Applying for conservatory

[anton_b]

hey.

Im from denmark, and i'm going to apply for the music conservatory in my hometown.
the test is 20 minutes and you have to play 2-3 songs. I will play one of my own songs but cant figure out what to do besides that. So my question is: do you have any thoughts of what would be good to play. i mean a certain number or song that shows skill, musicality and technical capability? the other song is in the jazz/funk/soul genre, so i figure this other number would in the same genre. thanks :-)

[janekbass]

I think that your own song is the most important one of them all. Anything you play will showcase your ability as an instrumentalist, but the song you play of yours will take it that extra bit further in terms of showing people you write your own music and are looking for your own voice.

I'm not sure what the course is that you're applying for at the conservatory, but i would pick two other songs besides your own one that are perhaps genre specific to the course you're applying for.

And if it's a jazz course then perhaps take something from modern day popular music and arrange it yourself. This will show another avenue of your skills to the judges and will be yet another thing you do that's unique to you.

The main goal for me has always been to be the person that gets called because of who I am, and not just what I do. I can play the bass in many different styles and I could pursue a career where people know that about me and call me for that reason. I've chosen instead to try and play the bass the way I play as a individual and be known for that, and more importantly be called for that when someone is deciding who they would like to work with.

Good luck,

Janek