Final Reflection

Ability: Communication

Skill: Written

Level 4

Bethany Hartlaub

11/21/12

            As I near the end of my third semester of Music History, I can remember back to the overwhelming feeling of writing my first blog post. I have always avoided writing and will usually do anything to get out of it. My first blog took an immense amount of struggle to find the words to say and when my grade came back, I felt a bit discouraged. However, I believe the blog writing process has helped me learn to communicate effectively using written words.

            Throughout the first two semesters of Music History, I struggled with presenting a unique, personal point of view. One post would be great; the next, a failure. It seemed to be hit and miss. The problem wasn’t that I didn’t have an argument to make, but that it wasn’t personal and unique. This semester I feel like I finally understand how to not just regurgitate facts and commonly held opinions, but how to dig deep to find what I really believe.

            My first blog in this semester centered on the question of whether bad people can write worthy music. It was a question that had been plaguing me for some time. As I was in the process of researching and writing, I was able to have several fascinating conversations with others which further helped to form my ideas. It is often easy to have your own opinion on a subject, but to be able to present it concisely and clearly in writing takes much time, thought, and effort.

            For my second blog, I wanted to focus on a composition that has always intrigued me: 4’33’’ by John Cage.  I remember being in high school when I first heard of the piece. I thought it was crazy and ridiculous! However, as I began to study, it seemed that in light of all the chaos of 20^th century music, a work such as 4’33’’ seemed to fit perfectly. My understanding deepened as I was forced to cement my ideas in written form.

            Even though I still struggle at times to find the words, I have found that if you have something meaningful and valuable to say, something that impassions and excites you; words come so much easier. When you are passionate about a topic, it intrigues others as well and gives you an attentive audience. Through the experience of crafting these blog posts, I believe that I have become better equipped to communicate effectively through writing.