About music, bass, composition, studying :)
Alrighty - first attempt at blogging! Please give me feedback people, on my Facebook page preferably. Let’s start with the “Dauerbrenner” (German for something that’s always a hot topic)
MUSIC and COVID:
No bragging here but aren’t we lucky to be in New Zealand! Gigs have come back with a vengeance; the gig market is much hotter than it has been before Covid and everyone is playing heaps and filling their pockets .. ?!
Let’s talk about the latter. Skycity has put on regular high-level music four days a week - 7 bands playing Thur-Sun time slots - good for SC and the musicians, a symbiotic mutually beneficial relationship so to say. That begins to make the rounds and more and more people seem to show up for the music itself. Highly recommended, but you need to be 20 to get in because it’s part of the gaming area.
Not only Skycity has created demand; other venues appear to be just as keen to have good music at least once a week and more new places pop up (Just near me at the Coast Plaza). Fantastic! But here’s an idea or let’s say an opportunity:
We all know that the average pay per muso at a gig has been stagnant for a while, despite cost of living rising steadily each year.
I’d say: Ask for more and you will get it. Try have a conversation with the venue you are playing at, and pitch the subject in a respectful yet confident manner. Just an idea, what do you reckon?
BTW, the above does NOT apply to venues such as CJC, who are an outlet for original creativity!
STUDYING JAZZ
This section will probably mostly apply to those who are considering “living the dream” (I think Dixon once said it like this) of making music professionally. I myself have made the choice after college. Yes I could have studied chemistry but chose music instead and never regretted a thing. I see making music professionally as a blessing, a privilege that allows me to earn my income with something I love!
A Employment:
Probably the biggest question is what life as a musician will be like.
The two main areas we work in is music making (gigs), and teaching music. Other areas are music production, music writing and perhaps music-related things like event management or media. Some of our graduates have actually scored full-time jobs; as teachers (plenty of demand apparently), Music HODs or in the Navy Band. There are also the Air Force and Army bands but I don’t know too much about these, fill me in plz ;-)
Many of us work as freelancers, meaning playing gigs only (some actually do) or having an activity folio or teaching and gigging. As most secondary schools in NZ have music departments there is plenty of demand there.
All-up it is looking good at the moment, that’s my 2c. The above description is not complete by any means, just saying this ..
B Looking ahead:
So, what’s needed to become part of this? Having taught in NZ since 2002 I noticed that the need for a solid qualification is more important than ever. I’d say the higher you score, honours or masters, the better. Because, when a big offer presents itself in front of you, you will not be the only one applying. Of course, being a good “player” on the instrument you chose is vital, too.
I’d like to say at this point that, looking at other, non-music areas of study don’t necessarily result in employment.
C Mind-set:
Determination, love for music, willingness to work hard. These are essential, not just for music BTW.
D Skills-set:
Entry to music departments is by audition only. In jazz, we want to hear you play, we actually want to jam with you at the audition. Show us how you: 1. Improvise/solo over a tune 2. Play the “head” melody of a tune 3. Accompany someone else’s solo if you are a harmony instrument. You will typically prepare 3 tunes of ideally different style. There will likely be a short on-the-spot check of basic music theory.
E Audition tips:
We are looking for talent. How you play is the most important thing. Good theory and ear training skills are a bonus but remember you will be taught in these subjects.
Be prepared to play with a support band. Don’t bring backing tracks unless there is a decent reason for this.
Try not to worry about things, be yourself. It is normal to be a little nervous at an audition - I was nervous back then..
Warm up in before, there are designated rooms for this.
From now until the audition: ‘Jam’ as much as you can with fellow jazz musicians. Doesn’t have to be a whole ensemble. Jams can be just a duo.
If you haven’t done so already, get lessons with a teacher who is (ideally) a working jazz musician. This is money well spent. I can recommend someone if you haven’t got anyone you can ask.
To be continued …
Bass!
“Ohne Bass kein Spass” (No fun without bass) :)
I reckon it’s important to always have “Spass” while playing. As I grew older, I figured out that every note we play matters. Each one must be played with the best tone, time, expression and intent you can put into it, no matter what the gig is. That gives me “Spass” every time I play. Simple thing really but so important to me.
to be continued …