ambient

As a graduate of and current tutor at ICMP, I can categorically state that they most certainly do not just let anyone in. The audition process is very rigorous and in two parts. There's an initial assessment that checks if you're good enough to audition - this is actually tougher than the audition for a lot of places - and then there's the audition proper. I actually failed my first audition and had to redo it six months later.

How do the spammers know the recipients are members?

I know of someone who teaches the Alexander Technique.

If I remember rightly he was offering to build instruments for a ridiculously cheap price, and people like a bargain. If you actually stopped to think about what he was offering you'd realise he couldn't possibly purchase the materials and build the instrument for the price he was quoting.

The man is a crook, pure and simple. He’d actually be well at home in the current government.

So, restrict access to the wanted section for new members until they've made a certain number of posts and gained a reputation. There is, of course, nothing stopping a would-be scammer from becoming a supporting member, without building a reputation on the site. I used to be a supporting member. I cancelled two days before it was due to renew after one of the mods was rude and disrespectful a while ago. Thanks for the offer to edit the adverts. I've joined some Facebook groups and posted wanted ads there.

Surely, instead of restricting access to the wanted section, it's better to restrict access to the messaging function for new members. I have adverts there that I'm now unable to edit. I have in the past used it to buy gear and on occasion sell items.

I don't use any of them. I buy CDs and vinyl. If I'm driving I listen to a CD or the radio. If I'm on the train I read a book. I absolutely refuse to have anything to do with Spotify.

Yes, we’re wired differently. I treat people with respect. Unlike you.

Charming, and you’re a moderator. So your ears will tell you how something will sound before you’ve played it? I know what something will sound like and how it’ll work against what’s being played. Anyway. Life is too short to be arguing with rude people online. I’ll take my leave. Bye!

No, your ears will only tell you after the event. Knowing theory you know what you can do and how it’ll sound. Do you think Miles Davis, John Paitucci or Chick Corea etc., played random notes in the hope they’d sound good? My point was that he ‘thought’ it sounded good.

Ears aren’t necessarily foolproof. A student proudly presented me with a piece of work earlier that sounded awful - he’d paid no attention to the harmony of the piece - and was hopelessly out of time in places. I know what will work in a given context and how it’ll sound. No guesswork involved. Your ears will only tell it sounds okay after the event. Knowing it will sound bad will save you from that in advance.

Despite having done hundreds of gigs prior, I suffered from terrible performance anxiety issues all the way through uni. I came very close a few times to dropping out. It wasn't helped by the fact that some of the tutors shouldn't have been teaching at that level. They were great bassists but awful tutors. Two tutors however were fabulous and gave me loads of advice. Always prepare well Do everything you can to avoid unnecessary anxiety. Relax properly beforehand. Set up, then remove yourself from the performance space and just sit quietly, focusing on what you have to do. It's a form of meditation. Avoid alcohol. I don't drink anyway, but it doesn't help. Also, avoid too much caffeine.

I like the look of this. Perfect if your band does Mull of Kintyre.