CONSERVATOIRE AUDITION

[richardcoughlan]

Hi Janek/Talkbass

I have auditions at the royal academy of music and trinity college (london) for jazz performance on electric bass.
I know Janek, you studied at the academy for 2 years, just wondering if you had any thoughts/tips on the audition??

Im going to see Mr. Cottle next week, then going to watch you @ zigfrid, so should have quite a lot of inspiration by the audition!

Would also like to open up the question of audition tips to everyone if I may, anyone have any pearls of wisdom to share?

Thanks guys
Rich

[flypejose]

Originally Posted by richardcoughlan

Hi Janek/Talkbass

I have auditions at the royal academy of music and trinity college (london) for jazz performance on electric bass.
I know Janek, you studied at the academy for 2 years, just wondering if you had any thoughts/tips on the audition??

Im going to see Mr. Cottle next week, then going to watch you @ zigfrid, so should have quite a lot of inspiration by the audition!

Would also like to open up the question of audition tips to everyone if I may, anyone have any pearls of wisdom to share?

Thanks guys
Rich

Preparation my friend, preparation! Especially if you know in advance the pieces you will be asked to play. I'm almost certain you will be ask to play+ solo over an easy standard, a blues, whatever else you choose and to sight read. I have been there few years ago but I won't tell you the outcome!!! This took place at the concervatoire Royal de music in Belgium in front of the prof Michel Hatzigeorgiou.
Go ahead, show them you can handle the curriculum.

[fretless Bob]

hey bro, i auditioned at trinity when i was about 17, didint get in but got on the reserve which i feel pretty good about. Simon Purcell who is the head of jazz there and Paul Westwood (a great bass player and member of the faculty) where present at my audition. i prepared 2 pieces just for them, i was told to do contrasting styles and to show my personality. i was then asked to read a piece with the band i auditioned with, had a quick ear training test and then q&a with the guys.

the best advice i can give is to prepare as best you can and be yourself when playing and talking to the guys.

good luck

Dave

[janekbass]

I would suggest doing what you're good at. If you're auditioning for a jazz course, but you play a kings of leon song way better than you play autumn leaves, then play the KOL song. try and do something original that shows you're thinking outside the box, and you're not just going to go there to learn to play two five one changes, and leave the school hoping to be a session musician.

originality wins out every time I think, that's what I would be looking for if I was auditioning. And also make sure you take time to set up the amp correctly when you get in the room. having the right sound, and being relaxed are very important and things like that show maturity in a player. Don't rush, have confidence in what it is you do, and be personable. An ability to hang is the biggest key in the music industry, and the people auditioning you will pick up on that.

Go for it, and be prepared to lose it all. When you truly let go and are prepared to lose everything, you will come up with the most original and hip stuff that you're capable of.

Easy,

Janek

[richardcoughlan]

thanks for the advice Janek, some really great things to think about

caught the set @ zigfrid on tuesday, you guys were killing!

whats the title of this track, i haven't heard it before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjtEoKG8F1E

best of luck for the rest of the tour

all the best
Rich