Ok so this is my final blog entry before our final graded unit portfolio's are submitted next week!!! Well since monday when i checked the HNC board to see the deadlines for graded unit, this week has already been some what of a stressful and anxious week, which i am sure will continue as my interview is next tuesday, which means i have to have completed everything in my portfolio by then, all printed out and presented in folder fashion! Very nervewracking, i have done quite a bit so far, however havent attempted to print anything yet, or organise folder in any way, which is something i tend to not be very good at. Therefore my sole aim for today wednesday, being the only day this week where i have nothing else on, i am dedicating this whole day to completed absolutely as much as possible and then printing so that i can begin to see a half finished folder, maybe then i shall feel slightly better about things!..
So generally that has been the surrounding topic of conversation this week in the goodlyburn.. graded unit! Everybody is very nervous especially i think about the time scale, a week is not very long, especially when you have also commitments like jobs, plus i have theatre thursday evening, which cuts in to precious time lol.
However we are all just going to have to make the best of the time we have, and do as much work as possible! However there are also other college stresses which have unfortunitly ALL fallen at the same time, both our third theory exam and HNC gig are next week, on top of the graded unit interviews!
However the important thing is not to stress, because that will only make things worse, therefore i am trying my best to plan orderly and priortise work. I have started my day in the library from 9:30 this morning and i intend to stay until the library until 9pm tonight if that is what it takes! The last thing i want is to leave too much for the weekend, and have more to panic about, if i get the big things out the way, i will be so relieved, so today is mission day! Haha me vs graded unit!.. I have so far been going through my aims, and working out what i have achieved for each and if there are any in which for one reason or another havent completed but have however subsituted for something else, and making sure i write about that. Organising in a proper way is my main issue as have never been very sufficient with things like that, however i will of course do my best.
I was in college all day monday and tuesday however yesterday night, i with the help of my friend Sean Mitchell, chose some covers and began recording, again like my originals we found it easier to do via video camera, however with sean we used his mac, as you can actually record on that, which is a must less hassle and much better quality, also i think by recording via video camera i am killing to birds with one stone, as it opens out more opportunities in my book, as you can then put them on youtube, facebook, myspace and audience's do prefer when they can see your face and watch you perform rather than placing a photo of you behind a backing track, so i am quite happy with the change in method there! :)
Graded Unit has been my mine focus, and will continue to be, as i am determined to pass! However other modules are slightly worrying me, however i will feel so much better once graded unit is finished so that then i can concentrate on passing music theory, and daw etc. Next week's gig should hopefully go smoothly, will be extremely nervous though, being the same day as the interview but hey ho. Also fab news from over the weekend, i have been asked by my vocal teacher to compete in a singing competition at the rotary club at The Royal George Hotel in Perth!!! :D So exciting!!! I have never been a part of a vocal competition before, so will be a totally new experience, however i am perfectly aware it has nothing to do with who wins, it is all about enjoying yourself and taking part! I am very happy with the songs choices, being a wee medley of Peggy Lee and Rihanna's Unfaithful both beautiful songs to perform, and thats what its all about, putting on a great performance, and keeping up the smiling! Lol. However the competition is again the same day as the gig and graded unit interview, but hopeuflly this shall not put me off, and my performance will be just as strong, as i will also of course be writing about this in my graded unit!
We also had out creative industries interviews on monday, mine went extremely well, i was so pleased and managed to portray myself in a confident and clear light. Ronnie said he would definitely consider hiring me if it was in fact a real job of music instructor because i gave experience when asked about working as a team i straight away fired back with last year at my school, as part of our course we had to create a music event, and my job role was band manager, which really taught me a lot and was a challenging yet empowering role to take on.
So there we have it, wish me luck with my graded unit, i am determined today to do the best i can, and get a lot done! Very crucial week, but it is a challenge at the same time! :)
Thanks for being a great audience, and hopefully my blogs will have been successful! :)
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Happenings this week! :D
Hey Guys!
Well well had quite a hectic busy week so far!!! On sunday Rhythm Wave had 2 gigs outside of Wetherspoons for the re-opening after the refurbishment! It was really enjoyable to do an outside gig again, and the rain thankfully kept off for us! We also enjoyed a meal altogether in Wetherspoons! :D On Monday we had our second Music Theory exam and also our results from the last re sit! In which i am proud and SO happy to say i passed! And got every single question right! Wooo hooo! Haha. So now just waiting on the results next week for this weeks exam on chord construction and cadences!
Ive also progressed further with my Daw project and now have all instruments bar vocals for Iggy Pop- The Passenger! :) Monday night was dedicated to a cleaning spree as we had our final halls inspection on tuesday determining whether we get our £250 deposits back! Tuesday was band practice today however with out creative project bands we had our recording session in the studio to lay down our original swing song! It all went well and it only took about 2 to 3 hours, vocals was the last to lay down and i got mine done first take, we then double tracked it all and got to have a wee listen after, it sounded really good, so was very pleased with it! We then had the rest of the day to practice with our stagecraft bands ready for our gig on thursday, however now being wednesday have just found out, the gigs in Dundee have been officially cancelled due to a mix up at the venue! So quite disapointing, however on the plus side we all get more practicing time, and will hopefully get a replacement gig re scheduled as soon as possible! I am pleased for the extra time, as our band recently scrapped two songs and replaced them, therefore it would suit us to get those two songs tighter and better rehearsed, so that we can feel more comfortable with them and altogether perform them better, as are being assessed on stagecraft!
Tuesday evening we had Rhythm Wave practice in the union as Ali Pibworth's musical was set to be taking place at 7pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! I was so so excited for it, being one of the last performances and long awaited! The show was absoultely fantastic! I had such an awesome time, and that wasnt just because there was a free bar in the goodlyburn! :p haha the whole britrock musical was so cleverly put together and the relaxed atmosphere from the cast rubbed off on the audience and everyone enjoyed themselves, i was having a blast and singing away to all the songs, LOVED it!! The cast were ahmazing and certainly know how to entertain, causing huge amounts of laughter throughout the show as well! :D So a huge well done goes out to Ali Pibworth, and the whole cast!!! The after party was also much enjoyable! Haha we all had a big celebration and it was great to hang out with everyone and just have a good time, after all the hard work!!!
Things i have also got done for graded unit this week are: 2 recordings via video camera now posted on facebook! Of 2 of my original songs! As a result of lack of time, and recording availability i have made a few changes and decided to video record more of my songs for my aims and put them on facebook and youtube! With the help of Bob Holis we managed to ahieve 2 songs over the weekend! So a great big thank you to him for his help! :D
As for the rest of the week, now wont be travelling through to Dundee, i shall be going to theatre instead!
Until next update
X.Alissa.X
Well well had quite a hectic busy week so far!!! On sunday Rhythm Wave had 2 gigs outside of Wetherspoons for the re-opening after the refurbishment! It was really enjoyable to do an outside gig again, and the rain thankfully kept off for us! We also enjoyed a meal altogether in Wetherspoons! :D On Monday we had our second Music Theory exam and also our results from the last re sit! In which i am proud and SO happy to say i passed! And got every single question right! Wooo hooo! Haha. So now just waiting on the results next week for this weeks exam on chord construction and cadences!
Ive also progressed further with my Daw project and now have all instruments bar vocals for Iggy Pop- The Passenger! :) Monday night was dedicated to a cleaning spree as we had our final halls inspection on tuesday determining whether we get our £250 deposits back! Tuesday was band practice today however with out creative project bands we had our recording session in the studio to lay down our original swing song! It all went well and it only took about 2 to 3 hours, vocals was the last to lay down and i got mine done first take, we then double tracked it all and got to have a wee listen after, it sounded really good, so was very pleased with it! We then had the rest of the day to practice with our stagecraft bands ready for our gig on thursday, however now being wednesday have just found out, the gigs in Dundee have been officially cancelled due to a mix up at the venue! So quite disapointing, however on the plus side we all get more practicing time, and will hopefully get a replacement gig re scheduled as soon as possible! I am pleased for the extra time, as our band recently scrapped two songs and replaced them, therefore it would suit us to get those two songs tighter and better rehearsed, so that we can feel more comfortable with them and altogether perform them better, as are being assessed on stagecraft!
Tuesday evening we had Rhythm Wave practice in the union as Ali Pibworth's musical was set to be taking place at 7pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! I was so so excited for it, being one of the last performances and long awaited! The show was absoultely fantastic! I had such an awesome time, and that wasnt just because there was a free bar in the goodlyburn! :p haha the whole britrock musical was so cleverly put together and the relaxed atmosphere from the cast rubbed off on the audience and everyone enjoyed themselves, i was having a blast and singing away to all the songs, LOVED it!! The cast were ahmazing and certainly know how to entertain, causing huge amounts of laughter throughout the show as well! :D So a huge well done goes out to Ali Pibworth, and the whole cast!!! The after party was also much enjoyable! Haha we all had a big celebration and it was great to hang out with everyone and just have a good time, after all the hard work!!!
Things i have also got done for graded unit this week are: 2 recordings via video camera now posted on facebook! Of 2 of my original songs! As a result of lack of time, and recording availability i have made a few changes and decided to video record more of my songs for my aims and put them on facebook and youtube! With the help of Bob Holis we managed to ahieve 2 songs over the weekend! So a great big thank you to him for his help! :D
As for the rest of the week, now wont be travelling through to Dundee, i shall be going to theatre instead!
Until next update
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
May Update!! :)
Hey People!
Sorry its been a couple of weeks! Alot has been going on, so i wil try my best to remember everything and update yous all on all the latest news! Last week was an extremely busy week, with 2 honours projects in one week! On the wednesday it was the Punk Gig which was held at 4:30pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! The gig was a success, with a total of around 19 songs, 11 sung by myself and 8 by Stephen Malone. We had one last rehearsal that morning, and then we were set and ready to go for half 4. We unfortunitly didnt get too big a crowd, as i think probably the timing was a bit awkward, and there was no facebook message or anything. However the crowd we had cheered us on, and i had a great time on stage performing some of my favourite records of all time including Green Day Basketcase, Billy Idol- Dancing With Myself, Blondie Hanging On The Telephone, and punk bands that define the genre such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash and finally with the true godfathers of the genre, in which we wrapped up the set with the one and only Ramones!
For my attire, i decided to go all out as i know from previous punk research projects in high school, the fashion was a dominating contributer to what punk stands for, and the attitude and message it portrays, therefore in true Vivienne Westwood style, and with the help of my good friend Hannah and my cousin Alana we created a truly punk ensemble.. With a cut and ripped up 'Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks' t shirt, covered in holes and tears etc, as well as my trusty authentic 'Punk' trousers, from the 1970s (genuine vintage) covered in tartan and safety pins, etc the trousers i wore to see my favourite band Green Day almost 2 years ago! My make up was done by my cousin and looked awesome! Therefore i was ready to tear up the stage, at first the lack of audience sightly put me off, but it wasnt long till the music took over and i realised exactly what i was representing! ;)
I was sad to see the punk gig end, but it was a fantastic experience and i was more than happy to help the guys out as it was an incredible opportunity!
My other gig was Paris's gig on the friday, in which i thankfully had the day off work to practice in the morning and then perform the show at 3:30pm in the Goodlyburn once again. We had a very big audience and the show was a success! It was again quite a long show with about 11 songs all from Jason Robert Brown's collection! I enjoyed both shows, and couldnt believe it friday evening that after all the researching and practcising all year long, that both shows were over. However there is a sight relief now, as i can totally concentrate on my Graded Unit, and finishing my subjects successfully!
We are still awaiting the results of our Music Theory exam! I am sitting in suspense and am very anxious to find out whether or not i passed, as i worked really hard and want to know. We have also just been told our second exam is next monday, which i am incredibly worried about, as it is on chord construction and cadences which is a much weaker area for me than scales and the circle of fifths aka the first exam! Hey ho i will have to see about extra revision with my lecturer as dont think i will be too prepared for monday, as also again have quite a hectic week this week, with wednesday n thursday taken over with getting all my graded unit work done, theatre thursday night, and working friday and saturday and then on sunday i have a gig in town with 'Rhythm Wave' which shall be good fun! :)
Apart from that, there is our next HNC gig which will take place next thursday at 'Droothy Neebors' in Dundee, in which in our group we will be performing in our stagecraft bands! Our setlist looks to be a very exciting one,and after a few changes, we have kicked out one song and thrown in two new ones, in which i will save for the night, but be prepared for some classic rock!!!!
So there we go i think that is just about all the news from college in the last 2 weeks, i have quite a lot to be getting on with for graded unit, including studio time which i am in must need of! So therefore i am in the library today, to get done as much of my written evidence as possible for my folder, to get a few loads off my back!
Also as all the degree and honours projects are over now, i'd like to say a massive thank you and well done to all of the bands and performances, as they all blew me away and were fantastic!!!!! It was especially great to get a second chance to see John Cargrills 'Justin Timberlake' Show live at the Twa Tams last thursday!!! It was ah-mazing, and i very much enjoyed dancing along right at the front! :p Haha great show guys!
Until next update :)
X.Alissa.X
Sorry its been a couple of weeks! Alot has been going on, so i wil try my best to remember everything and update yous all on all the latest news! Last week was an extremely busy week, with 2 honours projects in one week! On the wednesday it was the Punk Gig which was held at 4:30pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! The gig was a success, with a total of around 19 songs, 11 sung by myself and 8 by Stephen Malone. We had one last rehearsal that morning, and then we were set and ready to go for half 4. We unfortunitly didnt get too big a crowd, as i think probably the timing was a bit awkward, and there was no facebook message or anything. However the crowd we had cheered us on, and i had a great time on stage performing some of my favourite records of all time including Green Day Basketcase, Billy Idol- Dancing With Myself, Blondie Hanging On The Telephone, and punk bands that define the genre such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash and finally with the true godfathers of the genre, in which we wrapped up the set with the one and only Ramones!
For my attire, i decided to go all out as i know from previous punk research projects in high school, the fashion was a dominating contributer to what punk stands for, and the attitude and message it portrays, therefore in true Vivienne Westwood style, and with the help of my good friend Hannah and my cousin Alana we created a truly punk ensemble.. With a cut and ripped up 'Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks' t shirt, covered in holes and tears etc, as well as my trusty authentic 'Punk' trousers, from the 1970s (genuine vintage) covered in tartan and safety pins, etc the trousers i wore to see my favourite band Green Day almost 2 years ago! My make up was done by my cousin and looked awesome! Therefore i was ready to tear up the stage, at first the lack of audience sightly put me off, but it wasnt long till the music took over and i realised exactly what i was representing! ;)
I was sad to see the punk gig end, but it was a fantastic experience and i was more than happy to help the guys out as it was an incredible opportunity!
My other gig was Paris's gig on the friday, in which i thankfully had the day off work to practice in the morning and then perform the show at 3:30pm in the Goodlyburn once again. We had a very big audience and the show was a success! It was again quite a long show with about 11 songs all from Jason Robert Brown's collection! I enjoyed both shows, and couldnt believe it friday evening that after all the researching and practcising all year long, that both shows were over. However there is a sight relief now, as i can totally concentrate on my Graded Unit, and finishing my subjects successfully!
We are still awaiting the results of our Music Theory exam! I am sitting in suspense and am very anxious to find out whether or not i passed, as i worked really hard and want to know. We have also just been told our second exam is next monday, which i am incredibly worried about, as it is on chord construction and cadences which is a much weaker area for me than scales and the circle of fifths aka the first exam! Hey ho i will have to see about extra revision with my lecturer as dont think i will be too prepared for monday, as also again have quite a hectic week this week, with wednesday n thursday taken over with getting all my graded unit work done, theatre thursday night, and working friday and saturday and then on sunday i have a gig in town with 'Rhythm Wave' which shall be good fun! :)
Apart from that, there is our next HNC gig which will take place next thursday at 'Droothy Neebors' in Dundee, in which in our group we will be performing in our stagecraft bands! Our setlist looks to be a very exciting one,and after a few changes, we have kicked out one song and thrown in two new ones, in which i will save for the night, but be prepared for some classic rock!!!!
So there we go i think that is just about all the news from college in the last 2 weeks, i have quite a lot to be getting on with for graded unit, including studio time which i am in must need of! So therefore i am in the library today, to get done as much of my written evidence as possible for my folder, to get a few loads off my back!
Also as all the degree and honours projects are over now, i'd like to say a massive thank you and well done to all of the bands and performances, as they all blew me away and were fantastic!!!!! It was especially great to get a second chance to see John Cargrills 'Justin Timberlake' Show live at the Twa Tams last thursday!!! It was ah-mazing, and i very much enjoyed dancing along right at the front! :p Haha great show guys!
Until next update :)
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Week back after Easter!!!
Hey Guys!
So back to college this week after what felt like quite a long easter break!! This monday was a Music Theory re cap session in order to refresh all of our memories ready for the re-sit next monday! Where everyone will re-sit at the same time! Very nerve-wracking, but managed to sit down with my lecturer on tuesday during the day in order to get tested on some scales, to prepare me for what to expect. I got all of them right apart from on one blues scale i didnt flatten a note that should have been, so just need to remember the basic rules of each scale and work by my handy circle of fifths! :) haha. Fingers crossed all will go well for that.
Other news this week, tuesday was an absolutely beautiful day weather wise, therefore we begun the day with an outdoors band practice! Which was very enjoyable to watch and listen to the acoustic band, unfortunitly my stagecraft band couldnt really practice outdoors, being a classic rock band. Then i had my revision session with Sean our lecturer, then later on that evening i went to support and watch Daryl Hockin in his Slide Guitar Degree Show, which was amazing! Had such a great time, and thought Daryl was fantastic! So congratulations to him :)
Today is wednesday, and i did some work in DAW this morning in order to catch up a bit, I also had a Punk band rehearsal at 12pm in the practice rooms, where we went through the new songs! I wont reveal what they are as hope you will all come and see the show next wednesday at 4:30pm in Goodlyburn Theatre, it is going to be an awesome set, and will leave the new songs as a great surprise for the night! :) Very excited for it now, it is an amazing project to be a part of, so thanks to Stephen Malone and Marlisa for the opportunity and i hope the night is a success and you all come to check it out! haha.
For the remainder of the week, i have theatre tomorrow night, and am looking forward to being paid soon as have been living as a typially broke student this week! haha. On friday i have a rehearsal with my singing teacher in town for our summer concert and i am also working! Unfortunitly the royal wedding isnt a holiday for my shop! haha.
So that is this week, i will also be sudying as much as i can for the theory exam on monday, as am so desperate to pass, and then we will be in may already so lots of work to get started on!
Will keep you updated! :)
X.Alissa.X
So back to college this week after what felt like quite a long easter break!! This monday was a Music Theory re cap session in order to refresh all of our memories ready for the re-sit next monday! Where everyone will re-sit at the same time! Very nerve-wracking, but managed to sit down with my lecturer on tuesday during the day in order to get tested on some scales, to prepare me for what to expect. I got all of them right apart from on one blues scale i didnt flatten a note that should have been, so just need to remember the basic rules of each scale and work by my handy circle of fifths! :) haha. Fingers crossed all will go well for that.
Other news this week, tuesday was an absolutely beautiful day weather wise, therefore we begun the day with an outdoors band practice! Which was very enjoyable to watch and listen to the acoustic band, unfortunitly my stagecraft band couldnt really practice outdoors, being a classic rock band. Then i had my revision session with Sean our lecturer, then later on that evening i went to support and watch Daryl Hockin in his Slide Guitar Degree Show, which was amazing! Had such a great time, and thought Daryl was fantastic! So congratulations to him :)
Today is wednesday, and i did some work in DAW this morning in order to catch up a bit, I also had a Punk band rehearsal at 12pm in the practice rooms, where we went through the new songs! I wont reveal what they are as hope you will all come and see the show next wednesday at 4:30pm in Goodlyburn Theatre, it is going to be an awesome set, and will leave the new songs as a great surprise for the night! :) Very excited for it now, it is an amazing project to be a part of, so thanks to Stephen Malone and Marlisa for the opportunity and i hope the night is a success and you all come to check it out! haha.
For the remainder of the week, i have theatre tomorrow night, and am looking forward to being paid soon as have been living as a typially broke student this week! haha. On friday i have a rehearsal with my singing teacher in town for our summer concert and i am also working! Unfortunitly the royal wedding isnt a holiday for my shop! haha.
So that is this week, i will also be sudying as much as i can for the theory exam on monday, as am so desperate to pass, and then we will be in may already so lots of work to get started on!
Will keep you updated! :)
X.Alissa.X
Monday, 11 April 2011
Easter Holidays! :D
This week we are officially on our easter break!!! Last week before we broke up, we sat our Music Theory exam on the monday and the results were up on tuesday! I unfortunitly did not pass the exam, but only failed in one section: scale construction, i was quite surprised by this, so sat down with my lecturer to go through my paper, he said i was fine on everything, just a few wee mistakes when constructing a few scales. It was mainly just a few missing accidentals, but the scales were fine. I was quite surprised as that was probably the area i was most confident in, and when we went over the particular questions i was really annoyed with myself as could see where i got easily confused, and because the pass mark for this exam is so high, i just didnt quite pass. So therefore my targets for the easter hols, are to continue studying my scales, going over and over each one, i do know them by heart but just need to remember the rules and stick to either major or minor this time, instead of intertwining both! lol.
More targets for the easter break: Plan and begin my 2 research topics for Graded Unit, and hopefully start writing them and getting them done a.s.a.p. I have chosen for one to discuss the different types of stagecraft artists have, and for this i'd like to pick to completely contrasting artists such as Chrissie Hynde and Madonna, totally different types of performers, and have completely seperate ideas on entertaining their fans.
I am also going to learn all my songs for my upcoming honors punk gig in May! And also get to work on my 50's summer concert songs as well! With the help of Bob Holis, my fellow music student who is helping me with my original songs, after the easter break, the focus will be to finish my songs and get them recorded, just as a first demo for my portfolio! So i am trying to get everything else done in the easter so, that i can mainly focus on my original and cover album when we come back to college.
Other news for the easter, my little brother is coming up to visit me from London ( first time since September!) So i am very excited about that, getting to show him my new life, an letting him into my world for a week. Haha. We are now off from theatre for easter as well, so can totally focus on catching up on my work, learning my songs off by heart, going to the gym as often as i can! Haha and working also.
Next week Hannah Shovlin and i, hopefully have a photoshoot in Glasgow to attend and get photos done for our artist imagery, we have approx an hour in the studio, so better bring our instruments and be as productive as we can in that hour! Thanks to my room mate, who knows the photographer and has set us up for this exciting opportunity!
So those are my plans, lots of work, but i enjoy it! Cant wait to start my research tasks as i shall love choosing the artists that interest me, and learning from the essays i have set myself! As the weather is so beautiful at the moment, i am inspired to work outside and enjoy the sunshine whilst being productive! Haha.
Happy Easter Everyone! :D x
X.Alissa.X
More targets for the easter break: Plan and begin my 2 research topics for Graded Unit, and hopefully start writing them and getting them done a.s.a.p. I have chosen for one to discuss the different types of stagecraft artists have, and for this i'd like to pick to completely contrasting artists such as Chrissie Hynde and Madonna, totally different types of performers, and have completely seperate ideas on entertaining their fans.
I am also going to learn all my songs for my upcoming honors punk gig in May! And also get to work on my 50's summer concert songs as well! With the help of Bob Holis, my fellow music student who is helping me with my original songs, after the easter break, the focus will be to finish my songs and get them recorded, just as a first demo for my portfolio! So i am trying to get everything else done in the easter so, that i can mainly focus on my original and cover album when we come back to college.
Other news for the easter, my little brother is coming up to visit me from London ( first time since September!) So i am very excited about that, getting to show him my new life, an letting him into my world for a week. Haha. We are now off from theatre for easter as well, so can totally focus on catching up on my work, learning my songs off by heart, going to the gym as often as i can! Haha and working also.
Next week Hannah Shovlin and i, hopefully have a photoshoot in Glasgow to attend and get photos done for our artist imagery, we have approx an hour in the studio, so better bring our instruments and be as productive as we can in that hour! Thanks to my room mate, who knows the photographer and has set us up for this exciting opportunity!
So those are my plans, lots of work, but i enjoy it! Cant wait to start my research tasks as i shall love choosing the artists that interest me, and learning from the essays i have set myself! As the weather is so beautiful at the moment, i am inspired to work outside and enjoy the sunshine whilst being productive! Haha.
Happy Easter Everyone! :D x
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Exciting week!!!
Hello people!!
Have had an awesome week so far!! Although monday was up and down. lol. We had our Creative Industries exam, which i am not feeling too confident about. I did my studying but there was one question that wasnt very clear to me due to way it was written. Plus it was closed book, so everything was memory, however hopefully i managed to get down most of the relevant points. We will find out our results next week.
We were also scheduled to have our Music Theory exam on monday as well, but luckily our lecturer moved it to next week instead for those who wanted one extra week of revision, i was so pleased about this, as got a chance to ask for help in the area i was unclear about, so now should hopefully be better prepared for next week! Also i didnt really fancy 2 exams in one day, one after the other, i think its important to keep a clear head.
Other news from college this week, on tuesday we had band rehearsal all day, and Sean our lecturer organised us some gigs for stagecraft and creative project! :D so very exciting, we also got a brief on creative project this semester, and how it would be good to get some of our original material recorded. We progressed further with our swing song, and just need to structure it, and practice some more. For stagecraft we now have 3 songs for the set, in total we're planning around 8 for the gig, so we shall decide on the songs next week and use the easter holidays to practice individually!
Some of us also had our Graded Unit feedback this week with Marlisa, where we also reiceved our progress reports! I was over the moon, with mine, couldn't be happier, and was so so excited to get an A in my Graded Unit planning stage!!! :D i was worried about getting a B, so am excstatic about the positive feedback all around! Now just need to keep going on and upward.
For the remainder of the week, i will be revising Music Theory, and learning my songs for both Vocal Assessment next week and my Honours Punk gig which is coming up in May!!! So excited about it, and just found out today it will be a 19 song setlist!!!! Incredible, longest set i have ever done, so am both nervous and so excited all at once, and hope i can do the songs justice and pay a good tribute to one of my favourite genres! :) Also have theatre tomorrow night, and working over the weekend! Also at the moment my cousin who is a qualified web designer is developing my artist art work, she has sent me some prototypes and they are looking ah-mazing!
Anyway that is this week, i also now have a facebook artists page, so if you are reading this and have not yet liked my page. Please like!!! :D haha
X.Alissa.X
Have had an awesome week so far!! Although monday was up and down. lol. We had our Creative Industries exam, which i am not feeling too confident about. I did my studying but there was one question that wasnt very clear to me due to way it was written. Plus it was closed book, so everything was memory, however hopefully i managed to get down most of the relevant points. We will find out our results next week.
We were also scheduled to have our Music Theory exam on monday as well, but luckily our lecturer moved it to next week instead for those who wanted one extra week of revision, i was so pleased about this, as got a chance to ask for help in the area i was unclear about, so now should hopefully be better prepared for next week! Also i didnt really fancy 2 exams in one day, one after the other, i think its important to keep a clear head.
Other news from college this week, on tuesday we had band rehearsal all day, and Sean our lecturer organised us some gigs for stagecraft and creative project! :D so very exciting, we also got a brief on creative project this semester, and how it would be good to get some of our original material recorded. We progressed further with our swing song, and just need to structure it, and practice some more. For stagecraft we now have 3 songs for the set, in total we're planning around 8 for the gig, so we shall decide on the songs next week and use the easter holidays to practice individually!
Some of us also had our Graded Unit feedback this week with Marlisa, where we also reiceved our progress reports! I was over the moon, with mine, couldn't be happier, and was so so excited to get an A in my Graded Unit planning stage!!! :D i was worried about getting a B, so am excstatic about the positive feedback all around! Now just need to keep going on and upward.
For the remainder of the week, i will be revising Music Theory, and learning my songs for both Vocal Assessment next week and my Honours Punk gig which is coming up in May!!! So excited about it, and just found out today it will be a 19 song setlist!!!! Incredible, longest set i have ever done, so am both nervous and so excited all at once, and hope i can do the songs justice and pay a good tribute to one of my favourite genres! :) Also have theatre tomorrow night, and working over the weekend! Also at the moment my cousin who is a qualified web designer is developing my artist art work, she has sent me some prototypes and they are looking ah-mazing!
Anyway that is this week, i also now have a facebook artists page, so if you are reading this and have not yet liked my page. Please like!!! :D haha
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
One other note..
Forgot to mention i got a brand new mic stand this week!! A boom stand, so way more compactable and versatile for different performance types! I thought i should go for this one, rather than the straight 50s style stand because there is only so much you can do with that one, whether is my one, you can extend, hold, shorten, turn sideways and it really allows you the freedom to do whatever you want! So very pleased with my purchase! :D
X.Alissa.X
X.Alissa.X
News from this week!
This week in college, we had to decide our chosen 3 songs for our upcoming Vocal Assessment! I have now chosen my 3 one Ella Fitzgerald, one Debbie Harry and one Gwen Stefani, so a wide variety and all are quite different in tempo and style, so therefore will push me in 3 different directions, and will challenge me to portray different emotions for each!
Next week we have both our Creative Industries and Music Theory exams, so quite a compact monday! However i chose to do my theory exam next week, as feel i could benefit from one more week of revisison! From what i heard the exam wasnt too easy, so therefore know i have a lot to brush up on, therefore for me this week will involve a lot of library spent hours working on Creative Industries reseach and Music Theory!
On tuesday, in our stagecraft bands, we now have another song added to our set, Jon Bon Jovi- You Give Love a Bad Name! Excellant song, and one we can really enjoy! I am trying to do as different and vace styles of music in each subject i can in order to challenge and develop myself more as a singer/ performer! At the moment all in all i am part of a Classic British Rock Band, Swing and Punk band, as well as my summer 1950s tribute concert, so lots of different directions and genres to be excited about!
Other news this week, i have recently just purchased Morrissey tickets for the summer!!! So could not be happier about that! The opportunity to see one of my heros live is just spectacular!!! Apart from that i have theatre practice again tomorrow night and am working over the weekend, therefore trying to fit in as much studying as i can in this half of the week, as well as working on all my songs! Graded Unit Planning Stage deadlines were this week, everyone did well in meeting it. I had slight problems with my formatting as do not have microsoft word on my laptop, therefore had to complete it on notepad, which isnt quite the same. However hopefully the content is of a high standard, thats what is important. Next week we shall find out our grades and recieve our progress reports, so quite nervewracking all around.
So there we have this week so far, now more revision for next week :)
X.Alissa.X
Next week we have both our Creative Industries and Music Theory exams, so quite a compact monday! However i chose to do my theory exam next week, as feel i could benefit from one more week of revisison! From what i heard the exam wasnt too easy, so therefore know i have a lot to brush up on, therefore for me this week will involve a lot of library spent hours working on Creative Industries reseach and Music Theory!
On tuesday, in our stagecraft bands, we now have another song added to our set, Jon Bon Jovi- You Give Love a Bad Name! Excellant song, and one we can really enjoy! I am trying to do as different and vace styles of music in each subject i can in order to challenge and develop myself more as a singer/ performer! At the moment all in all i am part of a Classic British Rock Band, Swing and Punk band, as well as my summer 1950s tribute concert, so lots of different directions and genres to be excited about!
Other news this week, i have recently just purchased Morrissey tickets for the summer!!! So could not be happier about that! The opportunity to see one of my heros live is just spectacular!!! Apart from that i have theatre practice again tomorrow night and am working over the weekend, therefore trying to fit in as much studying as i can in this half of the week, as well as working on all my songs! Graded Unit Planning Stage deadlines were this week, everyone did well in meeting it. I had slight problems with my formatting as do not have microsoft word on my laptop, therefore had to complete it on notepad, which isnt quite the same. However hopefully the content is of a high standard, thats what is important. Next week we shall find out our grades and recieve our progress reports, so quite nervewracking all around.
So there we have this week so far, now more revision for next week :)
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
This week! :D x
'If its not love, then its the bond that'll bring us together!' .. Nothing like The Smiths to brighten your morning!
Haha. This week has been an incredibly exciting one so far, It started slow, and really quite dull, maybe to do with the weather as well. However as the day progressed, things got much brighter, as did the weather. Monday, in vocals we were told to choose 3 songs for our next vocal assessment on April 4th. We are to try and differ the genres this time, which will make the choices more interesting, and be more challenging overall. I havent properly decided on my choices yet, although i know one will be something from the 50s i think.
In Music Theory we were told our exam is now in 2 weeks, to give us a chance to finish going through our new workbooks, i find it beneficial sitting through both Music Theory classes, as i dont feel an hour is enough to really take everything in. Anyway my very exciting news for this week, has definitely been the proposal of doing a concert in June. I have been lucky enough to have been asked by my vocal teacher, to sing up to 20 songs, as a sort of tribute night to the 50s and Peggy Lee and all the wonderful artists from that classic era. The proposal came at such surprise, and has really made my week, already i have been thinking of ideas for songs and ideas for the theme of the event and look i will go for etc. I will defintiely be taking inspiration from my nanny for this one, who was a glamorous dancer at The Windmill Theatre in London in the 1950s.
Other news from college this week.. On tuesday we began practice in our new Creative Project bands. Both bands seem to have got to work extremely quickly and i think we all made a very productive start yesterday on a first song. Our band have a song now, that we jammed through several times to really get in the swing feel, and me and my fellow singer, sat with a notepad and tried to come up with lyric ideas, yesterday i jotted down 2 verses, and we practiced fitting them in. At the moment the lyrics a very 'Moon Dance' feel, that glamorous 1950s'60s jazz concept, where everything was based around romance and dancing. We also got a recording of the song, so that we can go away and write some more lyrics at home, with the music,and see what we can come up with for next week. :)
So that was us for this week, today i am up in the library working on the corrections for my Graded Unit, in order to submit for next mondays planning stage deadline. Then at half 12 i will be in the practice rooms, rehearsing with the Honors band 'Punk Project' that i am a part of. The gigs in May, so we've got quite a few songs to get through. So now better turn off The Smiths and put on my punkiest attitude in order to unleash the Johnny Rotten in me haha
For this week, until next time :)
X.Alissa.X
Haha. This week has been an incredibly exciting one so far, It started slow, and really quite dull, maybe to do with the weather as well. However as the day progressed, things got much brighter, as did the weather. Monday, in vocals we were told to choose 3 songs for our next vocal assessment on April 4th. We are to try and differ the genres this time, which will make the choices more interesting, and be more challenging overall. I havent properly decided on my choices yet, although i know one will be something from the 50s i think.
In Music Theory we were told our exam is now in 2 weeks, to give us a chance to finish going through our new workbooks, i find it beneficial sitting through both Music Theory classes, as i dont feel an hour is enough to really take everything in. Anyway my very exciting news for this week, has definitely been the proposal of doing a concert in June. I have been lucky enough to have been asked by my vocal teacher, to sing up to 20 songs, as a sort of tribute night to the 50s and Peggy Lee and all the wonderful artists from that classic era. The proposal came at such surprise, and has really made my week, already i have been thinking of ideas for songs and ideas for the theme of the event and look i will go for etc. I will defintiely be taking inspiration from my nanny for this one, who was a glamorous dancer at The Windmill Theatre in London in the 1950s.
Other news from college this week.. On tuesday we began practice in our new Creative Project bands. Both bands seem to have got to work extremely quickly and i think we all made a very productive start yesterday on a first song. Our band have a song now, that we jammed through several times to really get in the swing feel, and me and my fellow singer, sat with a notepad and tried to come up with lyric ideas, yesterday i jotted down 2 verses, and we practiced fitting them in. At the moment the lyrics a very 'Moon Dance' feel, that glamorous 1950s'60s jazz concept, where everything was based around romance and dancing. We also got a recording of the song, so that we can go away and write some more lyrics at home, with the music,and see what we can come up with for next week. :)
So that was us for this week, today i am up in the library working on the corrections for my Graded Unit, in order to submit for next mondays planning stage deadline. Then at half 12 i will be in the practice rooms, rehearsing with the Honors band 'Punk Project' that i am a part of. The gigs in May, so we've got quite a few songs to get through. So now better turn off The Smiths and put on my punkiest attitude in order to unleash the Johnny Rotten in me haha
For this week, until next time :)
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Update!
Well this week has been quite a busy week so far!
Tons and tons of work, exams and dealines to meet in the next couple of weeks, which is quite scary, so i have been working my hardest, making an effort every day to go up to the uni library and get atleast 3 or 4 hours studying done every day. A little bit every day is a strategy i like to stick to! I enjoy myself though, because i can get into my own zone and grab a coffee whilst listening to music and getting work done, so i find the atmosphere very relaxing and enjoyable. I am also taking advantage of only working one day a week this week, so more days to catch up on everything!
Monday and Tuesday in college were quite busy, on tuesday we got to watch our Fat Sams footage, which was really exciting, however i always get quite nervous about watching myself on stage. But i was very happy with what i saw, and it was great to watch and re live the excitement and fun of performing! I get itchy feet just watching it, and want to back on the stage! :D
We were also put into new bands for Creative Project! We decided bands with a game of rock, paper scissors, which resulted in not a huge change, but an exciting one. At first i was unsure and sort of just wanted to stay in our Fat Sams bands, however when i actually thought about it, i am pleased that there has been a change, because the result was almost a whole new band for me, and musicians i havent worked with yet within my group! We decided upon ideas of swing and jazz, and the image of a formal, classy band. This prospect for me is incredibly exciting, as i am a huge fan of old jazz, and artists in which i would consider influential and iconic to our era of 1950s/60s two of my favourite eras in music. Artists such as Peggy Lee, Nancy Sinatra, Dusty Springfield, Dion and the Belmonts, my personal favourite. All of which inspired those eras in such a huge way, that to sit down and write our own material for this genre is something i am greatly looking foward to!
It is also a huge change and something i am not used to performing onstage, therefore quite a challenge and scary yet exciting opportunity!
Anyway that was college for this week, I have been working further on my graded unit today and will also start working my way through my theory workbook tomorrow. Then Perth Youth Theatre in the evening, we have just begun working on our new shows for the summer, and officially have our scripts, so very excited to be beginning rehearsals tomorrow night!
X.Alissa.X
Tons and tons of work, exams and dealines to meet in the next couple of weeks, which is quite scary, so i have been working my hardest, making an effort every day to go up to the uni library and get atleast 3 or 4 hours studying done every day. A little bit every day is a strategy i like to stick to! I enjoy myself though, because i can get into my own zone and grab a coffee whilst listening to music and getting work done, so i find the atmosphere very relaxing and enjoyable. I am also taking advantage of only working one day a week this week, so more days to catch up on everything!
Monday and Tuesday in college were quite busy, on tuesday we got to watch our Fat Sams footage, which was really exciting, however i always get quite nervous about watching myself on stage. But i was very happy with what i saw, and it was great to watch and re live the excitement and fun of performing! I get itchy feet just watching it, and want to back on the stage! :D
We were also put into new bands for Creative Project! We decided bands with a game of rock, paper scissors, which resulted in not a huge change, but an exciting one. At first i was unsure and sort of just wanted to stay in our Fat Sams bands, however when i actually thought about it, i am pleased that there has been a change, because the result was almost a whole new band for me, and musicians i havent worked with yet within my group! We decided upon ideas of swing and jazz, and the image of a formal, classy band. This prospect for me is incredibly exciting, as i am a huge fan of old jazz, and artists in which i would consider influential and iconic to our era of 1950s/60s two of my favourite eras in music. Artists such as Peggy Lee, Nancy Sinatra, Dusty Springfield, Dion and the Belmonts, my personal favourite. All of which inspired those eras in such a huge way, that to sit down and write our own material for this genre is something i am greatly looking foward to!
It is also a huge change and something i am not used to performing onstage, therefore quite a challenge and scary yet exciting opportunity!
Anyway that was college for this week, I have been working further on my graded unit today and will also start working my way through my theory workbook tomorrow. Then Perth Youth Theatre in the evening, we have just begun working on our new shows for the summer, and officially have our scripts, so very excited to be beginning rehearsals tomorrow night!
X.Alissa.X
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Fat Sams Dundee! :D
What an incredible night! Firstly a huge Congratulations and Well Done to every band in my year for all of their awesome performances! Wednesday February 23rd was our years first proper gig showcase, and everyone was fantastic. It was a great experience for us all to be together and support one another in our sets! So many talented musicians,and i think the gig gave everyone the opportunity to learn a little more about each other, and show everyone what we've got, and just to have fun and enjoy it!
I was very proud of my band 'The Thrash' and had the most amazing experience performing our set! It was great to finally be on a big stage together and showcase our songs, especially 'Painkiller' our punk original that was recieved quite well. I think we all looked the part, and had our own unique punk image for our band and genre. I didnt want the experience to end, and hope that Fat Sams was the first of many live gigs to come!
So that has been the excitement of the week! Now back to the hard work and focussing on this week, with our Vocal Assessment and Music Theory work, and keeping up to date and on target with Graded Unit!
X.Alissa.X
I was very proud of my band 'The Thrash' and had the most amazing experience performing our set! It was great to finally be on a big stage together and showcase our songs, especially 'Painkiller' our punk original that was recieved quite well. I think we all looked the part, and had our own unique punk image for our band and genre. I didnt want the experience to end, and hope that Fat Sams was the first of many live gigs to come!
So that has been the excitement of the week! Now back to the hard work and focussing on this week, with our Vocal Assessment and Music Theory work, and keeping up to date and on target with Graded Unit!
X.Alissa.X
Artist Development and Targets for this year! :)
I am currently in the planning stages of creating and devloping my artist image. I have also set myself targets in general for the course.
1) To successfully complete HNC Music this year, and progress on to degree.
2) To achieve atleast a B in Graded Unit.
3) To get into the studio as soon as possible in order to record as much as i can, and then sell it.
4) To create my own artist artwork and designs with the help of my cousin and adding it to my myspace.
5) To play as many gigs and open mic nights where possible.
6) To join an outside band.
7) To develop a small fan base in the Perth and Kinross area and hopefully expand, as well as sending my music down to previous music students in London.
These are a few of my targets so far, i will keep updating with more to add.
X.Alissa.X
1) To successfully complete HNC Music this year, and progress on to degree.
2) To achieve atleast a B in Graded Unit.
3) To get into the studio as soon as possible in order to record as much as i can, and then sell it.
4) To create my own artist artwork and designs with the help of my cousin and adding it to my myspace.
5) To play as many gigs and open mic nights where possible.
6) To join an outside band.
7) To develop a small fan base in the Perth and Kinross area and hopefully expand, as well as sending my music down to previous music students in London.
These are a few of my targets so far, i will keep updating with more to add.
X.Alissa.X
This is Me! :)
Welcome to my blog! I am currently studying HNC Music at Perth College UHI, and am having the time of my life. This year i have met tons of awesome friends and really talented musicians. We have recently just entered semester 2 and am excited to what this half of the year will entail. I will be a part of two bands this semester, one for stagecraft and one for creative project, hopefully both will differ as it will give myself the opportunity to perform and take part in 2 different genres, and also prove my skills as an adaptable session musician.
Outside of College, i enjoy writing my own songs and playing guitar. I am also a part of Perth Youth Theatre and have already this year taken part in 2 shows, with more to come in the summer. I am hoping to attend more open mic nights in my spare time and hopefully getting the chance to record a cover album as well as my own. This year i am hoping to discover and establish myself as an artist, with creating an image and stage persona that will hopefully become recognisable and provide me with the opportunity for more gigs.
More projects inside college include a third year degree students musical '13' which will be showcased around April/ May. Something i am very much looking forward to as love taking part in musical projects, after attending a Performing Arts School and having the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, i find the world of music and drama a very exciting one.
Anyway hopefully there will be more opportunities coming up, that i can share with you, and will update my blog on a weekly basis, to keep you updated with all the happenings inside and outside HNC Music :)
X. Alissa. X
Outside of College, i enjoy writing my own songs and playing guitar. I am also a part of Perth Youth Theatre and have already this year taken part in 2 shows, with more to come in the summer. I am hoping to attend more open mic nights in my spare time and hopefully getting the chance to record a cover album as well as my own. This year i am hoping to discover and establish myself as an artist, with creating an image and stage persona that will hopefully become recognisable and provide me with the opportunity for more gigs.
More projects inside college include a third year degree students musical '13' which will be showcased around April/ May. Something i am very much looking forward to as love taking part in musical projects, after attending a Performing Arts School and having the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, i find the world of music and drama a very exciting one.
Anyway hopefully there will be more opportunities coming up, that i can share with you, and will update my blog on a weekly basis, to keep you updated with all the happenings inside and outside HNC Music :)
X. Alissa. X
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Graded Unit homework: Employability Skills
Graded Unit
Why are the following areas important for being a Session Musician/ Performer?
PEOPLE SKILLS
Teamworking
Teamworking is essential for wanting to become a session musician/ performer because in the future you
will have to be able to work with lots of different types of people and musicians, and be able to work
as a team, and be able to express your opinions and work together whilst being supportive, understanding
and compromising. It is important to not be too demanding and selfish and to be able to listen to other
people, whilst expressing your own views and making sure you are heard at the same time. It is important
as an individual to know your stuff, and a lot about your profession in order to bring your own input to
the table when meeting a new group/band/team etc. This is all important because otherwise tension
could be built, and arguments could arise, which will only create an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone
and force people to take sides, where you could be the one left short, and miss your chance at what could be
a fantastic opportunity to work with great musicians etc.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are absolutely vital for this career choice, as it is very important to be able to build
relationships with people as soon as you meet them, this doesnt mean you have to become instant best
friends however, just that you have the ability to be friendly and make people feel comfortable in your
presence, especially in a work environment where you have to work together from a professional point
of view, but also to make the situation fun and whatever project you are taking on, to be able to enforce an
exciting energy along with it. Other key interpersonal skills, are to be a good listener, advisor and initiator.
This means it is important to be able to take a situation into your own hands and be co-operative and energetic,
especially in music, it is not very good to be the one lacking in enthusiasm and ideas, as it is a creative project
that works best when more than one mind is brought in to the equasion. Being a good advisor would be, being
able to give your advice in a diplomatic way, without hurting or critising anyone, that could get you in to trouble
and make you unliked, but by being supportive and encouraging whilst being constructivly crtitical in order to
improve.
Customer Orientation
Similar to the others, customer orientation is to do with being friendly and welcoming. Just the common aspects
of being employable in any area in life. For being a session musician/ performer this is exactly the same. Having
approachability and being the type of person who is incredibly adaptable and comfortable with being thrown into
all kinds of situations and being able to improvise and work within them as best as they can. Being tolerant is very
important as you could come across a few difficult characters, and being able to bite your tongue and remain calm
and patient are two of the most important skills in order to carry on and get through the working process with that
particular individual.
GENERALIST SKILLS
Problem Solving/Intellectual Skills
I think this one is quite an obvious one, as with any profession you need to have a strong intellectual knowledge
of your chosen profession. In music this is key as it is a very demanding and involved industry, that in most areas
takes quite a bit of analysing. It is an industry where sometimes dreams can cloud reality, therefore whilst it is
so important to have dreams and goals, it is also important to remain open minded, logical and practical. Again
having a wide knowledge in your craft and particular instrument is so very important in order to be able to advise
others and shape your own opnions and self anaylsis in areas.
Flexability and Adaptability
One of the most important aspects of being a session musician/ performer i believe. As you will be required to be
instantly adaptable to lots of different situations, people and places. For example you may be asked to turn up
somewhere on the day, perhaps somewhere you've never been before, with people you've never met, and locations
you are not familiar with and be able to walk in, no questions asked and perform and adapt to what and whos around
you in a comfortable and open way. Quite a challenge for some people, however key to being on the road and travelling
anywhere with your instrument and your persona as a musician. Also being flexible and willing to pull your weight around
and perhaps take control of certain situations. Being multi skilled within music, is important, having a wide knowledge of
different artists and genres, being an expert, most importantly in your first instrument but also have a good musical theory
knowledge and technical skills and experience as well, that will proove you a success in your field.
Commitment
Incredibly important. Definitely one of the most, as it shows you have a great interest in what you do, and how much you value
your chosen career and subject. Being dedicated to what you do, is what it is all about. Being able to talk and discuss music
for hours, shows a great sense of interest and passion for what you love best. It shows you are committed to your craft, which
will be incredibly important when meeting new people and showing them that you care a lot about what you do and study. If you
show you are not committed, it gives the impression of laziness and carelessness towards your job, therefore no one will want to
employ you if you show you dont care, or have a strong interest and dedication to your profession. Commitment also will help
people trust you, and rely on you to be there when asked and to get things done to a deadline without hesitation, therefore the
morre you prove you are capable of this, the more jobs and opportunites you will get, quite simply. Time keeping is also vital
in the Music Industry, and especially when working in a band, you have to be punctual and reliable, otherwise you can very easily
make people angry and lose yourself fans, friends and opportunities.
SELF RELIANCE
Self-awareness/ Confidence
Another incredibly important area to have in the Music Industry. Knowing yourself as a person and as an artist and having the right
confidence and belief in yourself to succeed. Everyone knows the music industry is one of the most competitive fields out there,
it requires a thick skin and resilient attitude in order to make it. This is why being self aware is so key, so that no matter how many
knocks come your way, you are able to shake them off and keep going. The ability to pursue your dreams no matter how much
competition there is out there, and believing you are just as good and capable as anyone. Self direction is everything. Knowing where
you are going and having an idea on how to get there, these qualities will give you the ability to make your own oppotunites and promote
yourself, and showing you have confidence when meeting people, but especially in your craft, being able to walk on stage and have
stage presence and confidence in what you are doing will make you stand out to employers/ scouts etc. Also being honest, knowing yourself
so well that you can point out your strengths and weaknesses.
Self-promotion skills
In order to get as many jobs as possible in being a session musician, you have to be able to sell yourself and make yourself stand out from the
crowd. It also shows you have individual ideas and your own agenda, it also shows determination, by continuing to write and record in your
own time, by practicing absolutely as much as possible. Practice is everything, in perfecting your craft and selling yourself as the most reliable
and trustworthy musician, and being as best as you can at what you do. You should always be able to back up what you say, this will show honesty
and commitment also. Persistentness also shows you have fight and dont easily give up and want to get what you want at any cost. All things very
attractive to an employer or someone interested.
Initiative, Proactivity, Self motivation
Having determination, drive and self motivation and being self disciplined are a few of the vital aspects of making it in any field, but in particular,
the music industry, as one of the most competitive, fierce and commercial industries going, these qualities are a major advantage in succeeding.
By showing employers that you are resourceful and take tasks and projects into your own hands, you are showing them that you as an indivdual are
strong and committed to what you do and also have a lot of will power and self belief in succeeding in your career. Being self reliant, a self starter and
self disciplined shows that you can make it on your own, and that you have the determination to succeed yourself. As in this industry everyone is out
for themself, it is important to be self protected and have your own personal plan and initiative in creating your own opportunities.
Networking Skills
Contacts are everything in the Music Industry. A lot of the time it is who you know, and the right timing. Thats why it is important to have great
networking skills in this industry. Having good people skills, being friendly, welcoming and likeable when meeting new people is very important
as you will gain yourself contacts, people who know people who can perhaps give you exactly what you are looking for. Especially at gigs and music
venues, you never know who could be watching, thats why it is always important to do your research, and self advertise yourself at all times, if you
are an artist you have to stand out. Good networking skills will also appeal to people as it shows you again have self initiative and have made the
effort to get in contact with people and discover new opportunities.
Willing to learn
The will to learn and keep moving forward is a fantastic characteristic that should get you far. Personally it shows you have a clear path to success, and
that you have your feet on the ground, and are focused on purely making it. Continuing to learn through life is essential, as especially in the music
industry and being a session musician/ performer you will meet lots of new people, places and situations that you will have to learn from in a positive
way, it is also important to see where you have made mistakes and learn from them so that you can improve in the future. As a performer you have to
be prepared to experience every kind of live situation, which is great because you can take something new from each gig and event. Being able to
watch or listen after the performance and see what went well and what could be improved for the next time. Keeping a resilient skin and not letting
minor knocks set you back, and remaining strong and confident to keep moving forward is so important.
Action Planning and Self regulatory skills
Action planning and self regulatory skills are something required for every field of profession. The Music Industry is a sressful one, that requires good
time keeping and organisational skills, especially when there are more than a few things to get done. Being able to plan your workload is key in
prioritsing what is the most important thing to be done on the list etc, and staying on top of everything, by doing this you are creating much less stress
for yourself. It is important to be a foward thinker in this respect and know your personal timetable so that you can plan for more and stay on top of the
game, something very important in this industry, especially in planning your next gig, your next studio project, placing yourself targets to follow and having
specific dates so that you make sure everything actually gets done.
SPECIALIST SKILLS
Company- specific skills
In wanting to enter the Music Industry as a session musician/performer songwriter, you have to have a large knowledge of the industry, so that you are not
naive and know what you are entering in to. Being confident in your knowledge and understanding is key. If you want to stand out and make people pick
you, you have to know how to promote yourself in the most effective way and know your audience and who you want to target and appeal to. Also knowing
the commercial needs, by marketing yourself as an indivdual, whos music and sound defines them as a person.
Technical skills/ knowledge
In wanting to become a session musician/ performer, it is important to know a strong basic knowledge of the technical sides of musical equipment and
have good experience in live performances, in setting up and taking down equipment, especially your own, so that wherever you travel to, you are able
to take care of your instrument and equipment and not take too much time setting up when working with a band for example, so that you look
professional and know what you are doing. Also by having some common knowledge of the technical sides of music, you will be able to help out fellow
band mates/ musicians when doing a gig or working in the studio. Also when performing at a venue, if something doesnt quite sound, right it would be
an important skill to be able to identify why and be able to help solve the problem.
Understanding commercial goals of company
This is about being a good businessman in your industry. Again a good sense of self promotion and priority skills. It also shows you as an artist/indivdual
have done your research and know about your field, and know about the goals and requirements of yourself and your trade. Also with a wide knowledge
you will be able to know how to compete in your industry and how to go about certain situations, how to promote your band, advertise well, how to grab
every opporunity and know what is coming up and where. Commercially image is very important in the industry, so you have to embody an indivdual or
eyecatching look and sound in order to appeal to your market. Therefore if you set out a plan with all of this in mind, you will have a clearer idea of what
you are doing and how you are going to go about it.
By Alissa Toolan HNC Music
Why are the following areas important for being a Session Musician/ Performer?
PEOPLE SKILLS
Teamworking
Teamworking is essential for wanting to become a session musician/ performer because in the future you
will have to be able to work with lots of different types of people and musicians, and be able to work
as a team, and be able to express your opinions and work together whilst being supportive, understanding
and compromising. It is important to not be too demanding and selfish and to be able to listen to other
people, whilst expressing your own views and making sure you are heard at the same time. It is important
as an individual to know your stuff, and a lot about your profession in order to bring your own input to
the table when meeting a new group/band/team etc. This is all important because otherwise tension
could be built, and arguments could arise, which will only create an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone
and force people to take sides, where you could be the one left short, and miss your chance at what could be
a fantastic opportunity to work with great musicians etc.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are absolutely vital for this career choice, as it is very important to be able to build
relationships with people as soon as you meet them, this doesnt mean you have to become instant best
friends however, just that you have the ability to be friendly and make people feel comfortable in your
presence, especially in a work environment where you have to work together from a professional point
of view, but also to make the situation fun and whatever project you are taking on, to be able to enforce an
exciting energy along with it. Other key interpersonal skills, are to be a good listener, advisor and initiator.
This means it is important to be able to take a situation into your own hands and be co-operative and energetic,
especially in music, it is not very good to be the one lacking in enthusiasm and ideas, as it is a creative project
that works best when more than one mind is brought in to the equasion. Being a good advisor would be, being
able to give your advice in a diplomatic way, without hurting or critising anyone, that could get you in to trouble
and make you unliked, but by being supportive and encouraging whilst being constructivly crtitical in order to
improve.
Customer Orientation
Similar to the others, customer orientation is to do with being friendly and welcoming. Just the common aspects
of being employable in any area in life. For being a session musician/ performer this is exactly the same. Having
approachability and being the type of person who is incredibly adaptable and comfortable with being thrown into
all kinds of situations and being able to improvise and work within them as best as they can. Being tolerant is very
important as you could come across a few difficult characters, and being able to bite your tongue and remain calm
and patient are two of the most important skills in order to carry on and get through the working process with that
particular individual.
GENERALIST SKILLS
Problem Solving/Intellectual Skills
I think this one is quite an obvious one, as with any profession you need to have a strong intellectual knowledge
of your chosen profession. In music this is key as it is a very demanding and involved industry, that in most areas
takes quite a bit of analysing. It is an industry where sometimes dreams can cloud reality, therefore whilst it is
so important to have dreams and goals, it is also important to remain open minded, logical and practical. Again
having a wide knowledge in your craft and particular instrument is so very important in order to be able to advise
others and shape your own opnions and self anaylsis in areas.
Flexability and Adaptability
One of the most important aspects of being a session musician/ performer i believe. As you will be required to be
instantly adaptable to lots of different situations, people and places. For example you may be asked to turn up
somewhere on the day, perhaps somewhere you've never been before, with people you've never met, and locations
you are not familiar with and be able to walk in, no questions asked and perform and adapt to what and whos around
you in a comfortable and open way. Quite a challenge for some people, however key to being on the road and travelling
anywhere with your instrument and your persona as a musician. Also being flexible and willing to pull your weight around
and perhaps take control of certain situations. Being multi skilled within music, is important, having a wide knowledge of
different artists and genres, being an expert, most importantly in your first instrument but also have a good musical theory
knowledge and technical skills and experience as well, that will proove you a success in your field.
Commitment
Incredibly important. Definitely one of the most, as it shows you have a great interest in what you do, and how much you value
your chosen career and subject. Being dedicated to what you do, is what it is all about. Being able to talk and discuss music
for hours, shows a great sense of interest and passion for what you love best. It shows you are committed to your craft, which
will be incredibly important when meeting new people and showing them that you care a lot about what you do and study. If you
show you are not committed, it gives the impression of laziness and carelessness towards your job, therefore no one will want to
employ you if you show you dont care, or have a strong interest and dedication to your profession. Commitment also will help
people trust you, and rely on you to be there when asked and to get things done to a deadline without hesitation, therefore the
morre you prove you are capable of this, the more jobs and opportunites you will get, quite simply. Time keeping is also vital
in the Music Industry, and especially when working in a band, you have to be punctual and reliable, otherwise you can very easily
make people angry and lose yourself fans, friends and opportunities.
SELF RELIANCE
Self-awareness/ Confidence
Another incredibly important area to have in the Music Industry. Knowing yourself as a person and as an artist and having the right
confidence and belief in yourself to succeed. Everyone knows the music industry is one of the most competitive fields out there,
it requires a thick skin and resilient attitude in order to make it. This is why being self aware is so key, so that no matter how many
knocks come your way, you are able to shake them off and keep going. The ability to pursue your dreams no matter how much
competition there is out there, and believing you are just as good and capable as anyone. Self direction is everything. Knowing where
you are going and having an idea on how to get there, these qualities will give you the ability to make your own oppotunites and promote
yourself, and showing you have confidence when meeting people, but especially in your craft, being able to walk on stage and have
stage presence and confidence in what you are doing will make you stand out to employers/ scouts etc. Also being honest, knowing yourself
so well that you can point out your strengths and weaknesses.
Self-promotion skills
In order to get as many jobs as possible in being a session musician, you have to be able to sell yourself and make yourself stand out from the
crowd. It also shows you have individual ideas and your own agenda, it also shows determination, by continuing to write and record in your
own time, by practicing absolutely as much as possible. Practice is everything, in perfecting your craft and selling yourself as the most reliable
and trustworthy musician, and being as best as you can at what you do. You should always be able to back up what you say, this will show honesty
and commitment also. Persistentness also shows you have fight and dont easily give up and want to get what you want at any cost. All things very
attractive to an employer or someone interested.
Initiative, Proactivity, Self motivation
Having determination, drive and self motivation and being self disciplined are a few of the vital aspects of making it in any field, but in particular,
the music industry, as one of the most competitive, fierce and commercial industries going, these qualities are a major advantage in succeeding.
By showing employers that you are resourceful and take tasks and projects into your own hands, you are showing them that you as an indivdual are
strong and committed to what you do and also have a lot of will power and self belief in succeeding in your career. Being self reliant, a self starter and
self disciplined shows that you can make it on your own, and that you have the determination to succeed yourself. As in this industry everyone is out
for themself, it is important to be self protected and have your own personal plan and initiative in creating your own opportunities.
Networking Skills
Contacts are everything in the Music Industry. A lot of the time it is who you know, and the right timing. Thats why it is important to have great
networking skills in this industry. Having good people skills, being friendly, welcoming and likeable when meeting new people is very important
as you will gain yourself contacts, people who know people who can perhaps give you exactly what you are looking for. Especially at gigs and music
venues, you never know who could be watching, thats why it is always important to do your research, and self advertise yourself at all times, if you
are an artist you have to stand out. Good networking skills will also appeal to people as it shows you again have self initiative and have made the
effort to get in contact with people and discover new opportunities.
Willing to learn
The will to learn and keep moving forward is a fantastic characteristic that should get you far. Personally it shows you have a clear path to success, and
that you have your feet on the ground, and are focused on purely making it. Continuing to learn through life is essential, as especially in the music
industry and being a session musician/ performer you will meet lots of new people, places and situations that you will have to learn from in a positive
way, it is also important to see where you have made mistakes and learn from them so that you can improve in the future. As a performer you have to
be prepared to experience every kind of live situation, which is great because you can take something new from each gig and event. Being able to
watch or listen after the performance and see what went well and what could be improved for the next time. Keeping a resilient skin and not letting
minor knocks set you back, and remaining strong and confident to keep moving forward is so important.
Action Planning and Self regulatory skills
Action planning and self regulatory skills are something required for every field of profession. The Music Industry is a sressful one, that requires good
time keeping and organisational skills, especially when there are more than a few things to get done. Being able to plan your workload is key in
prioritsing what is the most important thing to be done on the list etc, and staying on top of everything, by doing this you are creating much less stress
for yourself. It is important to be a foward thinker in this respect and know your personal timetable so that you can plan for more and stay on top of the
game, something very important in this industry, especially in planning your next gig, your next studio project, placing yourself targets to follow and having
specific dates so that you make sure everything actually gets done.
SPECIALIST SKILLS
Company- specific skills
In wanting to enter the Music Industry as a session musician/performer songwriter, you have to have a large knowledge of the industry, so that you are not
naive and know what you are entering in to. Being confident in your knowledge and understanding is key. If you want to stand out and make people pick
you, you have to know how to promote yourself in the most effective way and know your audience and who you want to target and appeal to. Also knowing
the commercial needs, by marketing yourself as an indivdual, whos music and sound defines them as a person.
Technical skills/ knowledge
In wanting to become a session musician/ performer, it is important to know a strong basic knowledge of the technical sides of musical equipment and
have good experience in live performances, in setting up and taking down equipment, especially your own, so that wherever you travel to, you are able
to take care of your instrument and equipment and not take too much time setting up when working with a band for example, so that you look
professional and know what you are doing. Also by having some common knowledge of the technical sides of music, you will be able to help out fellow
band mates/ musicians when doing a gig or working in the studio. Also when performing at a venue, if something doesnt quite sound, right it would be
an important skill to be able to identify why and be able to help solve the problem.
Understanding commercial goals of company
This is about being a good businessman in your industry. Again a good sense of self promotion and priority skills. It also shows you as an artist/indivdual
have done your research and know about your field, and know about the goals and requirements of yourself and your trade. Also with a wide knowledge
you will be able to know how to compete in your industry and how to go about certain situations, how to promote your band, advertise well, how to grab
every opporunity and know what is coming up and where. Commercially image is very important in the industry, so you have to embody an indivdual or
eyecatching look and sound in order to appeal to your market. Therefore if you set out a plan with all of this in mind, you will have a clearer idea of what
you are doing and how you are going to go about it.
By Alissa Toolan HNC Music
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Alissa
Hi my name is Alissa, I am studying HNC Music at Perth College UHI. I am going to be developing this blog in the process of becoming what i want to be a performer/ session musician!
Hope you enjoy! :)
Hope you enjoy! :)
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