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George W. Russell, Jr.

This course will guide you through the final project for the Developing Your Musicianship Specialization. This course will continue to help you apply the musical concepts you learned throughout the specialization, enabling you to create and perform a 36-measure composition. Taught by Berklee College of Music professor George W. Russell, Jr., the course includes four videos in which George models each stage of the project. Through peer feedback and discussion, practice, and applying what you’ve learned, this final project will hone your skills as a musician.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Developing Your Musicianship Finale Project!
Welcome to the final project course for the Developing Your Musicianship Specialization! In this module, we will cover all the details about how this course works and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your course experience.
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Compose The First A Section
This week, we will work on composing and performing the first A section for our project. We will also do a short review of the popular chord progressions we learned about throughout this specialization. If you need help or feel stumped, reach out to your classmates for help!
Compose The Second A Section
This week, we will work on composing and performing the second A section for our project. Remember, your classmates are a great resource. If you need help, check out the forums or connect on the Facebook group!
Compose The B Section
This week, we will work on composing and performing the B section for our project. We will be modulating from the original key in the B section, so this week may be a little complicated. If you need help, ask your classmates for their advice.
Compose The Last A Section and a Melody
For the final week, we will work on composing and performing the final A section for our project. If you need help or feel stumped, reach out to your classmates for help!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of fundamental musical concepts, enabling you to apply them in your own compositions
Designed for musicians with a strong foundation in music theory and composition, looking to refine their skills
Taught by Berklee College of Music professor George W. Russell, Jr., who is renowned for his expertise in music composition
Involves peer feedback, providing opportunities for collaboration and constructive criticism
Requires learners to have a comprehensive understanding of musical concepts and techniques, making it unsuitable for beginners
Focuses on the creation of a 36-measure composition, providing a practical application of the skills learned

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Reviews summary

Highly praised musicianship course

Learners say this course is excellent and culminates the specialization nicely. It features engaging assignments and a supportive instructor. George W. Russell Jr. is praised for his teaching making complex musical concepts approachable
Learners found the final project to be rewarding and a good way to apply their learning.
"I learned so much and pushed myself to limits I didn’t think I’d be capable of."
"Was able to apply learning from previous courses and see how all the theory worked together."
"This last push was very well worth it!"
Learners found the course enjoyable and learned a lot.
"I loved everything about this course"
"Learnt a lot of new theories and techniques"
"Learned a ton about harmony and song writing."
Instructor is knowledgeable and supportive.
"George is such a great teacher! "
"George W. Russell Jr is the best."
"You’re an amazing teacher!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project with these activities:
Review concepts of music theory and composition
Reviewing foundational concepts in music theory and composition will strengthen your understanding of the principles and techniques covered in this course.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Read textbooks or online resources on music theory
  • Review lecture notes and materials from previous music theory courses
  • Practice identifying intervals, chords, and scales
Compile a collection of resources on music composition
Gathering and organizing resources on music composition will provide you with a valuable repository of knowledge and references for your future learning.
Show steps
  • Search for online resources such as articles, tutorials, and books
  • Create a digital or physical collection of these resources
  • Categorize and organize the resources for easy access
Form a peer feedback group
Engaging in peer feedback sessions will allow you to share your work, receive constructive criticism, and learn from the perspectives of other musicians.
Show steps
  • Identify a group of peers with similar musical interests
  • Establish regular meeting times
  • Bring compositions to share and discuss
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Compose short musical phrases and melodies
Regular practice in composing short musical phrases and melodies will enhance your ability to apply the techniques you learn in this course.
Show steps
  • Set aside dedicated time for composition practice
  • Use a music notation software or write by hand
  • Experiment with different chord progressions and rhythms
Attend a composition workshop
Attending a composition workshop will provide you with opportunities to learn from experienced composers, receive feedback on your work, and connect with other musicians.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant composition workshops
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals
  • Actively participate in the workshop sessions
  • Seek feedback from instructors and peers
Write a musical analysis essay
Writing a musical analysis essay will allow you to critically engage with musical concepts and demonstrate your understanding of the techniques covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Choose a piece of music to analyze
  • Research the historical and cultural context of the music
  • Identify and discuss the musical elements and techniques used in the piece
  • Draw conclusions about the composer's intent and the impact of the music
Contribute to open-source music software projects
Contributing to open-source music software projects will allow you to apply your skills, learn from others, and contribute to the music technology community.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source music software projects that align with your interests
  • Join the project community and learn about their development process
  • Submit bug reports or feature requests
  • Write code or documentation to contribute to the project
Create a portfolio of original musical compositions
Creating a portfolio of original musical compositions will demonstrate your skills and help you build a foundation for your creative career.
Show steps
  • Gather inspiration and generate musical ideas
  • Compose and record original pieces
  • Edit, mix, and master your recordings
  • Develop a website or online portfolio to showcase your work

Career center

Learners who complete Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Director
A Music Director is a professional who plans and coordinates the musical aspects of an orchestra, choir, or opera company. They are responsible for selecting and conducting the repertoire, as well as working with the musicians to ensure that performances are of the highest quality. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of music theory, composition, and performance. You will learn how to create and arrange your compositions, as well as how to lead and motivate a group of musicians. This course can also help you build a strong network of professional musicians and conductors.
Music Teacher
Music Teachers are responsible for teaching students about music and helping them to develop their musical skills. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, music studios, and community centers. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of music theory, composition, and performance. You will learn how to create and arrange your compositions, as well as how to teach music to students of all ages and skill levels.
Music Producer
Music Producers are responsible for overseeing the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They work with artists to develop their sound and style, and they ensure that the final product is of the highest quality. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of music theory, composition, and production. You will learn how to create and arrange your compositions, as well as how to use recording and mixing software.
Composer
Composers create original music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, and theater. They may also work as songwriters or arrangers. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of music theory, composition, and orchestration. You will learn how to create and arrange your compositions, as well as how to write for different instruments and ensembles.
Music Librarian
Music Librarians are responsible for organizing and maintaining music collections in libraries, archives, and other institutions. They may also provide reference and research assistance to patrons. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of music theory, composition, and history. You will learn how to catalog and organize music collections, as well as how to provide reference and research assistance to patrons.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrators manage the business and operational aspects of performing arts organizations. They oversee budgets, marketing, and fundraising, and they work with artists and staff to ensure that the organization's mission is achieved. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and its business practices. You will learn how to manage budgets, market arts organizations, and raise funds.
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. They work with individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, and they may use music to help patients manage pain, reduce stress, and improve communication. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of music theory and performance. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to use music to help others improve their health and well-being.
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also work as critics, reviewers, or interviewers. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of music theory and performance. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to write about music in a clear and engaging way.
Music Publisher
Music Publishers acquire and publish musical works. They work with composers and songwriters to protect their copyrights and to promote their music to the public. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of music theory and copyright law. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with composers and songwriters to protect their rights and to promote their music.
Music Agent
Music Agents represent musicians and help them to book gigs, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and its business practices. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with musicians to book gigs, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers.
Sound Engineer
Sound Engineers are responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering sound for a variety of purposes, including music, film, and television. They work with musicians, directors, and producers to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of music theory and sound engineering techniques. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with musicians, directors, and producers to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality.
Music Promoter
Music Promoters promote and organize musical events. They work with artists, venues, and sponsors to create and execute concerts, festivals, and other events. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and its business practices. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with artists, venues, and sponsors to create and execute concerts, festivals, and other events.
Music Archivist
Music Archivists are responsible for preserving and cataloging musical materials. They work with libraries, museums, and other institutions to ensure that musical heritage is preserved for future generations. The Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of music theory and history. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with musical materials and to ensure that musical heritage is preserved for future generations.

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Developing Your Musicianship: Final Project.
Comprehensive guide to jazz theory, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics. It great resource for musicians who want to learn more about jazz theory and how to apply it to their own playing.
Great resource for students who want to learn more about the theory and harmony of jazz. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of jazz theory and harmony, including scales, chords, progressions, and improvisation.
Comprehensive guide to jazz composition, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics. It great resource for musicians who want to learn more about jazz composition and how to apply it to their own writing.
Collection of lead sheets for over 1000 jazz standards. It valuable resource for musicians who want to learn more about the repertoire of jazz music.
Great resource for students who want to learn how to play jazz flute. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of jazz flute, including technique, improvisation, and performance.
Comprehensive guide to jazz harmony, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics. It great resource for musicians who want to learn more about jazz harmony and how to apply it to their own playing.
Great resource for students who want to learn how to play jazz drums. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of jazz drumming, including technique, improvisation, and performance.
Great resource for students who want to learn how to play jazz bass. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of jazz bass, including technique, improvisation, and performance.
Great resource for students who want to learn how to play jazz saxophone. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of jazz saxophone, including technique, improvisation, and performance.
Great resource for students who want to learn how to play jazz trumpet. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of jazz trumpet, including technique, improvisation, and performance.
Provides a series of exercises to help musicians develop their ear training skills. It valuable resource for musicians who want to improve their ability to recognize and identify musical elements.
Comprehensive guide to jazz piano, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics. It great resource for musicians who want to learn more about jazz piano and how to apply it to their own playing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz improvisation, including techniques for developing ideas, creating solos, and playing with others. It valuable resource for musicians who want to learn more about jazz improvisation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the jazz music industry, including topics such as the history of jazz, the different styles of jazz, and the business of jazz. It valuable resource for musicians who want to learn more about the jazz music industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, including scales, chords, progressions, and improvisation techniques. It valuable resource for musicians of all levels who want to learn more about jazz music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz piano, including techniques for improvisation, voicings, and comping. It valuable resource for pianists who want to learn more about jazz music.

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