My music academy bass audition!

[BellTollz]

Hello

Seeing this is my first post as well, I'll introduce myself.
I'm Bob, 19 years old, and a dedicated bass player.
I own 4 basses :] My lovely Indie IRK500 Rickenbacker Replica, an SX BG2K, Ibanez SR305 5 stringed and a Vintage 525b ^__^

Now onto that which you clicked on when you read the title

I'm having my bass audition for a school academy entry in 34 hours from now, and am nervous as hell. I've never auditioned even once (not even for a band, since I am the founder of my own) and am terrified that I will play even 1 note wrong. Like, IF I screw up and do that, that I will just go silent all of a sudden or sometimes (even though I know my songs flawlessly..)
.. Any tips would help? =O

Also, would it also be weird to go loose and wild during my audition? I thought it would be less boring than just standing there anyway

Well, writing this already helped a bit in the first place Thanks in advance!

[drunkenrobot]

I can't offer any advice of my own due to being 18 and still at school, but my bass teacher told me a story like yours once.

He had to audition to get into uni. He was given a set piece that he had to perform infront of the lecturers. Well, half way through the song, he cocked up, massively. But, he was able to carry on, following the chords and managed to get back into it. He got onto the course with no trouble whatsoever.

If you slip up, don't stop, carry on following the roots till you get back into it.

[BellTollz]

Originally Posted by drunkenrobot

I can't offer any advice of my own due to being 18 and still at school, but my bass teacher told me a story like yours once.

He had to audition to get into uni. He was given a set piece that he had to perform infront of the lecturers. Well, half way through the song, he cocked up, massively. But, he was able to carry on, following the chords and managed to get back into it. He got onto the course with no trouble whatsoever.

If you slip up, don't stop, carry on following the roots till you get back into it.

haha thanks a lot :] I'll try to do that, and just relax and play

[Exemonium]

Ah hah! Auditions, something I am actually familiar with in this forum! I may not know basses all so well, but I am familiar with this. I'm a theater actor, musical theater mainly, and I've gone through my fair share of auditions.

What are you doing for your audition?

First thing is first -know your audience. You should know what type of people they are and what you assume they'd expect. If they're a more strict type of school, then freakin out during the audition may not be the best. But still stay loose and groove.

In my experiences, something people look for along with great skill and talent, is how you handle a mistake, if for some reason you would goof. If you make a mistake, just don't show it haha. Kind of the whole "It's not what you say, it's how you say it" thing, but switch out say for play. ;-) This is true though, I've had to cover for people onstage many times with an ill said line or similar effects. Heck, my first show ever I forgot lyrics and threw some words together that made sense for the situation and rhymed...but also kind of mumbled them so people would think I said the correct ones. Thinking on your feet is good.


Most of all just remember that you're expressing your gift. Everyone is different, everyone has their own style, feel, sound. Even if you emulate your favorite player's gear to get that sound, it probably still won't sound just like it. Be you, and show them what you have to offer.

I had a lot more in my head when I started this, and I realize it's all coming out as gibberish. I guess it's the kind of thing I've not broken down in years.
Best of luck though!!!!

[Exemonium]

Hey, how'd it go by the way?!?! :-)