Saturday, October 5, 2013

It Starts!

I finally got the very basics for my home recording studio!  I bought the Focusrite Scarlett Studio, which contains the Scarlet 2i2 USB audio interface, studio headphones, a mic, and connectors.  It also includes Cubase LE6 (recording/mixing software).

This is a very affordable way to get started recording, and works for both Mac and Windows.  Working at Guitar Center, I was able to get some great advice from coworkers with extensive knowledge in this type of stuff.  And, my employee discount made it even better!





This system is fabulous--through the interface I can record in real time with the music on my computer, there is no delay.  The mic has a nice, crisp and clear sound.  I played around with it today some, and I can't wait to explore more and find all the things I will be able to do!

I haven't started using Cubase yet, though it looks like a great program.  I was just too excited to start recording--it took a couple hours for me to figure out how to install all of the drivers, register the product and software, etc....and by the time I finished I just decided to start using GarageBand.  Eventually I will use it and will report my findings!

Watch out world, flute player Melanie has her own recording/mixing studio!  

As soon as I finish creating my first "mix" I will post it.  Until then, ciao!




Thursday, October 3, 2013

New Job!

Due to personal circumstances, I have decided to take a break from school.  I don't know how long my  break is going to be, I guess it depends on how some other things in my life go.

In the meantime I am focusing on some new and different things, and I am excited!

I have gotten a part time job at Guitar Center!  I am working as a Customer Operations Associate.  I am a flute player, so why would I be excited about a job at Guitar Center?  I will tell you why!



It has been a lifelong dream of mine to have my own home recording studio.  10-15 years ago this seemed like nearly an impossible task, because of expenses involved, large mixing equipment needed, and lack of experience and knowledge.  Well, ladies and gentlemen, times have changed.  We are in the 21st century, and not only is equipment becoming more portable and affordable, but there is a wealth of knowledge online and in books, and affordable training programs.  Once I got this job at Guitar Center, I finally decided I think it's about time I make my dream a reality!

Guitar Center sells more than guitars.  They also sell electric pianos and keyboards, drums, DJ equipment, sheet music, and top of the line pro audio equipment.

I started this job about 3 weeks ago, and am very excited to be working with musicians and recording artists who have a wealth of knowledge in their fields.  Guitar Center hires employees with extensive experience for their individual departments.  Every day I go to work I am trying to learn a little more, and it is going a long way.

I finally have a good idea of the type of equipment I need for my desired purposes.  I still need to do some more research and learn a little bit more, and once I know exactly what equipment I need I am going to make a budget, and do it!  My goal is to get the best possible equipment for the price, and not to buy the cheapest equipment and software just to find out I need to upgrade later.  So, I am in no rush, I am simply taking in all the knowledge I can so I can make an informed decision when the time comes.


Saturday, August 31, 2013

My Junior Recital, April 13, 2013

I completed my Junior Recital on April 13th, 2013.  I had been calling it my Senior Recital, since it was the only recital I was required to complete for my Music Education Degree.  


****My Junior Recital****


April 13th at 2:00 PM

Dumke Recital Hall
University of Utah










Here is the link to my Youtube channel, where you may view the videos of my recital:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhNGgC_-xtxA3S2KDSzyyQ

I didn't know how to separate the videos from the others I have on my channels, but here are the pieces that were performed (Each movement of each pieces has its own video):


Program

Syrinx for flute alone                                                                                                                                   Claude Debussy (1862-1918)                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Flute Sonata in E Major, BWV 1035                                                                                                           J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
                I.  Adagio ma nontanto                                                                                                                
                II. Allegro
                III. Siciliano
                IV. Allegro assai
                                               
                                               
Andante et Rondo, Op. 25 for two flutes and piano                                                                          
Franz Doppler (1821-1883)                   
II. Rondo                                                                                                                                                

Melanie Addington – Flute
Dallan Gordon – Flute
Daniel Shumway – Piano


La Tourterelle Op. 119 for piccolo and piano                                                                                         Eugene Damare  (1840-1919)
                                                                                                                                                                   
Sonata for Flute and Piano Op. 23                                                                                                      Lowell Liebermann (b. 1961)
                I.  Lento con rubato                                                                                                                  
                II. Presto energico


Ashokan Farewell                                                                                                                                     Jay Ungar (b. 1946)
Arranged by:  James Galway and Phil Coulter

Melanie Addington – Flute
Suzanne Havens – Violin

Daniel Shumway – Piano 

Inspirations

This recital was a very special event in my life, for many reasons.

First, I had an opportunity to perform with both of my parents in this recital!

Growing up, my parents' love and passion for music was the driving force behind my musical accomplishments.  As children, my siblings and I were surrounded by beautiful music, in so many ways:  Listening to classical and sacred music on Sunday mornings; hearing our Dad play Chopin and Bach on the piano and our Mom play Barber and Paganini on the violin for hours at a time; singing on the Church choir where my Mom was choir director and my Dad piano player; and so much more.  We were given piano lessons and lessons on our individual instruments as we grew up, and were known as the "musical family" in our ward at church.  My Dad would write arrangements for our family of various sacred and secular tunes and we would perform for church, talent shows, and family functions.  My Dad would also accompany us on all of our musical events, competitions, etc.  My Mom and I loved to play duets together on the flute and violin.  Our extended family, on both sides, were also very musical, being filled with performers, college professors of music, and composers.

For my recital, my Dad was able to accompany me on the piano, and this was the first time we have had to opportunity to perform together for an audience in about 10 years!  After I left Active Duty Army, my Dad had been living in China, and did not know when he would move back to the U.S., so I didn't know if I would get the chance to play with him at a University Recital.  I've always loved playing with my Dad, because he is one of the most skilled and sensitive accompanists I have ever played with, and he is never afraid to give me advice to improve my musicality when I am playing.  Also, since we are family, we have a unique ability to sense what the other is doing musically.  This applies when I sing or play with anyone in my family.
I also had the opportunity to perform with my dear Mother for this recital.  My mother has such a beautiful, rich tone on the violin, her passion for music has been such an inspiration to me in my life.  We have always loved to play duets together, and even though my Mom hadn't performed for a long time, and we only got to have one rehearsal together, she still agreed to do it, and it meant the world to me.

Special Thanks

I could never have accomplished this recital without all of the amazing support I have received.
The list is endless, but just to name a few, I would like to express my gratitude to:

The University of Utah, especially the School of Music, for the wonderful learning institution it is, and providing the facilities to hold this recital.

All of my Professors and mentors, for the tools you have given me that will help me become a better musician, teacher, and person (Especially: Tiffany Sedgley, Dr. Ely, Dr. Baldwin, and Dr. Napoles)

My dear friends and colleagues, near and far, who have always believed in me and supported me.

 Dallan Gordon, my friend and one of the best musicians and players I have ever known. Thanks for all you have done for me, and thanks for playing with me in this recital!

Lisa Byrnes, my private flute instructor for my first two years at the U, who gave such a great start at the U, and gave me so many valuable tools and skills that helped me to be where I am today.

Caitlyn Valovick Moore, my private flute instructor for the last 2 years, who helped me prepare for this recital. She encouraged me, set high expectations, and helped me grow in so many ways as a player and a musician.

My Husband, Dave, who is always by my side, supporting me with strong hands and a gentle heart. With Dave, I feel like I can accomplish anything. I love you, Sweetheart.

My Family: My siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who have always cheered me on and been my biggest fans.

My Mother (Suzanne Faerber Havens), whose love and passion for music have influenced me throughout my life, and who made sure I could have instruments and private lesson, and has never stopped supporting me in my music. Mom, you have been such an inspriration to me, and I am so grateful for all you have done for me, and all of the support you have given me throughout the years,  I am so glad I got to play with you in this recital, it meant the world to me.

My Father (Daniel T. Shumway), who has exposed me to beautiful music since childhood, who supported me and played the piano for me for so many years. Thanks for all the work you put into preparing for this recital with me. I am so glad with got to play in this recital together, it meant so much to me. I appreciate all you do.


Lastly, I want to thank the Lord, for the musical talents He has given me and my family. It has brought so much joy to my life, and blessed me in so many ways. I hope I can use this gift to help others feel this same joy.


A New Chapter (as of June 2013)

I moved to Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV, on May 17th, 2013.

This move is something new and different for me.  I have moved many times due to the military, but this move was for my husband's job.  I am going to do my best to make the most of it!

I am considering this move as a new chapter in my life.  I have so many things I want to do with my music, and I won't be able to accomplish all I want to unless I seek out opportunities for myself, step out of my comfort zone, and do it!  

Here is a list of my goals and desires regarding my music career.  I may not be able to accomplish everything, and certainly not in a short amount of time, so I am going to prioritize my list to decide how I am going to begin.
  1. Make an academic plan to finish my music degree at UNLV
  2. Become involved in the local flute community
    • Join the Las Vegas Flute Club
  3. Prepare myself to start teaching flute lessons again by doing the following:
    • Assess my flute repertoire and method books, then look online and go to local music stores to make a compilation of my favorite method books and flute repertoire for teaching.
    • Assess the various training aids available (Bo Pep, etc)
    • Get all my favorite recordings together.  Give students copies, or just recommendations?  Decide.
    • Study more on teaching techniques for the flute, focusing on the following:
      • Flute maintenance and materials needed.  Make a handout for students
      • Breathing
      • Making a Tone: Embouchure and Aperture
      • Tone Development
      • Vibrato (When to begin teaching?)
      • Playing position and posture
      • Practice techniques, how much to practice/Make practice charts
      • Performance etiquette
  4. Increase my own flute techniques by taking lessons as soon as possible
    • Study modern flute techniques
    • Study Jazz, Irish, and Japanese flute (if I ever get the opportunity!)
  5. Seek performance opportunities (local groups, events, musicals, competitions, etc)
  6. Get the basic equipment needed for recording.  Research required
    • iMac computer
    • Microphone
  7. Study some of the current technology available that can assist in teaching and performing
  8. Gather recordings of concerts from University of Utah
  9. Upload recordings of concerts onto blog, Youtube, and backup onto discs and cloud drive
  10. Find means of converting old audio and video tapes to digital
These are my goals and my desires.  I writing this list so that I can have it written down in one place, track my progress, and record my experiences and learnings.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Progress

As I have been getting settled in our new home, I have been taking some steps to start accomplishing some of my goals (see mt home page for a full list).

GOAL #1: Make an academic plan to finish my degree.

I had an appointment with the Music Adviser at UNLV.

Long story short, I am waiting to find out which classes will "officially" transfer (which is looking VERY good), and I have figured out that it will probably take 2 years for me to complete a Music Education degree, and possibly 1 to 1.5 years to complete a Performance degree.

Taking into account where I want my musical career to go, I am seriously considering switching to a Flute Performance Degree. This way, I can focus all of my study on the flute, and be a private flute teacher, which is what I really want to do.  I can always get an Education degree later if I decide to do so!

GOAL #3:  Prepare myself to begin teaching flute lessons again.

Getting as degree in Performance will help me toward this goal.

GOAL #10:  Find a means of converting old audio and video tapes to digital format.

I have signed up for a class called "Transferring Sound from Analog to Digital" at the West Las Vegas Arts Center.  The class begins this Wednesday, and I am very excited!




Friday, May 24, 2013

Latest Performances in Spring of 2013


Recordings and notes on the performances to be posted soon.

Recital and Masterclass with John Thorne

March 29th at 7:00 PM

Dumke Recital Hall
University of Utah




On March 29th the University of Utah will be visited by renowned flutist John Thorne.  John Thorne is currently a flute professor at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University.  He was previously associate principal flute of the Houston Symphony.

Following his recital, Professor Thorne will be conducting a masterclass, which I will be privileged to participate in!  I will be performing the first two movements of Bach Sonata in E Major.


****My Junior Recital****


April 13th at 2:00 PM

Dumke Recital Hall
University of Utah








After four years of intensive flute lessons, I am preparing for my Junior Recital, which will bring me one more step toward getting my Music Education degree.

I am currently studying with Caitlyn Valovick Moore, Piccolo Player of the Utah Symphony, whom I have studied with since Fall Semester of 2011.

From  Fall of 2009 to Spring of 2011 I studied with Lisa Byrnes, Assistant Principal of the Utah Symphony.

I am so excited for this recital!  I will be performing the following pieces:

Syrinx by Claude Debussy
Flute Sonata in E Major by J.S. Bach
Rondo from Andante and Rondo for 2 Flutes Op. 25 by Franz Doppler
Sonata for Flute and Piano Op. 23 by Lowell Liebermann
La Tourterelle by Eugene Damare
Ashokan Farewell

Other performers:

Daniel T. Shumway (Piano)
Dallan Gordon (Flute)
Suzanne Havens (Violin)


Verdi's Falstaff:  Opera (Utah Philharmonia Pit Orchestra)

April 19th-20th, 7:30 PM

Kingsbury Hall
University of Utah

Runnin' Fl'Utes 

April 27th, 5:00 PM

Thompson Chamber Music Hall
University of Utah

A New Beginning in Las Vegas

I am at the beginning of a new chapter of my life, and I don't yet know where it will take me.  I am going to miss the University of Utah, the great learning institution it is, along with the friends I made and the professors who taught me so much. I am happy that even though I have yet to complete my degree, I left the U with a bang!

I had an eventful year at the University of Utah.  Just to name a few:

-I attended the National Flute Association Convention in Las Vegas in August 2012 with the Runnin' Fl'Utes
-I performed a piccolo solo with the Runnin' Fl'Utes in December
-I rehearsed and conducted The Moldau with the same group in March
-I played 1st piccolo part in one of the most epic pieces ever composed  music for it's 100th anniversary celebration, Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, along with some other great repertoire, with the University of Utah Philharmonia
-I had the privilege of performing in a Masterclass with renowned flutist John Thorne
-I held my Junior Recital for my Utah friends, family, and professors


More details about my performances, along with recordings, to be posted soon!  

I am now in Las Vegas, transferring to UNLV to finish my degree.  I do not know yet what my course of action will be, or how long it will take to complete my degree.  We will see how it goes when I meet with the Music Adviser.

Once I get settled, I want to seek out as many learning, teaching, and performance opportunities as I can.  Where will I go from here?  I have so many goals and aspirations I want to reach.  It is time for me to get out of my comfort zone, and get out there.  The possibilities are endless!