Family Member Please

3-Verse Blues Song

For this assignment you will compose and create a blues song, and record your self singing the song that you created. Apple Device Users: Use this link to access your instructions for the Apple app.

Note: Use a stable wifi internet connection for this Apple app. I suggest to not use your phone data to complete this assignment.  

Use the iPad/iPhone app available in for free in the Apple AppStore Store to complete this assignment.  The app is NOT available for other devices.

If you have your own iPad/iPhone, go to the AppStore and enter a search for BLUES UTPB. It should pop up with those search terms.

Screen 1 – This is the final product you are to create: a 3-verse blues song using AAB lyrics, appropriate chord changes, and an audio file of your performance.

Screen 2 – Step 1 – On the left hand side of the screen, choose your voice range female-high (sopranos – G), female-low (altos – Eb), male-high (tenors – F), male-low (basses – Bb)Step 2 – Hear the person singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”? Is that comfortable to sing for you?Step 3 – Look at the JPG attached and notice the chords I use. Your blues song should use the same chords in the same order. Drag the chords down from the top into the gray spaces. (HINT: If you forget the order of the chords, just click “Help” on the upper-left corner to see the example again.)Step 4 – After all 36 chords are in the boxes, a green button shows up that says “Check my chords”. If your chords are the same as the example, you will be invited to continue.Step 5 – Relish in your success by just LISTENING to your song so far. Click on the green “Practice Singing” button and just listen. You did that!!!Step 6 – A green “Add Lyrics” button should be on your screen. Click it.Step 7 – Touch the pencil and write out your first short phrase (often 5-9 syllables). This is your “A” lyrics for verse 1. (HINT: touch the green icon next to the pencil and copy now.)Step 8 – Swipe left to go to the next four bars. Enter the SAME lyrics. (HINT: hit the “paste” and “add” buttons for a faster method.)Step 9 – Swipe left again to go the next four bars. Enter a follow-up to the lyrics. Again, keep it shorter like 5-9 syllables. Steps 10-15 – continue steps 7-9 twice to create the lyrics for your next two verses.Step 16 – You are now ready to record your song. Click on “Record performance” to hear your chords while you sing the lyrics and swipe left on your screen. Don’t worry – the blues are not about PERFECTION! They are about participating and singing. Sing your A lyrics and wait to hear the guitar chords change, then sing your A lyrics again.  When the guitar changes again, sing the B.  When the “turnaround” happens – the rhythm changes for a brief second, the guitars start the next verse.  Then you can sing your 2nd verse A lyrics, and so on. YOUR FACE MUST BE IN THE VIDEO WHILE PERFORMING.Step 17 – Touch “Start recording” when you are ready. Touch “Done” to stop. Make a mistake? Simple – just stop and re-start. Step 18 – You can listen to your performance by touching “Playback all”. The mic is programmed to pick up the voice MUCH more than the guitars so don’t freak out. Step 19 – Submit the material to Dr. Keast by touching “Submit”.

Screen 3 – Please add your first and last name.

Screen 4 – Your chords, lyrics, and name are affixed to a PDF that will be uploaded to the gradebook. Click “Submit” at the bottom. Click “OK” on the pop-up. 

Screen 5 – Log into Canvas with your log in credentials.  Authorize BlueWhale Apps to access your Canvas account.  The app will then upload 2 files – both named your name: your audio file and your PDF. Make sure you do not exit or leave your wifi connection until the uploading is completed. 

You are DONE!

If you have no way to access an Apple device to use for the app (including temporarily borrowing a device from a friend or family member), please see the link below.Android Users: Use this link to access your instructions.

The app is not available for Android devices, so you will complete the assignment using a different route.

Create a chart like below in an Excel spreadsheet or Word with your original lyrics, but using the same chords and measures as I used.  

If you are a soprano – the higher female voice, use this audio file to sing your song (key of G).

If you are an alto – the lower female voice, use this audio file to sing your song (key of Eb).

If you are a tenor – the higher male voice, use this audio file to sing your song (key of F).

If you are a bass – the lower male voice, use this audio file to sing your song (key of Bb).

Record your video performance showing your face while performing. Upload both files (the video and the image of the lyrics/chords) into the assignment area for grading.