Professional Musician course in New Park

Velvet Vocals

Hey,

Just wondering if anyone on here has done this course and has any advise for someone (moi) thinking of taking a year out to do it?
I mean it sounds great, and I know one or two people that have done it before and loved it. I'm just wondering about the audition, what's it like? Also I'm 26 and if I get in I'll be 27, will I be a granny on the course or do older people go for it?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Zombienosh

I was thinking about doing a course like that before, but you have to think about what you get out of it in reality...

Velvet Vocals

Exactly! But I think I'd benefit greatly from it to be honest. I mean the subjects they cover are so practical and worth while. Plus you have to take Piano as a second instrument which gives you such a good grounding in understanding music.
I'm not so much worried about the course as I am the audition and getting in and then if I do get in will I be the oldest person there or what?

D!ve^Bomb!

when are they holding auditions? is there a deadline for applications? thought about doing this myself.. what are the fees like and what hours are there?

Velvet Vocals

check out http://www.newparkmusic.com/index.html, it should answer most of your questions.
The fee's are not too bad... ish... they are €2650 for the year. I checked out Fás and the course is not covered under it, nor is any music course it seems. Also I checked with the social welfare to see if I would be entitled to any tax relief but nope, You have to do a graduate course that lasts two years or more to get any kind of assistance.
But even with all of these obstacles, I think I'm gona go for it

D!ve^Bomb!

2650 is a tad steep tbh:eek: i think i'd rather teach myself for free..

Velvet Vocals

Right,I know what you mean. It is a bit much. But I've never been very good at home study. My boyfriend is a music teacher, so I could get lessons at home too, but some of the subjects sound great...composition,harmony & ear training or Technology class where you learn about notation programmes and sequencers. Ensemble class where you get put in to a band... that sounds really cool. Plus... I HATE MY JOB!!!! so anything that will get me out of it is ok with me

D!ve^Bomb!

well you could learn all that by yourself pretty easily, ear training would be easy to train yourself in, composition isn't exactly rocket science and the technology side of it is very simple.

you could leave your job, keep and live off the 2650 for a while and play full time and get yourself a band together..

seriously it is a lot of money, you could just get lessons off a really good teacher for the instrument you play and teach youself the rest, not having to work and being able to play ALL day.. think about it:)

Velvet Vocals

Sounds good in theory but I know I'd just sit on my ass and do nothing. I need a structure or I'm doomed.

JacoStanley

A friend of mine in his thirties started by doing the Jazz improv course part-time which is like 1 night a week. Now he's full time and loves it. Very big into theory and making everything swing but that's hardly bad.

Velvet Vocals

yea, well that's like me, I've been doing a part time course in Jazz improvisation and I love it. So I think a full time course is the way to go.

voltamadan

I did the one night a week thing for a term but for the most part didn't learn much. as I was in the beginner class, we were just passed around week to week with the suckiest equipment. we didn't have the same teacher once which meant there was no structure to the whole term and it basically turned me off the whole thing. All the other classes were definitely having a grand old time but it bugged me the way i was getting third rate, indifferent treatment just because I was a beginner. bitter.

fuse

Sounds like you really want to do it, so go for it!
Shouldn't worry about your age there, I'd expect you'd be around average age in the course.
I was thinking about doing the course, but it never seemed to work out, had work/study commitments, might go do it in a few years.
If you are OK financially to do it and are really keen to do it (which you are) I'd say go for it!
Also it should be a really enjoyable year, beats working and it'll probably get you in touch with some like-minded musicians and contacts for the future...

Velvet Vocals

Thanks Fuse! Your so right! I think I will go for it. Just have to cross my fingers that I get in now.... that goes for you to!! EVERYONE HAS TO CROSS THEIR FINGERS FOR ME

crowbar188

Im doing the Professional Musician Course right now. It is really good. I know it seems like alot of money to pay but its worth it. The teachers are all really good and definately no what theyre talking about. It changes your outlook on music totally. As far as being too old, im 18 and im the second youngest in the course right now. The average age is early to mid twenties but there are some people who are like 26 - 28. It doesnt make much difference though. I dont think theyll judge you on your age. If your good enough, youll get in.

Velvet Vocals

Thanks for that Crowbar! I've made up my mind, I'm going to go for it. I got the application form yesterday and have gotten a referance from my piano teacher and I've asked my jazz improv teach for one too.
What are the aduitions like? Are they hard on people?

crowbar188

Well, i felt that my audition didnt even go that great and i didnt really live up to my potential and i got in. But im not sayin dont bother tryin or take it too easy. i dont think theyre too hard on you. theyd have to allow for some nervousness and stuff. having said that though, pretty much everyone in the course is good at what they do. and i think there is always more applicants than places each year so theres still some competition. but if your good at playing your instrument and dont come across as an asshole or anythin, then you should have no problem.

Velvet Vocals

I'll do my best not to come over like an asshole thanks for that particular bit of advice!

Alkali

"composition isn't exactly rocket science"

Hmm I think I would have to disagree with you there, I think its other way around, its really quite tough, ive been composing for 3 to 4 years, only really got into composing jazz about 2 years ago or less.

I cant wait to get started in september, if i get in that is , it will be cool jamming with random people!

Velvet Vocals

Alkali wrote:

"composition isn't exactly rocket science"

Hmm I think I would have to disagree with you there, I think its other way around, its really quite tough, ive been composing for 3 to 4 years, only really got into composing jazz about 2 years ago or less.

I cant wait to get started in september, if i get in that is , it will be cool jamming with random people!

Who said composition isn't exactly rocket science.... what's this about composition anyway.... COMPOSITION!!!!!!! :eek: *Takes deep breath* Ok, I think I'm just getting freaked out about this course now.... do you think they expect people to do some composing?? :eek: If so, I'm fu*ked!

crowbar188

you do have to do a small amount of composing in the professional musician course. you have to do one piece at christmas and one at the summer exams. but theyre not expecting you to write some masterpiece. its basic stuff and only has to be a few minutes long. and theres no set style you can do whatever you want.
you have to record it on one of those computer sequencer things (i.e. digital performer) and then write it out as a score. then the teacher reads what youve written and listen to what youve recorded at the same time and marks you on it. its not that bad though. dont start gettin stressed.

clay

hi val!

Velvet Vocals

crowbar188 wrote:

you do have to do a small amount of composing in the professional musician course. you have to do one piece at christmas and one at the summer exams. but theyre not expecting you to write some masterpiece. its basic stuff and only has to be a few minutes long. and theres no set style you can do whatever you want.
you have to record it on one of those computer sequencer things (i.e. digital performer) and then write it out as a score. then the teacher reads what youve written and listen to what youve recorded at the same time and marks you on it. its not that bad though. dont start gettin stressed.

Cool, nice one! Stress levels returning to normal once again

Alkali

Saint Something wrote:

Who said composition isn't exactly rocket science.... what's this about composition anyway.... COMPOSITION!!!!!!! :eek: *Takes deep breath* Ok, I think I'm just getting freaked out about this course now.... do you think they expect people to do some composing?? :eek: If so, I'm fu*ked!

Oh, it was dive bomber who said it wasnt exactly rocket science..

you have to record it on one of those computer sequencer things (i.e. digital performer) and then write it out as a score. then the teacher reads what youve written and listen to what youve recorded at the same time and marks you on it

Cool, did you use Sibelius at all crowbar188?

Velvet Vocals

clay wrote:

hi val!

Chico???

clay

guess again hotshot!

Velvet Vocals

clay wrote:

guess again hotshot!

Adam?

clay

bingo!......hey best of luck with the audition, and don't sweat it about being the granny of the course...you can only see the wrinkles when you get up real close

Velvet Vocals

HA HA!!
Well at least its only up close for me... it's as plain as a cloudy day for you "darling"

By the way.... Am I the singer featured in this post??http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2408067#post2408067

clay

nope, thats Aine....hey wait till you hear chico singing "don't you want me"

Velvet Vocals

You'll have to let me know when your playing, I'm dying to hear you!!

clay

of course sweetheart!...it'll be a great opportunity to get together and compare wrinkles



-you spelt dying wrong

crowbar188

Alkali wrote:

Cool, did you use Sibelius at all crowbar188?

No, they only use Digital Performer.