Information

Independent Study for Media Arts
Professor Rick Hughes
March - May 2006

Project Overview and Reflection

The Giving is a documentary that focuses on the birthmothers of adopted children. They tell their stories in a very direct and personal way. The documentary was directed by Mary Firth, a graduate student in the Media Arts program. I had the task of writing and recording the film's soundtrack. Before going forward with any piece, I wrote about 3 or 4 improvisational sketches that I ran by Mary to get feedback and direction. I tried to write the music in phrases and recurring themes, so that the film's sections would flow together. I had taken a music theory course taught by Rick Hughes the previous semester and his input was invaluable for the process.

I used Adobe Audition to do the recording and production. I used mainly midi synthesizers, acoustic guitar and bass.

I was very pleased with how the intro music and the end credits music turned out. I feel it is some of the best music that I have ever written, and I especially feel that way about the last minute of the ending credits theme. Everything came together so well. Overall, this was a great experience, and although it was many hours of intensive work I hope I can do something similar in the future.

I've uploaded some of the tracks from the documentary (with Mary's permission) so feel free to take a listen.

For more information on The Giving, see www.thegiving.info.