Okay, this is a bit of a rant, but it's been bugging me: If you are going to play with a group-any kind of band or ensemble-take fifteen minutes and try to familiarize yourself with the kind of music they play. If their book has a song or piece that you've never heard of and haven't the faintest idea about what to expect, go to YouTube or Amazon or the public library and do a bit of research. It's amazing how many silly questions can be answered just by taking the initiative to research the part.
It isn't neccessary to memorize every detail, but have enough knowledge to play within the style. If you are hired to play in a jazz band that plays music from the '40s, listen to some of that music. If you are asked to play a piece from a composer you've never heard of, research him/her a bit. Find out when the composer lived, what style of music they wrote, tonal or non-tonal, nationality, etc.
I know this sounds like homework, but it brings to mind a story I heard from a friend at a college party way back in my undergrad years: This friend was a guitar player and he was approached by a band to play some slide guitar stuff. He hadn't really played any slide guitar stuff up until then, but he wanted the gig. He told them he could do it, then went home and studied and practiced until he could do what they wanted. He got the job.
Just a few minutes of preparation will make you look better as a musician and can save yourself from embarassment (and even get you a job!). You will also be more helpful and valuable to the group and, in turn, the band will sound better. Everybody wins!!
No comments:
Post a Comment