Project Info

 

I decided that my graded unit project would be based on being a session musician drummer at Riverside Music College, building on the skills and knowledge I have obtained during my graded unit project from year 1 of my studies. I have taken part in many live performance classes, session skill classes and end of term gigs , together with my first instrument study this academic year. I have also taken part in rehearsals and self-practice which will provide me with a wealth of material to build a successful portfolio of work. This body of work which I have documented and recorded as evidence will be useful for potential employment opportunities and for future study opportunities too.

I  spoke with my fellow students who had chosen to do a self-release songwriting project for their portfolio to see if they required the services of a session drummer. My aim was to work with one self-release songwriter from the college and four external self-release songwriters. I agreed to work with four students from my college to do some session work on their self-release tracks working on one track per client. The student songwriters were Paddy McDermott, Charlie Fraser, Nathan Beard, and Jake McLean. I  went into the studio with my client Paddy McDermott and completed the first rehearsal. Unfortunately, Paddy’s project was abandoned as were the other three projects for various reasons.

I have marketed and promoted my services on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Soundcloud, Bandcamp and through the creation of a website.

I have uploaded videos to Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. These include technical exercises from my first instrument study, live performance rehearsals  and excerpts from recent end of term college gigs in December 23 and March 24. Soundcloud has examples of my portfolio sound with Bandcamp having my YouTube link contained in my Bio. My website will also have all my social media links contained within it.

I will charge clients the standard rates listed on the Musicians Union website. I have been a member since my first year of studies. This provides added protection of advice and insurance cover in case of injury to a third party or damage to property while performing, together with Instrument Insurance. Membership also includes set rates of pay for recording and live performance work.

I have advertised my services as a session drummer in four rehearsal studios in the city by posting a flyer on their noticeboards. The studios are Audio Lounge, Berkeley 2, Carlton Studios and Headhunters. I have also joined various session musician agencies to obtain session work, these being Airgigs, Soundbetter and Sonicbids.

I will have a launch event online through my YouTube channel on Friday 26th April 2024 at 7pm and will post this on social media to make the launch official.