Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice does it mean anything? (help please)

[andybass23]

basically im a grade 8 15 year old bassist. i want to be come a session musician its my dream. and ive found a course called the

Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice heres the link:

http://www.rncm.ac.uk/content/view/454/64

does anybody know anyhitng about the course? is it a ripoff?
are there easier moore efficent ways of becoming a session musician ?

TELL ME PLEASE!!
ill be so gratfull for any info especially of that particular course

[andybass23]

16 :/ i mean im 16 sorry im a fool

[derrenleepoole]

The RNCM has a huge reputation as an excellent music centre. You could go to far worse places. If you're intent on living your dream, it will take a whole load of graft and hard work and persistent dogging of clients for jobs - you'll have to prove your worth. A course like this is good on paper, but that don't mean squat if you can't deliver the goods when required - good site reading, reliability, good temperament, musicality etc etc. Some of this can be taught, some is common sense, and some of it can be talent. A Foundation Degree is not a full degree, it can't be as you're not yet 18 and eligible to do one. Nonetheless, a course like this will stand you in good stead for preparing you for proper work as and when you start to get it.

[andybass23]

thanks thats very helpfull

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by derrenleepoole

The RNCM has a huge reputation as an excellent music centre. You could go to far worse places. If you're intent on living your dream, it will take a whole load of graft and hard work and persistent dogging of clients for jobs - you'll have to prove your worth. A course like this is good on paper, but that don't mean squat if you can't deliver the goods when required - good site reading, reliability, good temperament, musicality etc etc. Some of this can be taught, some is common sense, and some of it can be talent. A Foundation Degree is not a full degree, it can't be as you're not yet 18 and eligible to do one. Nonetheless, a course like this will stand you in good stead for preparing you for proper work as and when you start to get it.

You can't argue with this its sound advice.
I don't know where you're based but find as many studios that you can near you and get yourself known. Amateur shows, bands, anything that gets you out playing and has people know who you are. Producers are a great source as they will always work with players that deliver the goods. As the "new kid" you have it all to do, remember no one owes you anything. You never know where a job will lead. Check this out
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5AvI98...e=channel_page the young singer and guitarist were looking for players to work and write with, and now they are signed to a Dutch record label, the album is going down great with rave reviews, European tours are being set up, USA companies are interested, all from one session...you never know...you never know. I used to work with the drummer 20 years ago....you never know..you never know.

[Michael Case]

Originally Posted by andybass23

basically im a grade 8 15 year old bassist. i want to be come a session musician its my dream. and ive found a course called the

Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice heres the link:

http://www.rncm.ac.uk/content/view/454/64

does anybody know anyhitng about the course? is it a ripoff?
are there easier moore efficent ways of becoming a session musician ?

TELL ME PLEASE!!
ill be so gratfull for any info especially of that particular course

Strike the word easy in all it's forms from your vocabulary.

(That's all I have to add to the great advice already given).

[bassdoubler]

hey man, I'm a session player in NYC and at 15 this was my dream as well so I thought I'd share some advice on my experiences....

First of all, it's very difficult to be a session player in an area or city with little music going on. That's why I moved to NYC from my little town in South Florida. Second, I was very disheartened to learn once I got to NYC that the recording industry has really changed a LOT since the days of constant sessions in the 70's and 80's. However, I still got out there, networked, and met as many musicians, singer/songwriters, producers, etc. as possible and NEVER SAID NO to a gig even if it was for very little money. This led to many amazing opportunities that have taken me all over the world and I've shared the stage with many famous and talented artists. Now, I'm a pretty in demand hip-hop session player in NYC because I find hip-hop to be one of the few genres of music still being done in the studio. If you asked me 5 years ago what I thought I'd be doing in NYC it NEVER would have been hip-hop, but hey, that's where the work was and I really love what I'm doing.

I don't want to burst your bubble, especially since when I was 15 I remember a lot of people telling me I might not succeed, but I'll be honest. It's really difficult to make a living just being a session guy today unless you're already a huge name or you live in Nashville and play country, because i keep hearing guys talking about how much studio work is going on there. As busy as I am, I still have another job, and I went to NYU to study classical double bass/jazz electric bass. Have a backup plan, but never lose sight of your dream. Be the best bass player you can be, know your theory, know your equipment, get your chops together, get your FEEL together, and most importantly....DON'T BE AN *******! Or no one will call you for anything....good luck bro!!

[Stumbo]

Based on what I've read and heard of over the years:

Get to know as many people/musicians as possible and be willing and able to play any type of music any where in the world at any time for anyone who asks/pays and most importantly, have a professional attitude at all times, even under the worst of circumstances.