So I’ve been (slowly) getting on with university work. Got 3 pieces done so far (although they’ll obviously need checking over before hand-in), am attempting to write an exposé for my German speaking exam in May, about the R.A.F. and terrorism. I’ve never written one before and it’s a pretty hard topic as it is, furthermore, I have no idea how I will make it last 20 minutes. The first 5 minutes will be easier, as it’s just me talking, basically, so I can get away with scripting at least some of it. But those other 15 minutes will be questions about the topic, which I will have some control over according to the exposé, but there’s obviously no guaranteeing what questions I will get. And my German History teacher will be one of the examiners! I’m just asking for trouble with the theme I’ve chosen.
Deviating from my work (as always) I had the nostalgic urge last night to listen to my A level compositions again. I had saved them; however, the only versions I have are incomplete. Which is a real shame, considering it’s my hard, creative work that I’m missing here. So I started a (not so epic) quest to track down my old music teacher and consequently obtain my full, completed compositions (and performances as well, those are missing too). The quest became half complete when my previous German teacher found his facebook. Now here’s hoping he still has the files!
Consequently, I want to start composing again. I wanted to do this before, several times in fact, but never got round to it. I’m fairly decent at creating tunes in my head, so the best solution would be to put them down on paper – or better yet, computer. I downloaded Cubase 4, deciding it was the best software (I’d used it a few times before in A level; although Sibelius is better for notation, Cubase has better sound. The midi sounds from Sibelius always hurt my ears). However, the instruments seem to be missing for some reason! I’ll have to remedy this somehow.
So, out of what I plan to do, as far as satisfying my need to be creative AND doing what’s necessary, I have this so far:
- Do university work! This should be priority.
- Plan to create tunes using Cubase 4 after exams, perhaps using keyboard connected to PC as a midi device.
- Continue drawing (would like to get one or two sketches posted on here at least).
- Maybe read a little? (I miss reading, furthermore, as I’m planning to earn money translating, I need to brush up on my English skillz).
Madrid is creeping closer and closer. I’m starting to see it as an inconvenience to work and leisure time, which is wrong wrong wrong. I guess I’ve forgotten what it’s like to travel, explore and have fun. My last trip abroad to Santiago was mainly about attending the Summer school at the University (although each weekend we went to the beach. Not too shabby).
So here ends half of my so-called studying week. I dropped out of ScriptFrenzy unfortunately, because of time restraints, and the fact that I was 20 pages behind schedule. Both of my essays desperately need doing, and before that I need to do reading of course. So here’s to another 4 or 5 days of toil!
