Whether in a studio or live environment, session work creates employment opportunities within the music industry. This module aims to introduce you to the characteristics and skills requirements of a Session Musician and allows you the opportunity to explore and experiment in this specific role. Its intention is to build your confidence so that you can perform effectively whether under the pressure of a live situation or the pressure of the red light in the recording studio.

Through this module you develop the skills required to improvise, suggest, ad-lib and listen when working as a session musician in this field, whilst at the same time ensuring you do not over-step the mark creatively when working to someone else’s vision.

The ability of a session musician to play a multitude of styles and genres whilst having command of their instrument is what brings them work and therefore it is important that in this module you continue to explore diverse genres through your instrumental practice and draw on the learning that has been taking place through other modules on this course. This module will require a significant amount of individual instrumental rehearsal in addition to scheduled sessions.

Typically, working in the music industry requires collaboration and this area of work is no different. You will need to develop your ability to work effectively with others; to be reliable, consistent and a good listener. You will put the theory of working as a Session Musician to practice through your assessment which will require you to perform in situations reflective of current industry practice, in a recording studio and in a live situation. In both instances the material and the part that you perform will be determined for you and you will be expected to demonstrate an ability to respond appropriately to that direction. By the end of this module you will know how to contribute in a way that is always about the song as a cohesive rather than the individual instrumental component parts.

Assessment 1: Performance Portfolio (100%)
The delivery of two performances as a Session Musician:
a) in a recording studio
b) playing live in a band, in a given role with pre-determined materials
Your performances must be underpinned by evidence of critical reflection on your journey through the process of performing as a session musician in situations reflective of industry practice and an ability to adapt approaches to suit the working conditions. These findings may be expressed through a range of communication methods. [Learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4]

Learning strategies in this module are predominantly practical and directly linked to the workplace. The module will begin with sessions reviewing the industry environment and employment potential for session musicians. These will be followed by practical workshops to develop your ability to respond to industry demands and will explore a diverse range of contexts. Your development will be supported by the application of reflective practice and formative feedback. Examples of activities in this module are:

¿ Analysis of session musician work for a variety of mediums
¿ Analysis of successful session musicians
¿ Analysis of styles and genres and music to enhance knowledge
¿ Hand-on practical workshops (for studio and live performance situations)
¿ Playback opportunities with peer analysis
¿ Problem solving workshops
¿ Reflective practice workshops
¿ Opportunities to interact with visiting practitioners
¿ Individual tutorials and group critiques

1. MAKE SOUND JUDGMENTS WITH REGARDS TO INSTRUMENTAL PRACTICE WHEN FOLLOWING DIRECTION IN ORDER TO WORK EFFECTIVELY AS A SESSION MUSICIAN IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENTS
Learning

2. EVALUATE CRITICALLY THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES WHEN WORKING AS A SESSION MUSICIAN IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENTS
Problem Solving

3. WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH FELLOW PRACTITIONERS AND RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO DIRECTION, SHOWING SKILL IN ADAPTING OWN INSTRUMENTAL RESPONSE SO THAT COHESIVE OUTCOMES ARE MET.
Working with Others

4. DEMONSTRATE QUALITIES AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR EMPLOYMENT AS A SESSION MUSICIAN INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING SKILLS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW COMPETENCIES.
Reflection

¿ Practice/rehearsal rooms
¿ Keyboards/pianos
¿ Guitars
¿ Amplifiers
¿ Listening facilities
¿ Microphones and recording equipment when necessary.
¿ A large room will be needed for group performances.
¿ Access to a variety of rehearsal and performance areas.
¿ Specialist performance and rehearsal spaces appropriate to musical direction
¿ PA equipment
¿ Whiteboard
¿ Projector
¿ Mac computers
¿ Recording Studio
¿ Computers
¿ Music Library
¿ Live venue

Hartman K. (2013) The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll's Best-Kept Secret: Tantor Media Inc; Unabridged edition
McManus M. (2014) Read this Before You Join a Band!: My Life as a Touring and Session Musician: AuthorHouse

None