More about the contest/live concert recording




TICKETS FOR LIVE CONCERT TAPING ON SALE!

If you live anywhere near Atlanta, please join us for a very special evening on August 10, 2012 as Greg and 40 other musicians record a TV special, DVD and new CD. Details here

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Through 5/15/2012, save 10% when you buy the Church Pianists Package, the Arrangers Package or the Complete Set of 11 Courses. Use coupon code PACKAGE10.

Yesterday, I announced the video production of a live concert that will be released toward the end of the year.  I also announced a contest where I invited people to send in video auditions for the chance to perform a song with me in that concert.

Someone asked what a perfect audition would look like, and that is a good question, so I wanted to address that here.

First, it stands to reason that the musician has to have good technical ability.  In other words, I need confidence that they will hit the right notes in a live setting.  Honestly, we will have multiple opportunities in the concert to get it right.  It is not like we cannot do another take during the concert if things go wrong.  But we need to get it right quickly so that we don't lose the crowd.

Second, I am looking for music that moves me.  I am not a fan of stiff music that is technically perfect but has no communicative ability.  Good music moves people.  It is very easy to see whether a musician's goal is just to perform at a high technical level or to move the audience.

Third, I am looking for a performer that has good stage presence and can work with a camera.  Eye contact is a must with the audience, but a performer also has to be able to look into a camera just like they look into someones eyes.  This is actually hard to do for some people.

Here is one thing that is very important.  I am not looking for complicated music.  I would not mind if it is, but it does not have to be.  If I were a vocalist and wanted to send myself an audition, I would record a simple laid-back hymn and just relax and focus on communication. 

On the other hand, especially if you are instrumentalist, send me something technical if you can play it very well.  For example, I like intricate rhythm.  But understand that whatever we use in a concert is probably going to have to be either yours or my arrangement.  We are not likely to perform anything that is available for purchase by the public.

Hope that helps.


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