This event is run by ScoringTech.net - be sure to check out the blog for some good music related content. Be sure to join our discord- we can use that to give feedback or discuss the tracks at the end of this jam or prep for our other jams!
In the book, “Art & Fear” by David Bayles the author tells this story of an experiment an art teacher ran. In this experiment, the teacher divided the class up into two groups. The first portion would be graded on the quality of the work they do and the second would be graded on the quantity. The group producing who’s goal was quantity, would be graded on the weight of their total number of pots. But the group graded on quality would be allowed to make just one pot. “The Perfect Pot”
The quality group spent their semester studying everything they could and theorizing what makes the perfect pot. Eventually they produced the one pot necessary for the class to the best of their ability. The quantity group just got to work and started making theirs. Over time, they were learning through experience and their pots improved in quality as they made mistakes and learned what caused them. At the end of the semester, they ended up making higher quality pots than the quality group!
This little story demonstrates the importance of just getting into the weeds and working. Quality comes from quantity. You can read every book on a topic, listen to every mentor and learn as much as you possibly can. But until you are actually doing the work, you can’t actually apply these ideas and learn for yourself.
With that little lecture in mind, I'd like to make September the month of quantity: During the month the goal is to make as many COMPLETED pieces of music as possible. What is completed? That is for you to decide. But this month just focus on "getting your reps in" and learning in combat rather than waiting for a project to come. Are you ready?
Rules & Guidelines to get the most out of this month long challenge:
You can compose in any genre or style you like. Music must be original and written during the time of the jam. Though Itch is a game centric site, you do not need to be a "game composer" to participate! Music of all kinds is allowed and encouraged Music generated via ai rather than written is not allowed.
For some, focusing in on one niche is a stronger effort. For others, as much experimentation as possible. For me, it'll likely be a mix of the two but don't be afraid to "repeat" an idea and further explore it on a later day or have multiple days in a row where you make "bad" music - the point is to learn and grow and the only way to do that is through trial and error.
Yes, this is about quantity, but make sure you are also finishing pieces to whatever standard you set for yourself. A pot isn't a pot if it's still a lump of clay (raw materials). You will learn so much more by completing 10 tracks rather than starting 100
To submit, take a screenshot of a folder with all of your tracks. Include a total number and upload your favorite track from the month!
Lastly, if you are social media inclined - this is a great opportunity to mine 100s of content ideas ranging from sharing your finished tracks to sharing the process as you write or happy accidents along the way. Feel free to tag me @joe_chris_ on most platforms!