Sorry it's been so long! I've been busy studying etc. I am almost finished my exams and I figured I might as well update you all on how I got on with my auditions.
I was accepted to both of the colleges that I applied for :D! Exciting! The colleges being University College Cork and NUI Maynooth. Although I am thrilled that they thought I was good enough, I am sad to say that Music is no longer my first choice for college courses in September. I have decided that I would liketo follow in my mother's footsteps and pursue Law in Cork.
I'm just afraid that I would get tired of music if I did it 24/7 and I don't want that to happen. I will get involved with music clubs and societies in college but that is as far as it will go I think!
Hope anyone else who had auditions got on well and congratulations if anyone was accepted :). I might go back to college later in my life to study music, who knows!
Maeve x
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Monday, 9 May 2011
Review: Masters of the Irish Harp
I got this CD as a birthday present from my Mom. She heard about it while listening to RTE Lyric fm who released it.
First of all I would like to say that I normally do not like compilation albums. I find that the inconsistency of style in the tracks does not allow me to fully enjoy the talents of all the artists, especially when the tracks have been taken from other albums, as is the case with this compilation.
However, the mixture of techniques, tunes and harps on the various tracks offer interesting contrasts and great means for comparision between the different harpers. So here we go. . .
Track 1: The Geese in the Bog - Gráinne Hambly
I actually own the original album that this was taken off I think. . . I really like her style of performing. Her arrangement of this tune is nice and simple. The bass on her harp is fab! I like the tempo, it's pretty steady which is unusual for trad. harpers who normally play at crazy speeds just because they can. The moderate tempo allows her to articulate every note properly and for the listener to hear each one.
Track 2: Anna Mhic Dhiarmada Rua (Carolan) - Aibhlin McCrann
Lovely haunting tune. I love O'Carolan pieces anyway! The arrangement stays very faithful to the Baroque style which greatly influenced O'Carolan as a composer. The addition of the harpsichord (I think!) is nice, it brings a richer texture to the piece which is always interesting :).
Track 3: Lon Dubh/ Maidrín Rua (Trad/ Goodman) - Laoise Kelly
Okay Laoise Kelly is my absolute favourite harper and I have seen her perform this set live in Matt Malloy's so I guess I'm a bit biased. I also have the album this was taken from; "Ceis". Great album if you like trad. Irish harp music! I love her use of damping techniques, it adds rhythmic value to the tune and it is characteristic of her playing style. Check her out: http://laoisekelly.ie/web/
Track 4: An Leannán (Ní Uallacháin) - Helen Davies
This tune would be good without all the "Celtic Mist" which completely destroys it for me! I guess this is an example of New Age Celtic Music. The weird synth in the background sounds kind of sci-fi at times. Disappointingly the harp is not to the fore all the time, sometimes it just accompanies a wind instrument I can't name. At one stage there is nice use of harmonics but the backing sounds take away from it. I will be skipping this track when I listen to the album!
Track 5: Port An Deoraí/ An Phis Fliuch - Paul Dooley
This track is played on a medieval style, wire-strung harp. The resonance is substantial from the strings and I think more damping might have improved the sound. Otherwise this is a good track, the sound from the wire strings is bell like.
Track 6: Prelude From Lute Suite BW 1006a - Anne-Marie O'Farrell
This was transposed into E flat major to get the best resonances on the harp. Interesting to hear Bach played on the Irish Harp, it is a technically very difficult piece. The bass sounds a bit buzzy at times but the playing of accidentals is seamless and fluid despite the fact that there are many! Love the use of harmonics throughout! Really easy to listen to, quite beautiful. More dynamic variation would have made it perfect.
Track 7: Da Mihi Manum - Siobhán Armstrong
Played on a copy of the medieval Trinity College Harp. I thought the bass was very tinny but the treble notes are uniquely resounding. A very pretty tune :)
Track 8: The Green Mountain/ The Hearty Bucks Of Oranmore - Michelle Mulcahy
Cool, lively tunes. Her style is quite similiar to Laoise Kelly's but slightly heavier on the strings. I love her extensive use of damping in the left hand which gives great rhythm to the set. There is a musical delicacy in the way she plays the melody and at times the accompaniment verges on domination.
Track 9: Reel For A Water Diviner - Máire Ní Chathasaigh
I adore this tune! It's really light-hearted and fresh. The addition of percussion and guitar enhances the mood without taking too much attention away from the harp. The plucked guitar and harp are interwoven in places which creates a feeling of infinity, you can't tell where the harp leaves off and the guitar picks up.
Track 10: The Queen Of The West/ Eleanor Plunkett - Kathleen Loughnan
I don't particularly like the sound of the harp on this recording. It sounds very thin or something. . . The bodhrán (I'm guessing!) is nice and light in the background. It really grounds the tune. This version of Eleanor Plunkett disappointed me a bit. The arrangement just wasn't my cup of tea and in my opinion there was far too much ornamentation. Much too flowery for such a beautiful air! The synth in the background is just about bearable, not really necessary but anyway. . .
Track 11: Arrane Ghelbhee - Áine Ní Dhubhghaill
I am enamoured with this tune! Great dynamic variation which sets her apart from a lot of the harpers on this compilation. Beautiful, ghostly melody with a perfect broken chord accompaniment.
Track 12: The Monaghan Jig - Cormac De Barra
This track is pretty hypnotic, with lots of repeated noted in the first part of the melody and extended chords. The second part features larger intervals but I think the drum beat keeps it on the same plane. It changes up when the guitar switched its rhythm leading to the end. Nice!
Track 13: Rakish Paddy/ The Bucks Of Oranmore/ The Mortgage Burn - Tríona Marshall
The defiant block chords in the first tune and repeated notes in the left hand really set the stage for the surprising melody. The rolls in this set (an ornamentation technique) are wonderfully articulated. Good bass sound. Syncopated arrangement is fresh and easy.
Track 14: Suantraí - Janet Harbisson
Suantraí means lullaby and that is exactly what this sounds like. This piece was composed by the harpist to help her friends grieve over the death of their child. This melody is flowing and gentle with an accompaniment that melts into it. The emotional significance of this tune for the musician is audible.
Track 15: Bridget Cruise/ The Deer's March - Dearbhail Finnegan
Another tinny sounding harp! AAAgh! No offence to the harpist who is clearly wonderful but the tone is kind of annoying. Otherwise these tunes are well chosen. I especially admire her arrangement of the second tune, the first part in particular. Her ripples are well placed to highlight the crests of the melody.
Track 16: Farewell To Music (Carolan) - Gráinne Yeats
Another O'Carolan piece :)! Unfortunately this is my least favourite of his compositions which I have heard. The melody is not very memorable. The wire-strung harp is instantly recognisable here. Again, I don't like the buzzy bass, however, I love the magical sound of the higher notes on this harp.
Looong post I know but because each track was by a different harper I couldn't just generalise on the sound of the album and the style. This is a nice LP to have just because it features such a variety of harps on it and many different styles of playing from some amazing musicians.
If I was to cut out any tracks it would be 4 and 10 just because of the stupid synthesiser used >:(.
Overall I give this compilation an 8/10. It is exactly what it is supposed to be but for me those 2 dud tracks bring it down. It is worth the money!
Maeve x
However, the mixture of techniques, tunes and harps on the various tracks offer interesting contrasts and great means for comparision between the different harpers. So here we go. . .
Track 1: The Geese in the Bog - Gráinne Hambly
I actually own the original album that this was taken off I think. . . I really like her style of performing. Her arrangement of this tune is nice and simple. The bass on her harp is fab! I like the tempo, it's pretty steady which is unusual for trad. harpers who normally play at crazy speeds just because they can. The moderate tempo allows her to articulate every note properly and for the listener to hear each one.
Track 2: Anna Mhic Dhiarmada Rua (Carolan) - Aibhlin McCrann
Lovely haunting tune. I love O'Carolan pieces anyway! The arrangement stays very faithful to the Baroque style which greatly influenced O'Carolan as a composer. The addition of the harpsichord (I think!) is nice, it brings a richer texture to the piece which is always interesting :).
Track 3: Lon Dubh/ Maidrín Rua (Trad/ Goodman) - Laoise Kelly
Okay Laoise Kelly is my absolute favourite harper and I have seen her perform this set live in Matt Malloy's so I guess I'm a bit biased. I also have the album this was taken from; "Ceis". Great album if you like trad. Irish harp music! I love her use of damping techniques, it adds rhythmic value to the tune and it is characteristic of her playing style. Check her out: http://laoisekelly.ie/web/
Track 4: An Leannán (Ní Uallacháin) - Helen Davies
This tune would be good without all the "Celtic Mist" which completely destroys it for me! I guess this is an example of New Age Celtic Music. The weird synth in the background sounds kind of sci-fi at times. Disappointingly the harp is not to the fore all the time, sometimes it just accompanies a wind instrument I can't name. At one stage there is nice use of harmonics but the backing sounds take away from it. I will be skipping this track when I listen to the album!
Track 5: Port An Deoraí/ An Phis Fliuch - Paul Dooley
This track is played on a medieval style, wire-strung harp. The resonance is substantial from the strings and I think more damping might have improved the sound. Otherwise this is a good track, the sound from the wire strings is bell like.
Track 6: Prelude From Lute Suite BW 1006a - Anne-Marie O'Farrell
This was transposed into E flat major to get the best resonances on the harp. Interesting to hear Bach played on the Irish Harp, it is a technically very difficult piece. The bass sounds a bit buzzy at times but the playing of accidentals is seamless and fluid despite the fact that there are many! Love the use of harmonics throughout! Really easy to listen to, quite beautiful. More dynamic variation would have made it perfect.
Track 7: Da Mihi Manum - Siobhán Armstrong
Played on a copy of the medieval Trinity College Harp. I thought the bass was very tinny but the treble notes are uniquely resounding. A very pretty tune :)
Track 8: The Green Mountain/ The Hearty Bucks Of Oranmore - Michelle Mulcahy
Cool, lively tunes. Her style is quite similiar to Laoise Kelly's but slightly heavier on the strings. I love her extensive use of damping in the left hand which gives great rhythm to the set. There is a musical delicacy in the way she plays the melody and at times the accompaniment verges on domination.
Track 9: Reel For A Water Diviner - Máire Ní Chathasaigh
I adore this tune! It's really light-hearted and fresh. The addition of percussion and guitar enhances the mood without taking too much attention away from the harp. The plucked guitar and harp are interwoven in places which creates a feeling of infinity, you can't tell where the harp leaves off and the guitar picks up.
Track 10: The Queen Of The West/ Eleanor Plunkett - Kathleen Loughnan
I don't particularly like the sound of the harp on this recording. It sounds very thin or something. . . The bodhrán (I'm guessing!) is nice and light in the background. It really grounds the tune. This version of Eleanor Plunkett disappointed me a bit. The arrangement just wasn't my cup of tea and in my opinion there was far too much ornamentation. Much too flowery for such a beautiful air! The synth in the background is just about bearable, not really necessary but anyway. . .
Track 11: Arrane Ghelbhee - Áine Ní Dhubhghaill
I am enamoured with this tune! Great dynamic variation which sets her apart from a lot of the harpers on this compilation. Beautiful, ghostly melody with a perfect broken chord accompaniment.
Track 12: The Monaghan Jig - Cormac De Barra
This track is pretty hypnotic, with lots of repeated noted in the first part of the melody and extended chords. The second part features larger intervals but I think the drum beat keeps it on the same plane. It changes up when the guitar switched its rhythm leading to the end. Nice!
Track 13: Rakish Paddy/ The Bucks Of Oranmore/ The Mortgage Burn - Tríona Marshall
The defiant block chords in the first tune and repeated notes in the left hand really set the stage for the surprising melody. The rolls in this set (an ornamentation technique) are wonderfully articulated. Good bass sound. Syncopated arrangement is fresh and easy.
Track 14: Suantraí - Janet Harbisson
Suantraí means lullaby and that is exactly what this sounds like. This piece was composed by the harpist to help her friends grieve over the death of their child. This melody is flowing and gentle with an accompaniment that melts into it. The emotional significance of this tune for the musician is audible.
Track 15: Bridget Cruise/ The Deer's March - Dearbhail Finnegan
Another tinny sounding harp! AAAgh! No offence to the harpist who is clearly wonderful but the tone is kind of annoying. Otherwise these tunes are well chosen. I especially admire her arrangement of the second tune, the first part in particular. Her ripples are well placed to highlight the crests of the melody.
Track 16: Farewell To Music (Carolan) - Gráinne Yeats
Another O'Carolan piece :)! Unfortunately this is my least favourite of his compositions which I have heard. The melody is not very memorable. The wire-strung harp is instantly recognisable here. Again, I don't like the buzzy bass, however, I love the magical sound of the higher notes on this harp.
Looong post I know but because each track was by a different harper I couldn't just generalise on the sound of the album and the style. This is a nice LP to have just because it features such a variety of harps on it and many different styles of playing from some amazing musicians.
If I was to cut out any tracks it would be 4 and 10 just because of the stupid synthesiser used >:(.
Overall I give this compilation an 8/10. It is exactly what it is supposed to be but for me those 2 dud tracks bring it down. It is worth the money!
Maeve x
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Music Auditions: NUI Maynooth
The second of my two music auditions was held on Wednesday in the Logic building on the NUI Maynooth campus. The Logic building is home to the Music Department and the Mathematics Department which I thought was quite funny.
Maynooth hold their entrance test a couple of weeks before the audition because you are required to have a certain standard of music theory in order to be accepted. My entrance test was about 2 weeks before Easter I think. . . They sent me a letter 2 weeks later telling me I had gotten an audition for the 4th of May at 3.00pm.
Here is the link to their Sample Entrance Exam: http://music.nuim.ie/sites/music.nuim.ie/files/documents/SamplePapers/BMus_Entrance_SAMPLE.pdf
I found this test quite boring as it is pretty much what you are asked on the Irish Leaving Certificate Music Paper. Nothing very exciting. I preferred the Cork one which gave greater scope to be creative and show off your skills.
Okay so on to the audition...
I was really glad I asked Paul for some tips, it really helps to talk to someone who has done the same audition already. Preferably someone who got accepted!
Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to show you, my phone was really really low on battery and I was afraid it would conk so I didn't take the chance!
Based on my experience at both interviews/auditions I would say that I am in a good position to get offers from both places (sounds cocky I know but optimism is always a better option) so fingers crossed my prediction is right!
Good luck to anyone else who has auditions coming up!
Maeve x
Maynooth hold their entrance test a couple of weeks before the audition because you are required to have a certain standard of music theory in order to be accepted. My entrance test was about 2 weeks before Easter I think. . . They sent me a letter 2 weeks later telling me I had gotten an audition for the 4th of May at 3.00pm.
Here is the link to their Sample Entrance Exam: http://music.nuim.ie/sites/music.nuim.ie/files/documents/SamplePapers/BMus_Entrance_SAMPLE.pdf
I found this test quite boring as it is pretty much what you are asked on the Irish Leaving Certificate Music Paper. Nothing very exciting. I preferred the Cork one which gave greater scope to be creative and show off your skills.
Okay so on to the audition...
- I arrived at the Logic building at 2.00pm, an hour before my allotted time. I always like to be really early for these things so I have time to look around and get used to the place.
- I gave my name at the registration desk which was manned by a Masters student in the college. He was great but I forget his name!!
- Said student showed me to a practice room so I could tune my harp. I really liked the Yamaha piano in there. . . The practice rooms weren't very well sound-proofed which was annoying. I could clearly hear the people in nearby rooms playing.
- After I had finished tuning and warming up I went back into the main building (the practice rooms were in a prefab type thing) to wait outside my allotted audition room. I was called a few minutes early so it was just as well I had given myself time to spare!
- I had 2 interviewers; Lorraine Byrne Bodley and Martin O'Leary. I was well prepared for this interview because I know 2 people doing the music course in Maynooth at the moment so on the journey there I asked one of them for last minute advice. He (Paul Cecchetti, the drummer in the band I played with last summer) told me to talk about contemporary music because they love that. Paul gave me a list of contemporary composers to talk about and I spent the rest of the car journey listening to their compositions on YouTube :).
- I played my two pieces first. (It was only supposed to be one but I couldn't choose so I asked could I play the two and they let me :)). I was put on a small stage for the performance which was a bit daunting, completely different to the relaxed office I had my audition in for Cork. I made a few mistakes but I never think I've played well anyway.
- Then I had the interview. This was pretty nice. They just asked me to talk about my involvement in music so I rambled for about 5 minutes about all my achievements and live performances etc..
- After this I was asked to sing an interval of a 5th (nice and easy!) and I was shown a couple of pieces of music that I had to look at and identify the key signatures (again pretty straight forward!).
I was really glad I asked Paul for some tips, it really helps to talk to someone who has done the same audition already. Preferably someone who got accepted!
Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to show you, my phone was really really low on battery and I was afraid it would conk so I didn't take the chance!
Based on my experience at both interviews/auditions I would say that I am in a good position to get offers from both places (sounds cocky I know but optimism is always a better option) so fingers crossed my prediction is right!
Good luck to anyone else who has auditions coming up!
Maeve x
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Music Auditions: UCC
Okay so I am just going to give a brief account of my experiences with music auditions for college and give some tips on how to get an offer. I only attended two auditions, one in Cork and one in Maynooth.
I'll start with Cork which was last Saturday. All candidates were told to prepare two pieces on one instrument or one piece on two different instruments. We were encouraged to show off how many instruments we could play which, stupidly, I didn't do!!
I haven't played piano in months and I only performed on the harp for my music practical exam in school so it was just easier for me to stick with the harp. In hindsight it would have been a good idea for me to pull out something relatively easy on piano. Learn from my mistakes!
The written paper started at 10.00 and lasted for an hour. We had to pick one essay from a choice of. . . 6 or 7 I think and one notation exercise from a choice of 3. Here is a sample exam that UCC have on their website:
http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Specimen_Entrance_Test.pdf
The essay title I chose was: "Today, is Irish Traditional Music still traditional?" and I also chose the Traditional Irish Music notation question. We were told to spend 20 minutes on the essay and 40 minutes on the notation question. I got both of them finished with time to spare and I think I did alright!
After the exam we were told to look at a noticeboard on the ground floor which would have the times and locations of our interviews on display. My interview was at 12.45 so I had almost 2 hours to wait but that was good because I had to tune up and warm up.
Tip: Don't hang around waiting to be told where you should go or what you should do. Ask someone!! We
weren't told where the practice rooms were or where we could go to warm up so I asked everyone I saw until I found someone who knew.
I had my interview with John Godfrey who was charged with all the guitar players and some traditional musicians. I'm so glad he was my interviewer because he was totally laid back. I played my two pieces and then he just asked me why I wanted to study music in college. An easy enough question but I hadn't really thought about it much so I went in circles for a while before getting my thoughts straight. He pretty much just let me talk! Then he asked what aspect of the course I am interested in.
Tip: You need to make yourself stand out from the crowd! There were no other harpists there that day so I had an advantage but I also made an effort to talk about aspects of music that were unique to me. For example I was recorded for a trad. music CD during the summer so I brought that up. Make sure you show versatility! If you play lots of different genres or have done lots of live performing you should milk this!
Then I was asked to do some sight-reading on piano which was alright, I wasn't particularly happy with how I did but there's nothing I can do now!
I know I said I would take pictures of Cork but I completely forgot! I was absolutely exhausted after the audition but I just had to go shopping :). So here is the only picture I took of a really cute vintage shop called "Miss Daisy Blue" where I bought a gorgeous patterned silk blouse. It is so nice and light for summer!
That was all I bought unfortunately :( but that wasn't the point of the day so I guess that's alright!
I will write about my audition in NUI Maynooth tomorrow because I have to go study.
Till then,
Maeve x
I'll start with Cork which was last Saturday. All candidates were told to prepare two pieces on one instrument or one piece on two different instruments. We were encouraged to show off how many instruments we could play which, stupidly, I didn't do!!
I haven't played piano in months and I only performed on the harp for my music practical exam in school so it was just easier for me to stick with the harp. In hindsight it would have been a good idea for me to pull out something relatively easy on piano. Learn from my mistakes!
The written paper started at 10.00 and lasted for an hour. We had to pick one essay from a choice of. . . 6 or 7 I think and one notation exercise from a choice of 3. Here is a sample exam that UCC have on their website:
http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Specimen_Entrance_Test.pdf
The essay title I chose was: "Today, is Irish Traditional Music still traditional?" and I also chose the Traditional Irish Music notation question. We were told to spend 20 minutes on the essay and 40 minutes on the notation question. I got both of them finished with time to spare and I think I did alright!
After the exam we were told to look at a noticeboard on the ground floor which would have the times and locations of our interviews on display. My interview was at 12.45 so I had almost 2 hours to wait but that was good because I had to tune up and warm up.
Tip: Don't hang around waiting to be told where you should go or what you should do. Ask someone!! We
weren't told where the practice rooms were or where we could go to warm up so I asked everyone I saw until I found someone who knew.
I had my interview with John Godfrey who was charged with all the guitar players and some traditional musicians. I'm so glad he was my interviewer because he was totally laid back. I played my two pieces and then he just asked me why I wanted to study music in college. An easy enough question but I hadn't really thought about it much so I went in circles for a while before getting my thoughts straight. He pretty much just let me talk! Then he asked what aspect of the course I am interested in.
Tip: You need to make yourself stand out from the crowd! There were no other harpists there that day so I had an advantage but I also made an effort to talk about aspects of music that were unique to me. For example I was recorded for a trad. music CD during the summer so I brought that up. Make sure you show versatility! If you play lots of different genres or have done lots of live performing you should milk this!
Then I was asked to do some sight-reading on piano which was alright, I wasn't particularly happy with how I did but there's nothing I can do now!
I know I said I would take pictures of Cork but I completely forgot! I was absolutely exhausted after the audition but I just had to go shopping :). So here is the only picture I took of a really cute vintage shop called "Miss Daisy Blue" where I bought a gorgeous patterned silk blouse. It is so nice and light for summer!
I will write about my audition in NUI Maynooth tomorrow because I have to go study.
Till then,
Maeve x
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Making money in music
As a student I have only experienced the more temporary jobs available to a musician but hopefully I can give you some insights into the various ways you can earn money by playing music.
1. Weddings!
This is probably the most lucrative occupation for harpists anyway and also piano players or keyboard players accompanying a singer. Once your name gets out there is no end to the amount of bookings you can get so long as you are willing to travel. This may not be an issue for people in cities but in my case I usually have to travel around the province if I want to earn money.
I can't say I have ever played at the reception of a wedding although I have been booked to do one during the summer. For a harpist this just means sitting in the entrance room and playing gentle background music while the guests arrive from the church.
2. Functions!
Every year I am asked to play at the reception of a charity black tie event in town. I do this for free because it is for charity but commercial black-tie events will pay to have musicians playing in the reception area as guests arrive. Last year I had to turn down a booking for a Summer Ball in the local sailing club but I know they pay almost as well as, if not better than, weddings.
Playing background music is great for people just starting out as performers because if you make a mistake no one will notice and you can play almost anything you like.
3. Live Bar Music!
Last summer I was in a band and we made money by playing for 2 to 3 hours in various pubs around the county. It was fun at the beginning but I got bored quickly. As a classical musician it was hard for me to sing and play in front of a bunch of drunk people who weren't really listening. They always requested the same tunes over and over!
4. Funerals
No exclamation mark here because let's be honest, funerals are really sad even if you don't know the person. The difference between weddings and funerals is that while weddings are booked waaaay in advance, funerals are very short notice (OBVIOUSLY). Again you need to get your name out there. Also I don't charge as much for funerals. €50 usually. Give your name to any funeral homes in your town and to the undertakers. You could give your details to your local presbytary (priest's house) or parish coordinator.
Aaand that's all I've got for now! Well all that I have had experience with anyway.
I decided I would post a picture of my harp. As you can see I got mine handcarved along the sound-box and at the front. It just makes it more unique I think.
My harp was made by Paddy Cafferkey who lives near Galway. He makes every harp by hand and creates new designs every year. Mine has removable legs which screw off for ease of transport. This harp cost around €6,000. Thanks Mom and Dad :D. It's a significant investment but I will have it for life so it's worth it.
1. Weddings!
This is probably the most lucrative occupation for harpists anyway and also piano players or keyboard players accompanying a singer. Once your name gets out there is no end to the amount of bookings you can get so long as you are willing to travel. This may not be an issue for people in cities but in my case I usually have to travel around the province if I want to earn money.
- Once you have a wedding repertoire built up and practiced there is very little time commitment involved apart from meeting with the bride and perhaps attending the rehearsal. Considering the amount of time you put into the event (usually about 4 hours max.) the money is VERY good.
- To build up a reputation you need to circulate your name. Tell your family and friends to reccommend you and it might be a good idea to play for normal religious ceremonies in local churches so people get a chance to hear you.
I can't say I have ever played at the reception of a wedding although I have been booked to do one during the summer. For a harpist this just means sitting in the entrance room and playing gentle background music while the guests arrive from the church.
2. Functions!
Every year I am asked to play at the reception of a charity black tie event in town. I do this for free because it is for charity but commercial black-tie events will pay to have musicians playing in the reception area as guests arrive. Last year I had to turn down a booking for a Summer Ball in the local sailing club but I know they pay almost as well as, if not better than, weddings.
Playing background music is great for people just starting out as performers because if you make a mistake no one will notice and you can play almost anything you like.
3. Live Bar Music!
Last summer I was in a band and we made money by playing for 2 to 3 hours in various pubs around the county. It was fun at the beginning but I got bored quickly. As a classical musician it was hard for me to sing and play in front of a bunch of drunk people who weren't really listening. They always requested the same tunes over and over!
- If you think this is what you want to do then be prepared to learn LOTS and LOTS of lyrics if you are the singer. I was and it is tough to remember them all. I cheated and used a folder.
- If you are a guitarist prepare to play the same 4 chords over and over. So long as you can follow the singer and deal with unexpected mishaps you will be fine.
4. Funerals
No exclamation mark here because let's be honest, funerals are really sad even if you don't know the person. The difference between weddings and funerals is that while weddings are booked waaaay in advance, funerals are very short notice (OBVIOUSLY). Again you need to get your name out there. Also I don't charge as much for funerals. €50 usually. Give your name to any funeral homes in your town and to the undertakers. You could give your details to your local presbytary (priest's house) or parish coordinator.
Aaand that's all I've got for now! Well all that I have had experience with anyway.
 |
| My wonderful harp :) |
My harp was made by Paddy Cafferkey who lives near Galway. He makes every harp by hand and creates new designs every year. Mine has removable legs which screw off for ease of transport. This harp cost around €6,000. Thanks Mom and Dad :D. It's a significant investment but I will have it for life so it's worth it.
 |
| Side-view |
I forgot to mention it's made of walnut wood and it smells delish :).
Well this is definitely a long enough post! Enjoy.
Maeve x
No sleep :(
So . . . I was trying to teach myself to sleep on my back last night. I lay awake for about 4 hours and then gave up and rolled over but it was too late and I was already over-tired. Needless to say I'm in a great mood. . .
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Start of the end. . .
Well I have 5 weeks left until my final exams officially start and they cannot come soon enough, I hate waiting! I am sitting the Irish Leaving Certificate in June and for everyone who has not been through the Irish education system it is a tough final year. My college career depends solely on the results of these exams which kind of sucks just a little.
I want to study music at university so that means I have to do various interviews in order to get offers. My first audition is on Saturday in University College Cork. Wish me luck! I will be playing two pieces on the Irish Harp which is my main instrument. I'm going to play "Loftus Jones" by Turlough O'Carolan and "Interlude" by T.C. Kelly. I love the second piece! It's kind of modern classical with lots of lovely chords and runs and it is really emotionally charged.
I have been trying to decide for ages whether I want to study law or music but I think I will go for music as it is my passion and will probably give me more flexibility career-wise. . . Or maybe not?! Maybe someone could help me out on that?
Cork is where I want to study even though it is very far away from where I live right now (in the north west of Ireland), it is a beautiful city full of culture. The best place to start a career in music hopefully :).
I plan to continue this blog throughout college and document my life as a music student so stay tuned! I will take some pictures in Cork to show you how wonderful it is, fingers crossed the weather will be nice!
Live it,
Maeve x.
I want to study music at university so that means I have to do various interviews in order to get offers. My first audition is on Saturday in University College Cork. Wish me luck! I will be playing two pieces on the Irish Harp which is my main instrument. I'm going to play "Loftus Jones" by Turlough O'Carolan and "Interlude" by T.C. Kelly. I love the second piece! It's kind of modern classical with lots of lovely chords and runs and it is really emotionally charged.
I have been trying to decide for ages whether I want to study law or music but I think I will go for music as it is my passion and will probably give me more flexibility career-wise. . . Or maybe not?! Maybe someone could help me out on that?
Cork is where I want to study even though it is very far away from where I live right now (in the north west of Ireland), it is a beautiful city full of culture. The best place to start a career in music hopefully :).
I plan to continue this blog throughout college and document my life as a music student so stay tuned! I will take some pictures in Cork to show you how wonderful it is, fingers crossed the weather will be nice!
Live it,
Maeve x.
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