I don't know if you guys have heard of this before, but its called the Senior Project. It's a 4-part project that involves writing a research paper (6 page min.), a physical project, a portfolio to show off what you have done and a speech to a panel of judges. More info..Google Senior Project, it should say the Official website.
Anyway, I have chosen my research topic to be something within music, and to be more specific, something that involves the guitar. Learning to play the guitar and the guitar itself is a passion of mine, I have always been interested in playing the instrument but I have never been motivated enough to actually do this. I'm hoping that this project will inspire me to do what I wanted to do.
Here is my question, my topic deals with something that involves the guitar but I'm not sure what specifically. The SP states that no 'How to' papers are allowed (such as how to play guitar, etc.) and this is where I'm stuck. I would like to do it on songwriting but I still need some help. Any ideas?
You might explore the history of the guitar, its major composers and performers. What kind of music has been written for the guitar? Is it only used for folk music or does it much broader uses?
Here's a website about Andre Segovia, a pioneer in classical guitar.
http://www.classicalguitar.net/artists/segovia/
It would be cool if you could play different types of music on your guitar for the judges.
That's what I was thinking of doing for my presentation, seeing as how its a minimum of 6 minute speech.
Great choice of topic for your Senior Project! Since you're passionate about playing the guitar and interested in songwriting, there are several avenues you can explore within this field. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
1. The Evolution of Guitar Techniques in Songwriting: You can research and analyze how guitar techniques have influenced songwriting across different genres and time periods. Examine how techniques such as fingerpicking, strumming patterns, and guitar solos have shaped the way songs are composed and structured.
2. The Role of Guitar in Popular Music: Investigate the significance of the guitar in popular music and how it has contributed to the development of different genres. Explore iconic guitarists, influential bands, and the impact they have had on music as a whole.
3. Effects of Guitar Effects Pedals on Songwriting: Explore how guitar effects pedals have influenced the creative process of songwriting. Investigate how different effects (such as distortion, reverb, or delay) can shape the tone, mood, and overall sound of a song.
4. The Influence of Guitar Riffs on Songwriting: Focus on the importance of guitar riffs in songwriting. Analyze famous riffs from different genres and discuss their impact on the overall composition and popularity of songs.
Once you have chosen a specific topic within songwriting and guitar, you can start conducting research by utilizing various resources. Here's how you can find relevant information:
1. Library Resources: Visit your school or local library to access books, journals, and magazines related to music theory, guitar techniques, or the history of popular music. Use library catalog systems to search for specific keywords or authors related to your topic.
2. Online Databases: Use online databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or Music Index to search for scholarly articles and research papers. These platforms provide a wealth of academic resources that cover a wide range of music-related topics.
3. Official Websites: Visit reputable music education websites to find articles, tutorials, and resources provided by experts in the field. Look for resources specifically related to songwriting and guitar to gather insights from professionals or experienced musicians.
4. Interviews and Surveys: Conduct interviews or surveys with experienced songwriters or guitarists to gather firsthand information. Reach out to local music teachers, musicians, or songwriters who may be willing to share their insights and experiences with you.
Remember to properly cite and reference any sources you use in your research paper to avoid plagiarism. Good luck with your Senior Project, and I hope it helps you further explore your passion for the guitar and songwriting!