Music Diary

Three Pilars Of My Creative Process

Inspiration from daily life, small details that left a mark on me (either start writing drafts of the poetry of having part of the melody to record).
Search for refferences on the same style/ vibe I’m searching for (listenig to the main artists that inspire me or search to new refferences on art/ music).
Starting the actual composing (Garage band/ keyboard) and think of different harmonies and voices (having the Garage Band‘s tools is new to me, I am loving to create thick textures and experimenting with multiple instruments and synthesizers).

Second Semester 2023! Where am I?

I have been working to meet my goals for this year. before the end of last semester, I was able to skip a year on solfège and advance even more with music theory and reading music. I learned new rhythms and musical language and feel much more confident approaching new pieces.
I discovered a new way to use music: creating and developing soundtracks for my audiovisual projects. On the 25th of February, I completed a short film produced with the help of some colleagues. The soundtrack is original and developed with GarageBand. Now, I am starting a video installation for an exposition in school, the editing and soundtrack will also be produced from scratch. Combining two fields that I am completely passionated about has been amazing! I can’t wait to create more multimedia projects and apply the knowledge I am getting from school and music school.
I am still working and improving my singing techniques. At the singing lessons at the Escole de Musique de Hesperange, my teacher and I have been working to get more confidence in my vocal range and to not tense my voice during modulations. I feel way more confident now that I am singing more healthily and with less tension. I still have a long way to go, but I believe that by keeping with the work and creative processes I’ll be able to achieve a higher level.
While working on a new piece for a performance in school, I discovered a new challenge: harmonizing. I have been used to singing on the first voice or in the choir, which gave me a sort of “follow the group melody instinct “. Starting with the second voice of “Something Stupid” was surely an unexplored field. I have been working on learning my part and getting more confident in singing the harmony while my partner has the main melody. I believe by the performance we will have everything sorted out!

Self Reflection, December 2023

As I wrap up my third semester, I’m feeling a mix of pride and a bit of worry. Preparing for my pre-baccalaureate is a lot—there’s the research project, two singing performances, and a composition to complete. Moreover, I still need to prepare and study for other subjects. I just finished the first demo of my composition and prepared the draft for my research. As for my performances, I am still not sure what to perform. I was thinking of doing one Brazilian song and “Maria” from West Side Story (since I’ve been practicing it on my singing lessons).

I was invited to participate on the Music School’s production of “Sister Act” as the role of Curtis. Starting rehearsals for “Sister Act” is exciting but also adds more to my plate. The show is right around my graduation on July 7th, so I need to juggle my time well. Playing Curtis is very fun, but out of my comfort zone, and I want to make sure I do my best.

My singing lessons have been great! I’m improving my technique and expanding my range, opening new opportunities to sing different songs, ranging from Tenor up to Mezzo. Solfeggio lessons have also been super helpful—I can read music and rhythms much better now, which is great for both the musical and my composition work.

There is still a lot to work and refine, and I hope I can manage all the projects I am involved.

Self Reflection, May 2024

Looking back on the past semester, I still don’t know how I managed to do so much. Balancing the studies for the Baccalaureate, organizing my portfolio, preparing for my exams in the Music School, practicing for the musical and performing has been a lot. Yet, I have managed to hit my goals, maybe with a bit more stress than usual. My preparation has not only been intense but also immensely rewarding.

Rehearsing for the musical theater production of “Sister Act” has been an amazing experience. Playing Curtis has pushed me to delve deeper into character work and vocal performance, improving my musicality and stage presence. Each rehearsal has been super collaborative and enriching. It is very fun to play a hyper masculine character, and be part of the Nuns Ensemble. It is always challenging to sing harmonies on the Ensemble , but with all the work the cast has been putting together, I am sure it will pay off on stage!

In the end of April, at the Brazilian Film Festival of Luxembourg, I met some of the musicians that played for the opening of the festival. It was great to get in touch with other Brazilian musicians here in Luxembourg. Since then, we have been keeping in touch and shared experiences and advices. The two musicians have been working with it for at least ten years outside of Brazil. They participate in music festivals in Luxembourg and in Portugal and host open mics every two weeks. They invited me to perform with them, but with the exams and other projects I couldn’t make time for it. I came for some open mics and it has been a great opportunity to meet other musicians and make contacts. I hope I can still perform with the, during the summer, but to have the chance to share experiences with people that do music for a living and come from the same place as I is incredible.

One of my proudest achievements this month was winning one of the Jury’s Prizes in the JunkoWo 2024 for the short film for which I produced and composed the soundtrack. It was very important to validate my capability to create music that resonates with different forms of art. Additionally, being awarded with fourth place in the school’s talent show with a song that I love, was a significant accomplishment. I am very happy to share my work and to have an impact with my art, and receiving this material incentives makes me believe I am connecting with the public.

These achievements have made me more confident that I am in the right direction. I am committed to refining my skills, exploring new genres, and creating music that moves people. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and I am excited to continue evolving as a musician after school. Each experience, whether in exams, performances, or collaborations, is a chance to grow both as an artist but also as an individual.