Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Violinists! Suggest some solo pieces to play for a group of about 50 people

Violinists! Suggest some solo pieces to play for a group of about 50 people?
The character in my story is a nurse, played violin for ten years as a child (5-15) and had dreams of going professional someday, but her mother dies and that decided her future career. Ten years later, her boyfriend (a fine craftsman) makes a kit violin and gives it to her. She is touched by this and decides to practice some classical melodies to entertain the members of their small community. I like Massenet's Meditation from Thais and Boccarini's Minuet, but there is no accompaniment available, and I'm not sure how nice they would be without. Please don't suggest something like Sarasate's Gypsy Airs! She's not a virtuoso! That's far beyond her technical skills. She remembers some tunes she loved well enough to be able to recapture them after a few weeks of practice. Thanks! If this isn't clear enough, please let me know and I'll ask another question, or add details. 1 MAR 08, 0457 hrs, GMT.
Performing Arts - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Massenet's Meditation would be fine .I often hear buskers play this unaccompanied and it sounds great. It is perfect for the story too. Another one to consider might be the violin transcription of Chopin's nocturne number 20 in C# minor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4zoyEwT3s This sounds good unaccompanied as well. Also : Paganini...Cantabile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEtens6JJp8


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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

What song is good for me to sing for a solo

What song is good for me to sing for a solo?
My range goes from G3 to A 5 I think I'm mezzo soprano. I really like musicals-broadway songs. But I'm singing at a nursing home for the first time, but I don't that is right. So please help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3czz4UhQnA
Singing - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
a person that sing that you idk i am not sure
2 :
I have sung at many nursing homes and the people always seem to enjoy show tunes, especially classic ones. Here are a few ideas: "Cockeyed Optimist" - Showboat "I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta my Hair" - Showboat "Think of Me" - Phantom of the Opera (you may have to transpose it down since it goes a bit above your range "I Could Have Danced All Night" - My Fair Lady "Hello, Young Lovers" - The King and I "Simple Joys of Maidenhood" - Camelot "Til There Was You" - The Music Man "The Sound of Music" - "The Sound of Music" Hope that list gets you started :)
3 :
"Black Velvet" by Lita Ford...
4 :
take as much advantage as you can...the more you take the better ...dont wack out now..or you might not get a second chance.
5 :
I think that song is appropriate for a nursing home, if that is the song you're singing. Tip: Use your diaphragm more. I don't know if it's your camera or mic, but you sound like you're straining to stay in chest voice on some of the top notes. Either that, or go into middle/head voice. You have a great vibrato. Are you singing backup? I notice you're not singing the entire song. If you are, darken your vowels. By that, I mean rather than get all smiley when you sing your vowels, elongate your mouth into an "O" or an oval shape, leaving your jaw loose rather than tightening it up or widening the corners of your mouth. It makes it sound more.. choral. That's what you're looking for if you're singing backup. If you're not, you can sound your vowels in your own style, but you have a habit of sliding your notes when they go from low to high. DON'T slide. Please. It makes good singers sound like moaning or wailing banshees. You know how stereotypical ghosts sound? That's the sound you'll produce if you slide. Unless you're Def Leppard. Since you're not, go straight from the high note to the low note without sliding it (if you know what I mean by sliding), and vice versa. Also be sure to enunciate your consonants better. You really have a great voice otherwise, though, and ya gotta start somewhere, huh? ;] PS: sing Hallelujah. It really does showcase voice.



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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Making a living playing music

Making a living playing music?
I play violin very well and have for a long time in local orchestras, nursing homes, etc but not necessarily for pay. I'd just love to get paid to play, but I don't know how to start the process and need advice. I'd like to play solo for events, what has worked for you as far as rates, advertising, and getting bookings? Thanks so much for any help you can give me to get me on my way! Take care!
Performing Arts - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Try the orchestra around your biggest city!
2 :
Well if u get a record deal there isnt any money in it the record company just buys it all.
3 :
Hi there, I propose a different aspect.. How about joining forces with another artist and create a "band". Then you have may get double the exposure because you have 2 people reaching for the stars.
4 :
Look into ambient music That stuff you never notice during movies but sets the tone for whats happening. Ive heard its pretty easy to get into if you can track down a company and pretty much all the employ are strings and percussion.
5 :
Start your own band. There are a lot of very good 'fiddlers' who have their own bands and many of them are women. A lot of country and rock bands are adding violins to their instrument lineup.
6 :
I play solo Irish harp, which admittedly lends itself more easily to solo performances than violin does, in that I can play melody with chord accompaniment by myself. I have a regular gig in a local restaurant that I do three days a week; perhaps you might ask some of your local places if they'd be interested in your music as background for diners. Use your contacts in the music community in your area; it is vital for you to have a wide net of people who know you and might refer a gig or two your way. It is true that forming a band might be a good idea; but be careful who you associate with, that you are all of similar skill level and expectations. Print some business cards with all your contact info, and always have them with you. You should definitely get a webpage together, and perhaps a Myspace page. I learned early in my career that no one will take you seriously unless you take yourself seriously. Charging for your services is a great way to establish that. BEWARE of playing for "exposure"...unless you are very new, it just means that you're playing for free or for chump change, and if you are too willing to accept that, you won't be taken seriously. Your rates will depend on what your local market dictates; have a word with some of the other musicians in your orchestra as to what is a good idea for one of your skill level and experience, and grow it from there. Good luck in the new career!
7 :
I share that same dream...well except on the viola. Well if your pre college look into a good music school, many ensembles look into talent there. I'm guessing it depends on what style you play too. :)
8 :
Your best tool is word of mouth. If you can manage some public performances as a soloist (even if you have to busk or play for tips), you can establish yourself somewhat. Rates greatly depend on your location and venue. As well as your particular niche and the amount of competition you face. Most established venues have established rates.






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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Making a living playing music

Making a living playing music?
I play violin very well and have for a long time in local orchestras, nursing homes, etc but not necessarily for pay. I'd just love to get paid to play, but I don't know how to start the process and need advice. I'd like to play solo for events, what has worked for you as far as rates, advertising, and getting bookings? Thanks so much for any help you can give me to get me on my way! Take care!
Performing Arts - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Try the orchestra around your biggest city!
2 :
Well if u get a record deal there isnt any money in it the record company just buys it all.
3 :
Hi there, I propose a different aspect.. How about joining forces with another artist and create a "band". Then you have may get double the exposure because you have 2 people reaching for the stars.
4 :
Look into ambient music That stuff you never notice during movies but sets the tone for whats happening. Ive heard its pretty easy to get into if you can track down a company and pretty much all the employ are strings and percussion.
5 :
Start your own band. There are a lot of very good 'fiddlers' who have their own bands and many of them are women. A lot of country and rock bands are adding violins to their instrument lineup.
6 :
I play solo Irish harp, which admittedly lends itself more easily to solo performances than violin does, in that I can play melody with chord accompaniment by myself. I have a regular gig in a local restaurant that I do three days a week; perhaps you might ask some of your local places if they'd be interested in your music as background for diners. Use your contacts in the music community in your area; it is vital for you to have a wide net of people who know you and might refer a gig or two your way. It is true that forming a band might be a good idea; but be careful who you associate with, that you are all of similar skill level and expectations. Print some business cards with all your contact info, and always have them with you. You should definitely get a webpage together, and perhaps a Myspace page. I learned early in my career that no one will take you seriously unless you take yourself seriously. Charging for your services is a great way to establish that. BEWARE of playing for "exposure"...unless you are very new, it just means that you're playing for free or for chump change, and if you are too willing to accept that, you won't be taken seriously. Your rates will depend on what your local market dictates; have a word with some of the other musicians in your orchestra as to what is a good idea for one of your skill level and experience, and grow it from there. Good luck in the new career!
7 :
I share that same dream...well except on the viola. Well if your pre college look into a good music school, many ensembles look into talent there. I'm guessing it depends on what style you play too. :)
8 :
Your best tool is word of mouth. If you can manage some public performances as a soloist (even if you have to busk or play for tips), you can establish yourself somewhat. Rates greatly depend on your location and venue. As well as your particular niche and the amount of competition you face. Most established venues have established rates.




 Read more discussion :