Audition bass performance. HELP!

[sailedchimp]

Hi guys I'm Tom and I am going to have to audition for a contemporary music college (Brit School) in a few months and I need something new to learn to play for them. As a bassist have you ever done this kind of thing before or do you know what would be impressive? There is little out of my reach skill wise and I have a lot of time to practice it.

Thanks for helping

[mcblahflooper94]

Well, assuming they're a formal school, I'd think that they would enjoy if you were to play some Jaco to them (maybe Portrait of Tracy?.) Usually colleges/ schools in general want to see some Jazz.

[Snarf]

Originally Posted by mcblahflooper94

Well, assuming they're a formal school, I'd think that they would enjoy if you were to play some Jaco to them (maybe Portrait of Tracy?.) Usually colleges/ schools in general want to see some Jazz.

Portrait of Tracy is a solo tune. They don't want to hear that, they want to hear something that demonstrates competency with the instrument in an ensemble setting. Jazz is a good way to go obviously, but you're better off playing a bebop head, walking a chorus, soloing a chorus or two, and play the head out. They're almost certainly going to have you play with a faculty ensemble or with a recording.

You also have to play to your strengths, and I don't know your playing style at all. You really need to talk with your teacher about this.

[janekbass]

What's impressive to a panel of people who will be judging your musical ability is confidence.

It doesn't matter what you play as long as you play it well, and look like you belong where you're standing when you play it. You shouldn't be apologetic for what you're doing, you should be confident and connect with the audience in front of you. If it's a band situation and they provide a rhythm section for you, make sure you talk over the arrangement you're going to play first. Don't be timid, don't hesitate, and be strong. A strong character is what they're looking for at a school. They want students they can improve, and then talk about to advertise their school when you leave. That's a bit of a business standpoint, but it's a reality.

Play Jaco, play bob dylan. It doesn't matter. Just be you, and carry yourself like you deserve to be there. Picture yourself already being a student at the school. Picture yourself walking through the hallways, looking at your class schedule. Make the audition into a situation that you're actually there to accompany someone else's audition. You're already a student there, and you're just helping out and playing music. Natural, and relaxed.

That's what I'd do anyway.

Janek