ambient

Did you do the degree course? I went to ICMP. I mentioned above, the audition to get in there was incredibly hard. There were written harmony and theory and aural tests. I think there were two sight-reading tests. One playing unaccompanied lines, the other along to a backing track. As well as various scale and arpeggio tests. I auditioned at BIM in Bristol too. That wasn’t as demanding as ICMP. The guy running The audition was a lot nicer and more approachable too. It’s surprising how varied the auditions are.

He does them. Though he asks that you collect the instrument in a timely manner, to avoid him running out of room in his workshop.

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. A friend recommended this guy. He has a small workshop not too far from me. https://www.ksblutherie.com

I believe numbers should be limited. They’ll be moaning when it all flares up again. https://musiciansunion.org.uk/working-performing/coronavirus-guidance/overview-of-covid-19-restrictions-for-musicians

This is my big worry. I’ve seen a few other posts on here like this. We seem - in some places at least - to be rushing back to normality. I’ve done two jazz gigs recently - the band has a nice little residency - however we have to be tested prior to going in, which means arriving thirty minutes early, we have to wear masks whilst walking about, and maintain social distancing. The number of people watching is limited. Basically everything to mitigate spread of infection. A friend of mine held an event on Saturday. It was strictly tickets in advance only, and masks and social distancing had to be observed. Those were the venue rules, which seem sensible to me.

Your performance piece is important, but don’t forget about other things they’ll probably test you on. When I auditioned for my BMus the performance piece was actually a pretty small part of the audition process. They were more concerned with my harmony and theory knowledge. There was a sight-reading test, an aural exam, and a written theory test. Playing wise they asked me to play two octave scales - I think they asked for modes too - definitely four note arpeggios. They were listening for how cleanly everything was executed, so if you play a five or six string make sure your muting is good. Just try and stay relaxed, and good luck with the audition.

I’m picking up a really lovely looking DB from London on Tuesday. It will probably need new strings, whatever’s on it were on when the guy bought it ten years ago. I’m going to have it setup too. Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to take it please? I’m just outside Birmingham. Thanks.

A guitar.

I tend to buy releases by these: Steven Wilson Michael Manring Mogwai Radiohead/Thom Yorke/Jonny Greenwood John Patitucci

I have to admit, with the exception of Weller, I haven’t heard of any of the other artists mentioned. I’m not sure if that’s down to my listening habits - I thought I had quite eclectic tastes - or my age, or what.

Congratulations. I hope it goes well for you.

That was me three weeks ago. I was in the shop talking to Mark, I suddenly realised I’d left my mom sitting outside in the car!

That had been my plan once I finished my PhD. Hope it goes well for you.

Here's an interesting article discussing the pros and cons of risking doing it without the correct paperwork. https://www.carryontouring.uk/blogs/carry-on-touring-real-people-real-lives-real-jobs/risking-it-not-on-option-we-need-solutions?fbclid=IwAR0vezKCASQiQuSX_HEPTaQzalt2XVxKjQELWkwqj4VekoQERS2XRHcY4J4

Bass Direct.

I've done some solo live-stream gigs. I have my first post-Covid with a band gig in a couple of weeks. I'm playing with a jazz band at a private event. We need to arrive an hour early and undergo a Covid test first.