Final Project Guide

Overview

The Final Project for MUSC 175 is an Evidence Portfolio that showcases your growth through the habit system you’ve maintained all semester. This is not about creating one perfect piece of music—it’s about demonstrating the journey of improvement through consistent practice.

Weight: 20% of final grade Introduced: Week 9 Portfolio Draft Due: Week 13 Assignment Final Submission: Sunday, May 17, 2026 @ 11:59 PM

Project Components

Your portfolio must include the following elements:

1. Habit Documentation Summary (20%)

A written reflection (500-750 words) that addresses:

What two habits you chose and why
How your relationship with these habits evolved
Key moments of breakthrough or struggle
How these habits have changed your practice

2. Before/After Evidence (30%)

For each habit, provide clear evidence of growth:

Habit 1:

Baseline example from Week 3-4
Mid-semester example from Week 6-8
Final example from Week 13-15

Habit 2:

Baseline example from Week 3-4
Mid-semester example from Week 6-8
Final example from Week 13-15

Evidence can include:

Audio files/clips
Video demonstrations
Project file screenshots
Written analysis
DAW session exports

3. Process Documentation (25%)

Show your work throughout the semester:

Screenshots of your habit tracker
Selected weekly check-in posts (minimum 5)
Notes, sketches, or planning documents
Any resources you used or created

4. Final Demonstration (25%)

Create a 3-5 minute video or live presentation that:

Introduces your two habits
Walks through your growth with specific examples
Demonstrates your current skill level
Reflects on what you learned about learning

Evidence Types by Skill Area

Production Skills (Mixing, Mastering, Sound Design)

Before/after audio comparisons
Plugin chain screenshots with explanation
Frequency analysis comparisons
Reference track comparisons

Creative Practice (Composition, Improvisation)

Audio recordings at different stages
Score/MIDI screenshots showing evolution
Analysis of your creative decisions
Explanation of techniques learned

Technical Workflow (DAW Skills, Organization)

Screenshots of workflow improvements
Template evolution
Speed comparisons (video)
File structure documentation

Submission Format

Submit to Canvas as a single ZIP file or shared folder containing:

LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_FinalPortfolio/
├── 01_Written_Reflection.pdf
├── 02_Habit1_Evidence/
│   ├── baseline_[description].[ext]
│   ├── midsemester_[description].[ext]
│   └── final_[description].[ext]
├── 03_Habit2_Evidence/
│   ├── baseline_[description].[ext]
│   ├── midsemester_[description].[ext]
│   └── final_[description].[ext]
├── 04_Process_Documentation/
│   └── [various files]
└── 05_Final_Demonstration.mp4 (or .mov, .mp3)

Rubric

Component	Excellent (90-100%)	Good (80-89%)	Adequate (70-79%)	Needs Work (<70%)
Habit Documentation	Insightful reflection with specific examples; clear connection between habits and growth	Solid reflection with good examples; habits and growth connected	Basic reflection; some connection to growth	Minimal reflection; unclear how habits led to growth
Before/After Evidence	Clear, dramatic improvement visible; professional presentation	Noticeable improvement; well-organized	Some improvement shown; organization could be clearer	Little improvement visible or poorly documented
Process Documentation	Comprehensive record of journey; excellent organization	Good record of process; organized	Basic documentation; some gaps	Incomplete or disorganized
Final Demonstration	Engaging, clear, professional; effectively communicates growth	Clear and organized; good communication	Covers requirements; could be more engaging	Unclear, incomplete, or unprofessional

Timeline

Week	Milestone
9	Final Project introduced; review your habit documentation
10	Begin gathering before/after evidence
11	Continue evidence collection; start written reflection
12	Draft written reflection; organize process documentation
13	Portfolio Draft Due (Assignment Week 13)
14	Receive feedback; revise and finalize
15	Final Presentations in class; Final Submission May 17

Presentation Guidelines

During Week 15, you will present your portfolio to the class:

Time: 5-7 minutes per student
Format: Screen share your demonstration video OR present live
Q&A: 2-3 minutes for questions from peers and instructor
Feedback: Supportive, constructive responses encouraged

Tips for Success

Start documenting early. Save your Week 1 work—you’ll thank yourself later.
Be honest about struggles. Growth isn’t linear; showing challenges makes your success more meaningful.
Use comparison effectively. Side-by-side audio/visual comparisons are powerful.
Connect to the bigger picture. How will these habits serve you beyond this class?
Practice your presentation. Run through it at least twice before class.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Final Project:

Check this guide first
Ask in the #questions channel on Canvas
Visit office hours
Email the instructor