ambient

How quiet does it need to be ? Someone I'm maybe going to do some work with showed me one on-line last week, it was almost silent in operation, perfect for busking. I think it was blue.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1440592763' post='2852206'] If you play a pub you are there to sell beer.... and the 'best' bands sell the most alcohol. A party will have a bar that charges...there is money in the system and it should be shared..ideally. [/quote] This

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1440594614' post='2852227'] IMO it is not a case of "what camp are you in" as asked by the OP. Being an [i]all round[/i] musician involves learning many things, each being important in it's own right. IMO having a good ear is among the most beneficial. [/quote] As I said in a previous post on this thread, it's as important as being able to read, and having a knowledge of harmony/theory. They all go together to make you a good all-round musician.

I think the story about classical players not being able to play without notation is just that, a story. I've just graduated with a degree in music, aural skills is part of the course. It's also part of the audition, the aural admission exam was ridiculously tough. I also know a few classically trained musicians, cello, trombone and piano, and aural skills are something they're taught too. They're also totally able to improvise and play over a 12 bar. It's a myth grown up and spread by non educated musicians, usually hiding their own musical ignorance.

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1440577100' post='2852006'] Very nice! And well produced. I'm a big fan of Steve Lawson too, so this sort of thing is right up my street [/quote] Thank you

I bought a package from Spitfire audio a couple of years ago, they're well priced, and I think extremely good value. Someone on here recommended them to me. [url="http://www.spitfireaudio.com/spitfire-solo-strings"]http://www.spitfireaudio.com[/url] They sound brilliant. I did some music for a dressage routine a couple of years ago, my cousin trains dressage horses. Though it was prerecorded music, I just had to edit it down, and adjust the tempos to match the horses gait.

Remember, when someone asks you to play at their party, venue, pub or whatever, they're not doing so for your benefit, they're doing so for their own.

While I agree that in any job, there will pretty much always be someone who will undercut. There's a difference between being asked, and agreeing to play for less, and being asked and agreeing to play for nothing. Being expected by a venue to entertain their clientele for free, is in my opinion an insult, regardless of how good you think you and your band are. The venue, be it a pub, a social club, festival etc, will be charging the people watching, and making money from your work. Even if in the case of a social club, the charging is the members paying their subscription, a percentage of that subscription goes toward members entertainment. if it's a pub you're playing at, the intention of the landlord in asking you to play, is to draw in more customers. You should get paid, at least something.

[quote name='GrammeFriday' timestamp='1440547014' post='2851891'] All very interesting! Thanks for the info. I really like your current set-up - sometimes (in fact very often), less is more. I like working with restrictions - having too much choice can really get in the way of creativity. When I first started playing bass I only had one effects pedal for ages - a Boss BF-2 flanger. I go to know it REALLY well, and got to the point where I could get an incredible range of sounds out of it. [/quote] Thanks I'm really happy with what I'm currently using. Until recently I had a whole load of pedals, and was forever switching them around, reverb'ed delay is different to delayed reverb ! The Eventide Space is an amazingly powerful little device, with some great presets, but it's when you start tweaking them, that they really come alive. I have the pedals on a stand so I can adjust them mid-song.

This is what I was given at uni. [color=#0000cd]CV Writing Workshop[/color] [color=#0000cd]What Will You Learn From Today?[/color] [color=#0000cd]• WhydoIneedaCV?[/color] [color=#0000cd]• What are employers looking for?[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Effective CV design and layout[/color] [color=#0000cd]• CV do’s and don'ts[/color] [color=#0000cd]• The importance of more than 1 CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Effective cover letter writing[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]Why do I Need a CV?[/color] [color=#0000cd]• A CV is the first point of contact between you and a potential employer[/color] [color=#0000cd]• A CV will win you or lose you an interview[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Your own personal marketing tool[/color] [color=#0000cd]• To set you apart from other applicants[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1. 2. 3.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Three rules....... Keep it simple[/color] [color=#0000cd]• • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Easy to read[/color] [color=#0000cd]Sufficient but not excessive detail A strong Personal Profile section[/color] [color=#0000cd]What are Employers Looking for?[/color] [color=#0000cd]Make it clear[/color] [color=#0000cd]Keep it short (2 pages maximum)[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Easy to write but easy to get wrong![/color] [color=#0000cd]• • • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your Name[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your Full Address[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your Contact Numbers (including mobile) Your Email Address (professional sounding)[/color] [color=#0000cd]Do’s[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Contact Details[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your Name[/color] [color=#0000cd]1 Wherever Road, London, NW6 1AA Telephone: 07911 111 000 Email: [email protected][/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1. 2. 3.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Date of Birth Nationality Marital Status[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your name is not Curriculum Vitae! Don’t add a picture (some exceptions)[/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Don’t have an unprofessional sounding email address, e.g. [email protected][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Do not include any information that could lead to you being discriminated against, such as;[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Contact Details Don’ts[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Personal Profile[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Your Personal Profile/Statement is always next[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Opportunity to sell yourself[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Describe your skills and what you can offer an employer[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Communicate what kind of opportunity you are looking for[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Always in paragraph form, no more than 8 to 10 lines[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Choose if you want to write in the 1st or 3rd person. Stick with it![/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Use your Personal Profile to sum up your main[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Always use positive language, “I am an excellent project manager”[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Great words and phrases to use;[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Think of your skills and examples of when you have successfully used them – Give examples![/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Personal Profile Do’s[/color] [color=#0000cd]skills and why your skills are in line with what the employer is looking for[/color] [color=#0000cd]Demonstrated skills in, extensive academic/practical background in, experienced in all aspects of, coordinated, organised, succeeded in, proven track record in etc.....[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Personal Profile Don'ts[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Don’t only use generic language such as “I am a good team player but I can also work individually”[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Swap in and out of 1st and 3rd person[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Use humour or inappropriate references. Your CV is[/color] [color=#0000cd]a formal document[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Use exclamation marks![/color] [color=#0000cd]• Use information that cannot be supported by examples[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Copy and paste in Personal Profile examples that you’ve found online[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Always start with your most recent employer and work backwards[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Evidence any long gaps in your Employment History[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Employment History[/color] [color=#0000cd]Always include voluntary work, work experience and internships. It’s all experience and it’s all relevant![/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Employment History Do’s[/color] [color=#0000cd]• List your work experience starting with the most recent and working backwards[/color] [color=#0000cd]• List your job title, the name and location of your employer and the dates you worked there in month and year format. Write “to present” if it is work you are still engaged with[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Write your key responsibilities and achievements in a bullet point format[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Write any awards or commendations you received during your employment[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Evidence any gaps in your employment history such as “career break”, “travelling”, “returning to studies” etc...[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]• • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Include your current or projected salary[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Go back as far as a part time job you did as a 14 year old if it is not relevant[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Employment History[/color] [color=#0000cd]Don'ts[/color] [color=#0000cd]Include any gaps in your employment[/color] [color=#0000cd]Write any derogatory comments about your existing or previous employers[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]• • • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Usually your Education History comes after your Employment History[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Education History[/color] [color=#0000cd]General rule is which have given you the skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for[/color] [color=#0000cd]Only go as far back as your Secondary/High school not Primary[/color] [color=#0000cd]Remember to list all relevant dates[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]BMus Degree in Guitar – 2:1[/color] [color=#0000cd]• • • • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]A Levels[/color] [color=#0000cd]Music (A)[/color] [color=#0000cd]English ( General Studies ( History ([/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]10 GCSE’s, all grade A* - C including English, Maths and Science[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Education History[/color] [color=#0000cd]• It should look something like this...... Education History[/color] [color=#0000cd]The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance September 2009 – May 2012[/color] [color=#0000cd]St David’s College, London September 2007 – June 2009[/color] [color=#0000cd]Brook High School, London September 2002 – June 2007[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1. 2.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Large performances you have played in[/color] [color=#0000cd]3. 4.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Awards you have won/been nominated for[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Use this section to highlight any particular things you have achieved.[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Put all your Institute musical highlights in this section.[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Things like;[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design -Education Achievements[/color] [color=#0000cd]Key modules relevant to the type of job you’re applying for[/color] [color=#0000cd]Club/societies you have joined such as DRR or ENTS Team[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1.[/color] [color=#0000cd]IT/Computer skills (make sure you include the specialist music software and social media you use)[/color] [color=#0000cd]2. 3.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Languages you speak[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Use this section to highlight other skills you haven’t mentioned yet such as;[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Other Skills[/color] [color=#0000cd]Full, Clean Driving Licence (if you have one)[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1. 2.[/color] [color=#0000cd]It tells an employer who you are as a person[/color] [color=#0000cd]3.[/color] [color=#0000cd]It may back up other areas of your CV e.g. your passion for music[/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]This is the penultimate section of your CV, so you’re nearly there![/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Hobbies & Interests[/color] [color=#0000cd]Hobbies & Interests may not be the part of your CV employers value the most, but they do want to read it. Why?[/color] [color=#0000cd]Employers will want to know if you will fit in with the company’s environment and other staff[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Write about what your passions are[/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Include 2 or 3 interests outside of work/education[/color] [color=#0000cd]Do’s[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Hobbies & Interests[/color] [color=#0000cd]Link any interests to the type of job you are applying for if possible.[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Don’t make it too long[/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Avoid phrases such as ‘partying’ and ‘socialising’[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design – Hobbies & Interests Don’ts[/color] [color=#0000cd]Avoid stereotyping yourself. This could mean describing the kind of music you listen to[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]You are now at the final and most straight forward part of your CV.......the References..... Hurrah![/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]All you need to write is;[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design - References[/color] [color=#0000cd]References Available on Request[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]• • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Why?.........[/color] [color=#0000cd]Privacy and identity theft[/color] [color=#0000cd]Protect the details of your referees[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Always ask the permission of your referee first[/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design - References[/color] [color=#0000cd]Employers do not need this information at the early stages, when they need it, they will ask for it![/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]CV Design[/color] [color=#0000cd]You’re done!!! Any questions?[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1. 2. 3.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Music related Retail Bar/Restaurant[/color] [color=#0000cd]Having More than 1 CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]It is likely that you will applying for more than one type of job[/color] [color=#0000cd]You will therefore need to tailor your CV to make it attractive to different types of employers[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Don’t worry most of your CV will be the same[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]You will need to tailor your Personal Profile and Hobbies & Interests section to convey your interest in the industry[/color] [color=#0000cd]How?[/color] [color=#0000cd]Having More than 1 CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your Employment and Education History will be the same[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]If you are applying to a Musician job you will need to change the layout[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Make sure your passion for music comes across in your Personal Profile and Hobbies & Interests section![/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]If you are looking for session work, you may want to put a picture on your CV.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Writing a Music Industry Focussed CV[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]1. 2.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Contact Details (include social media accounts)[/color] [color=#0000cd]3.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Education History[/color] [color=#0000cd]4. 5. 6.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Employment History (related to music)[/color] [color=#0000cd]7. 8. 9.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Musical skills and IT/social media skills along with any endorsements you may have[/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]The layout of your music focussed CV should follow this process;[/color] [color=#0000cd]Writing a Music Industry Focussed CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]Personal Profile (outlining the type of music opportunity you are interested in)[/color] [color=#0000cd]Notable Performances[/color] [color=#0000cd]Recordings (Make reference to artists you’ve worked with)[/color] [color=#0000cd]Hobbies & Interests (the main one being your passion for music)[/color] [color=#0000cd]References Available on Request[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]Writing a Cover Letter[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Most jobs you apply for will ask for a cover letter and CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Even if they don’t ask for a cover letter, it’s a good idea to write one. Your competitors might not have![/color] [color=#0000cd]• Set it out like a proper letter[/color] [color=#0000cd]• If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, find out![/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]This will look like;[/color] [color=#0000cd]Writing a Cover Letter[/color] [color=#0000cd]Dear Mr Smith,[/color] [color=#0000cd]Re: Marketing Assistant - Internship[/color] [color=#0000cd]07911 111 000 [email protected][/color] [color=#0000cd]Your Name[/color] [color=#0000cd]1 Wherever Road London NW6 1AA[/color] [color=#0000cd]04/06/2014[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]Writing a Cover Letter[/color] [color=#0000cd]• No more than 1 side of A4[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Use same font, size and style as your CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Separate your Cover Letter into 3 sections[/color] [color=#0000cd]• Your cover letter can be less formal than your CV. Let your personality come through but don’t let your grammar slip![/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]• • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Your introduction[/color] [color=#0000cd]Include why you are applying to the job Why is it interesting to you?[/color] [color=#0000cd]Cover Letter – Section 1[/color] [color=#0000cd]Where and when did you see the job advertised?[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Why you will be good at the job? What are your skills?[/color] [color=#0000cd]Why should they hire you?[/color] [color=#0000cd]• • • • •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Why do your skills match the job description? How will you fit with the company?[/color] [color=#0000cd]Cover Letter – Section 2[/color] [color=#0000cd]Supporting Statement[/color] [color=#0000cd]Why do you want to work for them?[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]•[/color] [color=#0000cd]Closing statement, making reference to your CV[/color] [color=#0000cd]• •[/color] [color=#0000cd]Thank them for their consideration State when you are available for[/color] [color=#0000cd]Cover Letter – Section 3[/color] [color=#0000cd]Concluding Statement[/color] [color=#0000cd]interview.[/color] [color=#0000cd]Always call the company to make sure they received your CV and Cover Letter!!! You’d be surprised how many people don’t![/color] [color=#0000cd][/color] [color=#0000cd]End of Workshop[/color] [color=#0000cd]Any questions?[/color] [color=#0000cd][/color]

For me it's a vital part of learning to play, alongside learning to sight read, harmony and theory etc. I encourage students to start with intervals, and work up to rhythmic and melodic transcription.

Buying or selling a bass I've always collected/delivered. You'd be surprised how cheap you can get advance train tickets for.

Most couriers exclude musical instruments from their insurance, so bear that in mind. They'll still take the money off you though.

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1440458278' post='2851016'] An eight-minute orgy of odious stunt-bass, then. Which highlights the uncomfortable truth that if you're going to utilise the bass guitar as an instrument for solo self-expression, you broadly have two choices: anaemic atonal blooping, or frenetic clattering and pinging. Don't do it, kids! Jon. [/quote] There is a 3rd, have you heard Steve Lawson or Michael Manring ?

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1440498609' post='2851213'] To impress a non-musician stranger, play something that they are likely to know. Another One Bites The Dust, Billie jean, Down In The Tube Station, Eton Rifles etc, anything where the bassline is a prominent lead in the song. Widdling away on a very techinical part that they don`t know may make them think oh he knows what he`s doing, but play something they know, oh he must be good. It`s amazing how people work that way - play something mainstream and they usually think you`re much better, cos as "it`s famous" it must be difficult. [/quote] From your list there's only one that I know, and even then I'd think I know that from somewhere, without necessarily linking it to a specific song. Are bass lines something that non bass players recognise ?

Something melodic, something they will go away whistling to themselves.

I have some transcriptions for Bach's Inventions. They sound great and aren't hard, they're mostly inversion based.

I think playing something they know, rather than a bass line. Even if it's a 'well known' bass line, chances are they won't know it. Something by Bach, or a simple chord melody thing maybe ? Just the melody and a few bass notes, That would be more impressive for me, if I was a non-musician.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1440430686' post='2850655'] Hellborg is an interesting player. I recently downloaded a trio album with him and Buckethead playing acoustics. It's pretty intense and cool. [/quote] I think I have that album too, it is rather good.

I've got one I did at uni that you're welcome to see ?

Here are the dates - [url="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152928202286455&set=a.422970091454.209528.633571454&type=1&theater"]http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152928202286455&set=a.422970091454.209528.633571454&type=1&theater[/url]

He's playing with Steve Lawson in October. Should be good 😊.

Is it in a case ? A lot of couriers don't insure instruments, so bare that in mind.

My current set up. [attachment=199194:11892029_417237725151161_5442765665213082195_n.jpg]