Rock School Interview/Audition Advice...

TheFiveLamps

Hey,

I plan on applying for the Rock School course in BCFE and was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice etc...

just wondering what the auditioning process is?

is it just one round of auditions or two?

is the standard of musicians pretty high or?

what kind of questions do they ask in the interview process?

what are they looking for in applicants etc?

literally any information at all will be helpful and appreciated!

Cheers!

Mur_Mur

Hiya five lamps,

I'm a second year there at the moment, it's a great couple of years so all the best with your audition.

The audition is half interview half audition. They'll ask you what experience you've got and what you're looking to achieve if you got in, as well as just a general chat about music. It'll go differently depending on if you're an instrumentalist or a songwriter as they'll be looking for different strengths in each. You'll obviously have to play for them too.

The standard overall isn't ridiculously high but it depends on so many factors. For example guitar players have a harder time because so many guitarists apply whereas a good bass player is like gold dust.

I would say a good tip is to familiarize yourself with what's going on in the college right now, there's some really good bands coming out of that place. If you can show them that you've done a bit of research and are genuinely enthusiastic that'll go a long way. They're looking for people who not only can wail but will jump in and get involved. Name dropping "Textures" wouldn't hurt. Also look into Mu:zone in Hammelburg, it's a trip that second years go on.

There's really only one round of auditions, but if you don't get in the first time around and someone doesn't take their place there could be a second round of offers.

Textures:
http://bcfetextures.wordpress.com/about/

Some Rock School Bands:
http://www.facebook.com/RedSailMusic
http://www.facebook.com/elkmusic
http://www.facebook.com/electorsmusic
http://www.facebook.com/Cult.of.MurMur

dempo

Would there be any styles that they'd be very much against? Have an interview myself next month and am trying to mix up the songs to pick but am stuck after 5 kinda.

Mur_Mur

They're quite open minded, I play in a prog/psych band, we've seen all sorts from instrumental rock to metal to folk so a mix is always good.. I doubt you'll get a chance to play 5 or more full pieces. If you're a guitar player they'll ask you to demonstrate bits and bobs but not that many in one interview!

jus_tin4

any tips for drummers?

dempo

had mine today wasnt really happy with it I was preparing for something longer and just taught it would be alot tougher. Was really nervous sure i'll have to wait and see.

@jus_tin4 I was auditioning for guitar but I imagine its the same basic idea. They only listen to a little bit of one song from the cd you bring and only get you to play a little bit in front of them. Ask you the usual thing about your passion for music and what you know other than playing ie theory and stuff. I was only getting nervous because I didnt know what to expect but its really easy going.