The senior project itself feels like a free fall; years of going into school from 8:30 to 3:00 are now replaced with 6 weeks of freedom. Since the Tiny Desk Concert is an independent project, creating a meaningful and manageable schedule is challenging. I’ve met with music mentors (Susan Glass, vocal/opera coach Christine Duncan), listened to entire albums of incredible soul, r&b and Afro-Latinx music, and researched what it means to be a music producer. I’m also beginning to unpack what the creative process looks like for me. I thrive when I’m inspired by the work of others (i.e. interviewing LREI musicians and watching music documentaries like Summer of Soul). I want to find affordable concerts and music venues where fellow musicians and myself can enjoy performances and feel inspired. 

The most difficult aspect of my project is learning to enjoy not only the final product (the Tiny Desk) but the process of creative production itself. I’m confident that creating a 5-10 minute compilation of music with the band is feasible. Creating a beautiful musical performance is one thing; creating a space where the music is able to convey a larger message – so the art has meaning and purpose – is what’s most exciting. The process of discovering meaning behind each song selection starts now.