to practicing and learning new chords and progressions on the guitar I will train myself to better be able to handle playing the guitar. Also by posting these videos online I will be exposing myself in a way I normally do not do with things unfinished or that I'm not extremely comfortable with.

Audience:

My audience for this capstone is anyone who enjoys the arts but is reluctant to express their talents to others. I chose this audience because I feel I can relate to them. I don't want to have to hide in fear that I am not good enough to perform in front of others, even if the product I'm performing is not what I'd like it to be. I want to be shamelessly proud of my work and effort and I would like others to feel the same with their work.

Impact:

I hope that by the end of this project I will have learned skills to help me in the future in any performance, speech, or public event. I also hope to be able to enjoy a new talent and passtime through the guitar.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to acknoweldge all those who have helped me in this process, especially Harold Burgess, Heather Bremenstuhl, Avril Smith, and all those who made this project mean as much as it did to me.

References:

YouTube. "John Mayer - Daughters (Official Music Video)" John Mayer. October 3 2009 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZLbUIa7exE

YouTube. "Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)" Ed Sheeran. November 9 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vv-BfVoq4g

​