Lets Learn About Song Writing
What I Do
My name is Riley O'Lena. I am a High School student and Musician. This year I am part of an independent study course called E=MC^2. In the course you are shadowed by advisors, but you choose your own topics, and design assignments and research projects. My goal this year is to take a deep dive into the craft of song writing. I want to look at multiple genres, their applications, and how songwriting has changed through the years. I'm planning on blocking my year into 4 sections, (all of which are outlined below). I plan on interviewing professionals, recording my own music, and some kind of final concert towards the conclusion of the project.
This is the EMC website https://sites.google.com/guilderlandschools.net/emc2/home
Autumn
First Song of the EP done, working on more soon. Keep checking this page and my blog for updates on all the projects I'm doing. The whole song was recorded and produced in my basement over one weekend.
Current Project
EP
My quarter one project is to finish a 5 song EP. Each song I work on I post about in my blog. These range to previews, progress, trouble shooting, and song changes. I'm not sticking to one genre, but its alt, acoustic, and pop. My first Song Im working on is called "Sorry", A song I started writing over the summer. I plan releasing it on SoundCloud and my Youtube channel.
My Goals
Song Writing Topics
After my EP, Im going to do a study of songwriting spanning different genres and time periods. At the end of the study, Im planning to write a song in that grenre.
Older Music
I cant imagine Miles Davis and Bach wrote their music the same way. I am going to deep dive into songs from the past, to see just how different it is from today.
Song Writing for Film & Television
Ever since I saw Hans Zimmer in concert I have been super interested in film scoring. Im going to study what noises and sounds effect different settings. I also want to ask the question of why we need music in films. I plan on doing a full length anaylsis on a few forms of media: Baby Driver, A Quiet Place, The Shining, West World, And the Incredibles.
Modern Music
Writing and recording music has changed dramatically due to new technologies. I plan to see how new factors like Top Lining, Zya have changed the ways songs are written. Im also researching laws of music, and how things like copyright and streaming services have changed the industry.
About Me
Riley O'Lena
I am a High School student in Schenectady New York. My passion for music has led me to be a highly contributing member in my schools musical society. Being part of Jazz ensemble, several choir groups, Band, the Musical, and TRI-M
Contact Me
Thanks for your interest in my research. Get in touch with any questions or comments regarding my work and publications. I’d love to hear from you.
Schenectady, NY, USA
