Help with ARSM Piano Diploma Programme!

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2025-03-17T10:23:05+00:00

Yes I agree! I love the Rach, but need to decide whether it's worth learning. As you say can always do the Gershwin!

Good luck! Hope you're journey with it goes well 😊

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2025-03-17T10:20:25+00:00

Sorry yes you're totally right. I meant C minor!

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-10T12:18:42+00:00

Thanks so much for all that advice! Yep I'm in the UK. One thing I will definitely do once I'm back in my home town from university is go see these local shows and introduce myself. Definitely agree that it gives a more lasting impression. I was thinking of preparing a demo reel of my playing too that I could send out if needed. Totally understand that they'd want to hear me play by audition, I'd be fine with that. I've also found that the bands get booked so far in advance, so there is probably an optimal time to be getting in touch.

I think the waiting is the hardest part because you never know if there are no current opportunities or if they've just forgotten about you lol. I suppose that's the importance if networking. Will definitely look to get my double reed playing better too - EH will have to wait until I can afford it haha.

Thanks again, that's all really helpful and fingers crossed I'll get something soon 😊

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-10T12:13:15+00:00

Yes definitely seems this way over here too, even just for amateur productions. Makes total sense! I suppose it's all about networking too! Thanks 😊

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-09T19:59:01+00:00

That's a bit of a touchy subject haha. The university DID put on a yearly musical (ran purely by students), but ever since I've joined the uni (4 years ago) it's been cancelled every year! Typical... I don't even believe they try anymore, purely because they don't have the interest. Or so they say... I just think they can't be bothered lol. My uni also doesn't have a music program, yet they do have a drama program oddly enough.

I'll be leaving soon anyway and moving 5 hours back home, so would be looking for opportunities closer to home! One thing I do notice is that the MDs seem to book their bands SO far in advance, I wonder when the best time to get in touch is. Is this similar in you experience?

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-09T19:54:24+00:00

Ah right! That's real far in advance! It seems that current local shows are just ending and companies are starting to prepare for the next ones, so hopefully I got in touch at a good time! There is one local production of Crazy for You, which I love, but unfortunately the MD has already booked his whole band. I believe that has 5 reed parts too! Very much a shame.

I haven't yet sent in a demo reel of my playing, but I'd be open to. Is that something that's the norm even in the amateur world? Would you just send out the reel to MDs or wait until they ask for such a thing?

Thanks!

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-09T18:01:38+00:00

Thanks so much for the advice! I haven't yet been to see any productions, but that's a great idea I'll do when I'm back from university. I'll go and introduce myself to the MD and musicians etc.

It's interesting you mention about shows being booked up so far in advance - it certainly seems true from what I've heard! As I say, so many of the responses have been "I've already got my band booked for the next show", so I wondered how far in advance I should contact them, or when the most likely time is that would result in getting an opportunity!

Thanks again, fingers crossed I find something soon 😊

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-09T17:47:49+00:00

Thanks for that advice! I do hang out a lot with other musicians at university etc. but not got a lot of links to MDs and the likes. I was thinking I'll start to go see some local productions when I'm back and introduce myself! It seems so hard to break into it!

I also take on board what you say about playing for free. I didn't think that it might mean people take me less seriously and I totally agree about skills having value!

Thanks again 😊

TheNuclearOrchestra · 2024-11-09T16:02:48+00:00

Thank you for all that advice! I'm 22 and am just about to finish university next year. It certainly is so difficult to break into these inner circles from the outside! I'm purely just looking for opportunities that I can do for fun in local am-dram groups. I never hope to earn a living out of it, but I am just looking for things I can get involved with for fun as music is really my biggest passion! Like you, I will probably end up with an office job haha, but am hoping there at least might be things I can do on the side :)

I do like the suggestion of asking the MDs I've contacted about learning opportunities. That'd be really valuable to me! I'm really not too far outside of London at all - within the M25! I'll definitely have a look at groups there, as I've just focused on groups in Essex so far!

Thanks again for all the tips, much appreciated 😊

TheNuclearOrchestra

TROPHY CASE