Unit 33 - Solo Music Performance Skills

LO1

Know how to choose appropriate pieces for an extended programme of music

Factors to be considered

: balancing the programme; choosing pieces appropriate for: the venue, the audience, performer stamina levels; technical/musical difficulty of pieces; amount of preparation time needed before concert; availability of printed music and/or recordings; type of accompaniment required; availability of suitable equipment and personnel to operate it eg sound system, technical crew/operator


My set list

For my set list i wanted to have an over all chilled vibe to it so all my songs are sung acoustically with me playing guitar as well. The reason i went for acoustic songs is because they suit my vocals and also i feel when you perform acoustically you can connect with the audience because the intimate and are usually always about real life problems that everyone may or may not have had to deal with.

I have changed the song list I am performing due to time constraint so ive chosen some songs that i already know and find enjoyable but they don't  affect the theme of my performance.

1) Jolene by Dolly Parton
This song is about a woman who sounds 'perfect' is trying to take away Dolly's man. The song itself is very catchy and upbeat but the lyrics are easily connected with if you've had relationship problems.
I feel this song opens my set list up nicely because it makes people feel relaxed but happy at the same time.

2) Hotel California by the Eagles
This song is about a man who checks in at a hotel in the middle of nowhere that at first seems great but then turns out to be horrible and nightmarish. I think this song is great because the rhythm of the song is down tempo and relaxed but people can use they're imagination to interpret what the hotel is to them.
The reason i chose to perform this one next is because its slower compared to Jolene and you have to really listen to it to understand what its about.

3) I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
This song is about being there for something and being 'theirs' similarly to stand by me it has that same feel good feeling and is very catchy. it also keeps my theme of laid back acoustic. The reason why i chose to perform this one next is because it had the meaning as stand by me there everyone would be in the mood for a happy upbeat song.

4) Stand by me by Ben E King
This song is about a person telling another person that they can 'stand by them' letting them know that whatever happens they'll always be there for them. I think this song is great because its such a general topic that anyone can connect with.  I chose to perform this song next because it sticks with chilled theme and also goes along with hotel California in that it remains thought provoking.

5) Let it be by The Beatles
This song is about even if things seem really hard and you want to give up there will always be an answer that will make it better. I chose to perform this song next because its more of a gospel song so therefore it changes up the down tempo songs however it retains the relaxed feel.

6) Country roads by John Denver
This song about always feeling like you have a home to go to. This song can relate to a lot of people therefore its popular. The reason why i chose this song to perform next is because its more upbeat and its the kind of song people can clap to or bob the head to.

7) Babe I'm Going To Leave You by Led Zepplin (instrumental)
This song about someone who has got fed up with their partner and wants to leave them but they cant bring themselves to do it. The subject matter is also very sensitive and many people can connect with it The reason why i chose to put it in is because its a relaxed way to end the piece and the reason i chose to do it instrumental is because its a  technical song that can still convey the emotion through the notes and tempo of the song.

P1:

Identify appropriate and contrasting pieces for an extended program of music

M1:

Describe appropriate and contrasting pieces for an extended programme of music

D1:

Justify appropriate and contrasting pieces for an extended programme of music

LO2

Be able to perform an extended programme of music to an audience

Elements of musicianship

: accuracy of rhythm, pitch and intonation; expression; interpretation appropriate to the genre/style of the music; confidence

Communication

: musical communication with accompanist/band if appropriate; musical communication with audience

P2:

Perform (as a soloist) an extended programme of music to an audience, demonstrating some elements of good musicianship

M2:

Perform (as a soloist) an extended programme of music to an audience, demonstrating a high level of musicianship

D2:

Perform (as a soloist) an extended programme of music to an audience, demonstrating a high level of musicianship throughout

Here's my solo performance:

Jolene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fqjn01Uawk

Hotel California:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AOcLmvGS-M

I'm Yours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cdH9-W4WlY

Stand by me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv2P55WdyYo

Let it be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPLFQle7AfI

Country Roads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wmKuxpIfuw

Babe I'm Gonna Leave you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqn6K_BJTqM

LO3

Know the processes required in preparation for the performance of an extended programme of music

Technical preparations

: ‘warm-up’ techniques, scales, arpeggios, other technical exercises to improve

tone and technique relevant to the instrument or voice; formulate effective practise routines; pieces for performance thoroughly rehearsed and learnt

Physical preparation

: eg relaxation and/or breathing exercises as appropriate, concentration techniques,

exercises to control nerves, preparatory performances at the venue and in front of an audience

Other preparations

: instrument (where applicable) is in working order and in-tune eg new strings,

serviceable reeds/mouth pieces, correct beaters, voice is warmed up; rehearsal with accompanist if one is being used

P3:

Describe the processes implemented in preparation for the performance of an extended programme of music.

M3:

Explain the processes implemented in preparation for the performance of an extended programme of music.

D3:

Evaluate the processes implemented in preparation for the performance of an extended programme of music.