B: Performance and Creative Roles Flashcards
Role: Musician Examples:
Orchestral player, vocalist, accompanist, DJ, Programmer, solo artist – self-employed or freelance.
Responsibilities of a Musician
- Train and practice regularly to keep skills to a high standard – proficient on their instrument 2. Auditioning for musician roles 3. Attending rehearsals to include technical and dress rehearsal, on time and prepared 4. Taking part in performances and workshops 5. Marketing and promoting own work 6. Look after instrument (including voice) 7. Learn new music for a show 8. Work well as part of a team 9. Maintaining/setting up and tuning of equipment
Skills of a Musician
a) Ability to improvise and play by ear b) Being technically proficient on an instrument c) Passion for Music and desire to perform
How a Musician links to other parts of the music industry
Role: DJ/Remixer Examples:
Clubs, discos, host concerts, gigs.
Responsibilities of DJ
Remixes – takes elements of a song and combines them with new ideas to create a new song.
Introduce Music, commercials etc.
Putting records/CD’s on turntable and controlling sound
Skills of a DJ
A good knowledge of production techniques
Interest and skill in music technology
Good speaking voice and ability to project personality.
How a DJ links to other areas of the music industry
Solo Artist
Responsibilities
Sometimes writes their own material
Needs a distinctive look, charisma
Needs drive, ambition and confidence
Composer/Song Writing
Responsibilties
Writing composing music for TV, show, commercial, film etc.
Arranging music – for orchestra etc. – produce scores and parts
Compose a song for a famous singer
Compose music for a special event
Keep to a deadline
Work with a performer so that the song/composition is at their level of performance – correct range etc.
Responding to briefs – film, TV, pitch ideas to clients
Marketing and promoting own work
Sequencing music – using technology to realise music
Creative and artistic direction
Sometimes perform
Musically creative, competent musician
Happy to work alone
Composer/Song Writer
Skills
Knowledge of copyright, marketing, selling and publishing
Talent and creativity
Ability to plan an instrument
Team work skills
How Songwritings link to other areas of the music industry
Producers
Responsibilities
Oversee and manage the recording of an artist’s music – control the overall sound and artistic direction of the recording
Gather ideas for the project and select songs
Hire session musicians for the project
Coach the artist in the studio
Supervise the entire process through mixing to mastering
Make sure the recording is on time and on budget
Producers
Skills
Ability to deal with artists, record companies and managers
Ability to get the best performance out of an act
Has a thorough knowledge of recording studio and techniques
Ability and willingness to work unsociable hours
Musical Director (Conductor)
Responsibilties
Leading rehearsals – unify performers
Conducting musicians – orchestral /singers etc. guide the orchestra or choir
Arranging music for performance
Hiring musicians
Set the tempo and execute clear indications for conducting
Execute clear indicators and shape the sound of the ensemble
Choose the music and study the scores
Relay ideas to the performers
Schedule rehearsals
Musical Director
Skills
Problem solving
Ability to communicate musical thoughts
How a musical director links to other areas of the music industry
Live Sound Technician/Engineer
Responsibilities
Stage planning
Rigging – position equipment
DE rigging
Supervise crew
Do sound checks
Operate the sound desk - Ensure mics/live connectors work i.e. guitars/ adjust levels before and during performances/front of house/monitor mixing
Choose suitable microphones and equipment
Look after the equipment – fix as and when necessary
Live Sound Technician/Engineer
Skills
Love of Music
Knowledge of electronics/sound desks etc.
Freedom to travel
Problem solving
How live sound engineers link to other areas of the music industry
Roadie
Responsibilities
- Assist with getting gear in and out for a concert/gig/tour – rigging, de-rigging – carry equipment
- Specialist instrumental support – look after the equipment – tuning instruments etc.
- Driving – responsible for transporting, setting up and dismantling artists equipment, lighting and PA system at gigs
- Logistics of gig – set up before event, pack up at end of the event
- The Bigger the gig, the more specialised the role of the roadie
Roadie
Skills
- Ability to lift heavy equipment – physical strength and stamina
- Work well as part of a team
- Ability to work away from home for extended periods
A solid understanding of music technology i.e. repairs etc
Examples of Instrumental support
Guitar tech
Drum tech
Instrumental support
Responsibilities
- Look after the instruments 9 guitars, drums, KB etc. – ensure they are functioning correctly between and during gig
- Fix instruments when broken – during performances strings etc.
- Give advice regarding best use of equipment
- Drum Tec – solely responsible for loading, unloading, setup, miking, tuning and repairing drums
Instrumental Support
Skills
- A thorough knowledge of their specialised instrument
- Ability to play instrument/repair instrument
- Quick thinker
- Cool under pressure
- Audio engineering knowledge
