Role of the Performer - OLIVIA RODRIGO

 Role of the Performer 

OLIVIA RODRIGO'S MUSICAL JOURNEY

Olivia Rodrigo was born February 20, 2003. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in music, beginning vocal lessons in elementary school and learning to play piano and guitar. She was influenced by artists like Taylor Swift, and Lorde, and started writing her own songs as a teenager.

Olivia's career began in acting, where she played in roles in Disney Channel for shows like Bizaardvark and later High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. After this, she gained attention for her songwriting when she co-wrote and performed the song All I Want. 

Olivia's breakthrough in music came in 2021 with the release of her debut single Drivers License. Driver's License became a hit, topping charts worldwide and breaking streaming records. This established her career and her voice in pop music, for her honest lyrics and vocal performance. 

She followed this success with her debut album SOUR, which included songs with heartbreak, identity, and growing up which resonated with her listeners. Songs like Good 4 U and Deja Vu, blended pop, rock, and alternative style. 

In 2023, Olivia released her second album, GUTS, which showed how much she grew in her craft and confidence. This album highlighted her matured sound and emphasized her strengths as a performer. She became known as someone who could not only sing very well, but put on a show for her audience with her emotions and expressions when singing.

Throughout Olivia's career, she has been recognized not only for her songwriting but for her compelling performances that feel authentic and vulnerable. This is what makes has made her one of the most influential young performers of her generation.  

Role Performer Serves

Musicians who perform are important because they turn written music into emotional experiences for their audience. Olivia Rodrigo serves as a story teller for the feelings and lives of teenage girls and young adult's. She creates a personal connection with her fans through her lyrics and her performances deepen this connection. Using her vocal delivery, and facial expressions she is able to bring her lyrics to life.

Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl 

Olivia Rodrigo & Dan Nigro

September 8, 2023

GUTS Album

The Grudge

Olivia Rodrigo & Dan Nigro

September 8, 2023

GUTS Album

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My Opinion

In Olivia's song, Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl it feels very chaotic and overwhelming but in a relatable way. The tempo is very fast, and the texture is filled with electric guitars, and loud drums. The rhythm is slightly frantic, which really shows this overthinking mindset that is being described through the lyrics. Her vocal delivery through the song is very forceful and articulated. Especially in the chorus, which adds to this sense of frustration and anxiety she is trying to explain.

In The Grudge, I felt very heavy and sad listening to this song. There is minimal instrumentation, mainly piano, and with this small amount of texture it leaves room for Olivia's voice to stand out. Her vocal timbre is fragile and slightly strained at times. It makes the emotion feel real and unfiltered. The way the song never fully explodes into emotion reflects the idea of holding onto pain rather than releasing it. The restraint throughout the song made me feel like I was listening to something very personal. It reinforces her role as a performer who is vulnerable with her audience.  

Together, these songs show how Olivia uses musical elements to serve her role as a performer who interprets emotions in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Whether she's using soft , minimal sounds to express quiet pain or loud, energetic instrumentation to capture anxiety and chaos she makes her listener's feel what she is trying to convey.

Works Cited

Bergeman, Amanda. “Olivia Rodrigo’s New Album ‘GUTS’ Reveals How Secular Ideals Leave Us Empty.” America Magazine, 22 Sept. 2023, www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2023/09/22/guts-olivia-rodrigo-drivers-license-246112/.

 “Olivia Rodrigo | Biography, TV Shows, Songs, Sour, & Facts | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, www.britannica.com/biography/Olivia-Rodrigo.

Take a Musical Trip Blog Post

 Japanese Traditional Music 

Music of Japan Background

Traditional Japanese music has a distinct sound that sets it apart from Western music. Japanese music is deeply connected to nature, spirituality and mindfulness. Early Japanese music was influenced by China and Korea, especially during the 6-8th centuries. Over time, Japan developed its own unique musical styles. Instruments like the Koto and Shakuhachi became central to traditional music. The shakuhachi, in particular, was often used by Zen buddhist monks as a form of meditation, showing how music was connected to spirituality rather than just entertainment. Today, Japanese music has blended their traditional elements with western influences. While western styles like pop and classical music became popular, traditional music is still preserved. 

Why Does This Music Sound Different?

Traditional Japanese music stands out from Western music because of how it uses elements like timbre, texture, and harmony. 

In “Sakura Sakura” the timbre of

the koto is soft and delicate. Unlike Western instruments like the piano, or guitar, the koto’s sound is less sustained and more gentle which gives it a flowing quality. The texture is very thin, focusing on a single melody rather than several layers of harmony. In Western music, it's common to hear a main melody accompanied by background harmony’s, but with this song, each note gets to stand out on its own. Again, the harmony is minimal. Instead of chord progressions that build and soften throughout, “Sakura Sakura” has a more open scale that is much different from Western style music. 

"Sakura Sakura"

Composer: Unknown

Traditional Folk Song

Date: Unknown (roughly 1603-1868

Country: Japan

In “Rokudan no Shirabe” which is also performed on the koto, the timbre is used in a more expressive way. While it still has that plucked sound, the performer uses different techniques to provide variety in the tone, something much different from Western tones as they stay very consistent in the music. The texture remains thin, even as the song progresses. Instead of building up to a big chorus, it maintains clarity and space between the notes. The harmony avoids western chord progressions. The koto creates a flowing sound with a strong melody.

Rodukan no Shirabe

Composer: Yatsuhashi Kengyo

Date: 1686

Country: Japan

Overall, traditional Japanese music sounds different from Western music because it focuses more on tone, space and simplicity rather than full harmony and layered textures. Both of these pieces create a calm and flowing feeling that focuses on clarity. These aspects make Japanese music sound unique culturally distinct.

I really enjoyed listening to traditional Japanese music. It felt much more calming and intentional compared to Western music. I liked how much each note had its own space, it made the music feel more meaningful. Instead of focusing on big builds or dramatic changes. It embraces its own simple sound and I enjoy that I can focus on the instrument's sound.

Works Cited

Malm, William P. “Japanese Music | History, Instruments, Artists, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2009, www.britannica.com/art/Japanese-music/Koto-music?utm_source.

“Traditional Japanese Music | Kids Web Japan | Web Japan.” Web Japan, 2020, web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/koto/koto01.html?utm_source. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

The Evolution of Acapella Singing : From Renaissance Sacred Music To Modern Pop

 The Evolution of Acapella Singing : From Renaissance Sacred Music To Modern Pop

Evolution

A cappella singing, which literally means “in the chapel style,” has a long and fascinating history. The term comes from Italian and it originally referred to unaccompanied sacred music performed in European churches. Over time, acapella has evolved into a lively part of pop music culture, incorporating harmony, rhythm, and even vocal percussion. 

Acapella arose in the late 15th century and became associated with composers, like Josquin des Prez who wrote "Ave Maria," a piece of music we will be listening to today. During the 16th century, composers such as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina refined the church music, making it more vocally balanced. This was in order to enhance worship in the church rather than to better performance.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, acapella continued to grow into folk traditions, chorals, and small vocal ensemble groups. These styles of acapella values strong harmony and group participation.

While acapella began in religious settings, it slowly moved outside of the church and into pop and secular music. By the 20th century, vocal groups began incorporating harmony into popular music. This brought acapella into the mainstream culture. This marked an important shift, acapella was no longer classical or or sacred, it became entertainment

By the late 20th century ensembles began arranging contemporary pop songs for vocal performance. This included base lines, beatboxing, and vocal percussion. Additionally television and film played a huge role in popularizing the genre. Movies like Pitch Perfect, which we'll analyze today, presented acapella as a competitive, high energy performance.

This timeline shows the dramatic shift acapella has taken from being brought up as a spiritual sacred practice of worship, to being a huge part mainstream entertainment.

Musical Examples

To show this evolution, I have chosen two examples:

Point A - Renaissance Sacred Music 

Ave Maria

Composer: Josquin des Prez

Year: 1485

Country: France/Italy

https://youtu.be/xGkb5KFwx1I?si=2V0d1OEugpiRzn8V 

Point B - Modern Pop Acapella

The Finals Performance

(No specific name, its a remix of pop songs arranged by Beca) (Pitch Perfect Performance)

Performer: Barden Bellas (Pitch Perfect, 2012)

Year: 2012

Country: USA

 https://youtu.be/vOTtCjGqXYo?si=UBFgBJuuNj3B8PGq 

These selections of music show how acapella transitioned from sacred music to pop-inspired, performance-focused acapella, using both voice and rhythmic techniques. 

Musical Analysis

Harmony

In Ave Maria, the harmony is very smooth and balanced. The voices move independently yet blend together in a very controlled manner. It's like each voice swoops in just before the other ends like waves. It creates a hypnotic feel to the song, and you can tell all of the singers are working together to make it work. It's interesting how you can hear each vocal part move, yet they all almost weave together. 

In the Pitch Perfect finals performance (2012) the harmony works very differently. There’s a clear lead singer, and the others are supporting and creating harmonies and sounds. The performance begins with Beca singing as the lead "Don't You Forget About Me” and the other singers begin to support her which thickens the sound. The acapella is a lot fuller and brighter compared to Ave Maria. It is attention grabbing and bold rather than meditative. It really shows how acapella has evolved from sacred and balanced to entertaining and upbeat. 

Rhythm

Ave Maria does not have a steady beat pushing it forward, but rather it moves freely on its own. It's free and calm and feels as if time slows down. The tempo feels flexible, and this is seen in the beginning where each voice enters and overlaps each other. 

In the Pitch Perfect performance, there is a strong consistent beat. You can hear vocal percussion and beatboxing underneath the harmonies which really add to the performance. As this is a mashup, the vocal percussion in the background is strengthened as they enter transitions into a new song.

Personal Reaction 

Listening to Ave Maria, I felt very calm and meditative. I enjoyed the way the voices all blended together and created beautiful harmonies with the church making the sound travel through the air. It's crazy to think that this music was written so many years ago, yet it's being sung today. 

The final performance given by the Barden Bellas from the movie Pitch Perfect was a big switch. I’ve always loved pitch perfect, and I love to sing myself so I found this music very entertaining and familiar. This performance is especially satisfying as the Bellas haven’t always performed their best throughout the movie, so they are redeeming themselves here.

References

Team, StemSplit, and StemSplit Team. “What Is Acapella? Definition, History & How to Create Your Own (2026).” StemSplit, 2 Dec. 2025, stemsplit.io/blog/acapella-meaning?utm_source. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

“The History of a Cappella | Superprof.” Www.superprof.com,

www.superprof.com/blog/a-cappella-history/.

Britannica Editors. “A Cappella | Vocal Harmony, Choral Singing & Acapella Groups.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/art/a-cappella?utm_source. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Musical Analysis - Hnnah is a Palindrome

 Hannah is a Palindrome - Connor Zwetsch

Released on August 13th  2022 

             Part of an album called “Girls of My Youth”

      

https://youtu.be/unWCUpeG0aI?si=vgmB4UWvWrb7JFNW

There's a channel on Dish TV (Sirius XM Radio) that plays random music, often songs I haven't heard before. My mom plays this channel when she's cleaning the house, and I heard this song. The lyrics immediately caught my attention, just encapsulating how I felt at a really hard time of my life where I was losing someone who was important to me. The song gave words to which I hadn't been able to express myself. 

Lyrics: 

"The lyrics of Connor Zwetsch song Hannah Is a Palindrome emphasize the feeling of uncertainty and yearning for something deeper in a relationship that is not well-defined" ("Hannah is a Palindrome," SonicHits). As the song begins, the opening lyric “For a moment my world was, my head on your shoulder.” immediately draws me in. It captures a feeling that many of us have experienced – when a person becomes our whole world, but only for a short time. Through the verses, she tells a story of a relationship that feels perfect in her eyes, but only for a moment it felt that way.

When we get to the chorus, the tone begins to shift. The lyrics reveal that this relationship is not as perfect as she thought it was. Specifically the lyric “with your tongue on the gap in my teeth, didn't want it to mean that much to me.” This is showing us just how intimate and close their relationship was with this small piece of imagery, and how it meant so much to her, even though she tried to convince herself that it didn't. You can feel the uncertainty through the chorus. You can feel her frustration as she questions the relationship, and if it was even real.

Another lyric that really shows how this relationship affected her is when she says “time has told me not to ask for more.” I believe this shows that going forward, her expectations will be lowered so that she can protect herself from feeling this way again. She is emotionally scarred, and that she would rather accept the bare minimum than give her all into a relationship in risk of feeling the pain she felt from her previous relationship.

Melody:

Instead of jumping straight into emotional and high notes to express pain and hurt, the song begins with a soft and controlled melody. This melody is almost conversational as she tells us her story through the verses. The controlled and repeating melody, especially in the chorus, reinforces the idea of rumination.She is circling back to all of these moments she had, and feeling frustrated, unable to feel closure from this relationship. A calmer melody signifies that she is restraining how she feels because of the uncertainty in this relationship. This aligns with how Zwetsch’s music overall is described as combining memorable melodies with sympathetic lyrics about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, reinforcing the emotional impact of the song’s musical elements. (Viberate "Connor Zwetsch)

Texture:

The texture in this song is very limited, and I think it's what makes it feel so intimate and personal. The simplicity of texture makes the song feel raw and real because there is not too much to listen to besides the singer's voice and lyrics, accompanied only with light guitar. The minimal amount of texture allows the emotion in her voice to stand out, helping to connect with her experience. 

Even as the song progresses very little texture is added throughout, yet never too overwhelming. The way the instrumentals feel retrained reflects the emotional state of the singer. The music doesn't move or change too much, and this is how she feels about her relationship with this person. The unchanging texture also signifies her ruminating headspace, circling back to these thoughts, feelings, and memories. 

Dynamics: 

Similar to texture, the dynamics in this song are subtle and restrained. However small dynamic shifts are made. When we enter the chorus “Im sick of singing to myself, daydreaming I am somewhere else…” The dynamics have risen slightly. The actual instrumentals and music doesn't change but her vocal delivery is more emotional and free. This signifies her emotions building up and her restraint and frustration growing to suppress these feelings. 

Timbre:

The singer's voice is clear, but slightly breathy. It feels personal. It seems like she is singing from the heart, without overthinking her technique, which makes the song feel honest and unfiltered. Not meaning that she doesn't sing well, but that she is allowing her voice to sing freely to be able to make this song feel so personal. She's being vulnerable with not just her words, but her voice. 

References “Connor Zwetsch.” Viberate.com, 2022, www.viberate.com/artist/connor-zwetsch/?utm_source. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026. “Hannah Is a Palindrome by Connor Zwetsch.” SonicHits, 2022, sonichits.com/video/Connor_Zwetsch/Hannah_is_a_Palindrome?utm_source. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

REFERENCES

“Connor Zwetsch.” Viberate.com, 2022, www.viberate.com/artist/connor-zwetsch/?utm_source. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026. 

“Hannah Is a Palindrome by Connor Zwetsch.” SonicHits, 2022, sonichits.com/video/Connor_Zwetsch/Hannah_is_a_Palindrome?utm_source. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

 

Music Analysis - Ur So Beautiful

 “Ur So Beautiful” – A Musical Analysis 

Written by : Grace Vanderwaal,  Delacey, and Ido Zmishlany

Released as Single: June 28, 2019

Country of Origin: United States

https://youtu.be/yMsW8T99KPs?si=rv3cCx_L5pdAcCQS

    This song is very special to me, and it is a song that i often forget about and when I find it again it becomes my go to song for weeks. It is very nostalgic to me, and reminds me of when I first started getting into singing. Grace and her music has always been my inspiration. 

• Timbre

The timbre of Grace Vanderwaal's voice feels deeply nostalgic to me, instantly bringing me back to my childhood. Her unique rasp and raw quality of voice is what keeps me coming back to her music since I was 12 years old. Grace’s vocal abilities are very prominent in this song as it is the main highlight. The instrumentals are more laid back which leaves room for her vocals to shine through. Many have explained that her voice goes from delicate softness – almost a whisper – to a beautiful vibrato, a natural falsetto (Grace Vanderwaal Songs Ranked). It is clear that Grace does not rely on heavy sound effects during production which gives this song a more authentic and heartfelt quality. 

• Texture

The texture of the song is captivating. The echo of “who do you think you are” in the background creates a beautiful ethereal effect. The layers throughout the song change a lot which gives a shift in emotion as I listen. The fullness of the chorus makes me excited as I listen to the verses of the song. There is also a satisfying amount of drumming in the background that never overtakes Grace’s voice, and it's the perfect balance. A reviewer notes that Vanderwaal's music combines vocal contrasts, soft soothing notes, soft powerful elements, with layered instrumentation which contributes to the unique texture that sets her sound apart (Collar).

• Melody

The melody of this song is very simple, and singable. The verses are very conversational which makes it feel like a story that you can envision. The natural melody really compliments her voice. The verses are very talkative and the notes go up and down a lot, and with the chorus the notes open up a lot and are more sustained which helps me to appreciate it more.

References

admin. “Grace VanderWaal Songs Ranked | Return of Rock.” Return of Rock, 5 June 2021, returnofrock.com/grace-vanderwaal-songs-ranked/?utm_source. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026

Collar, Courtney. “Grace VanderWaal’s First Album Gracefully Breaks the Stereotypes of Pop Music.” The Central Trend, 2025, thecentraltrend.com/29926/opinion/grace-vanderwaals-first-album-gracefully-breaks-the-stereotypes-of-pop-music/?utm_source. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. 

Khaila's First Blog Post

    

                                                                 my dad guitar shopping

    Hello everybody! My name is Khaila Marie Fratis and I am a transfer student from UAS, now attending UAF. I grew up on a small island in the middle of the Bering Sea, Saint Paul Island, Alaska. I am majoring in Elementary Education here at UAF, and I hope to become an educator one day. 

My dad has a band called the "Vibe Tribe" and this was my first introduction to music. This led me to become interested in singing and learning the ukulele and guitar like my dad. Music and singing something I like to do in my free time, and during the summers with my dad's band but I listen to music everyday. I have not been to a concert before but I would love to one day!

Below is a song by an artists I have been listening to since I first started getting interested in music. Her name is Grace Vanderwaal, and this song has been a favorite of hers for years now :)

https://youtu.be/lHNF5G-Ufy4?si=-siGv65eoMi-06-x