I have chosen the roles of a performer and instrumental music tutor as I feel that these align best with my creative ambitions beyond further education. I aim to explore these two roles in my graded unit portfolio to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to work within these in my musical career.

Additionally, as a performer that has had the experience of creating a set list, I could potentially create future set lists for any bands I am performing with.

References

Musicians' Union (2023) Copyright for Songwriters and Composers. Available at: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/working-performing/composing-and-songwriting/copyright-for-songwriters-and-composers#:~:text=In%20general%20terms%2C%20copyright%20is,work'%20consists%20entirely%20of%20music. (Accessed: 20 May 2025).

Evidence of my research can be seen on my website, in which I have included references to the articles I looked at while writing each of the four essays.

My written pieces on these topics are included in the creation of my own website, in which I advertise myself as a performing classical musician. This can also be useful for advertising myself as a piano tutor in future, making it easier for clients to peruse my portfolio and contact me in the same breath. Studying online promotion has given me knowledge on how to promote myself online as a performer and I could potentially be noticed by bands looking for a player to join them.

Taking this module gave me the ability to think critically about and analyse the media I was looking at and the music I was creating in response. Both a performing musician and an instrumental tutor must be able to have strong critical thinking and analysis skills in order to reflect on their projects and see where they can improve.

Modes and the Blues Scale: identifying and building all seven Modes and the Blues scale starting on any note. 

Rhythm: identifying note values and rests, including dotted notes and rests, for semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver, semiquaver and demisemiquaver. Including tuplets, ties and syncopation. 

Time signatures: identifying all time signatures including simple, compound and irregular. Including irregular groupings and polyrhythm. 

Chords: identifying and notating all types of chords, including triads, 7ths, 6th, sus, 9th, 11th, 13ths with its different types. 

Transposition: Identify the most common transposing instruments. Transpose a melody or chord progression by interval or for a transposing instrument. 

1. Piano Teacher - Milly Holroyd Music, Glasgow

   
   

This job has some requirements, but they are not set in stone and seem negotiable. They are asking for someone with a grade 8 or above level of playing - I am currently studying piano at grade 8 level. At least some teaching experience is required; I have gained some teaching experience this year from Instrumental Instruction assignments. Overall, I am reasonably qualified for this position.

2. Keyboard Player Wanted in a Band - Uddingston, Glasgow

The requirements for this position are more relaxed; you need only play keys and be able to attend weekly rehearsals in Glasgow. I live a short while from Glasgow, so the position is an accessible one for me. I have experience playing keyboard in funk band, jazz orchestra and traditional band. Having been in the rhythm section for different musical styles, I can easily adapt to accompany any kind of group.

Piano Teaching Job

1) Can you travel flexibly during afterschool hours?

I am able to travel wherever is needed as long as I am given enough notice of the location.

2) Have you ever prepared lesson plans before?

I had to prepare lesson plans for a college class and I delivered those lessons successfully, giving me positive experience in this field.

3) What sort of teaching experience do you have?

I have experience teaching three piano lessons to a fellow student as part of a college module. I also tutored clarinet to younger students when I was in high school, so I have worked with two different age groups.

4) Have you ever worked with vulnerable groups?

I spent a year being part of Motherwell Youth Voice, a youth club dedicated to amplifying the voices of disadvantaged young people in the context of social issues such as racism, ableism and sexism.

Keyboard Player Job

1) Do you play any other instruments?

I played clarinet for seven years and I have dabbled in guitar. I am a fast learner who can quickly pick up new things if needed.

2) Are you able to work with late nights and busy schedules?

As a full-time college student, I am well experienced in working late nights and always being busy. I can clearly navigate busy schedules and am well-organised.

3) Do you cope well under pressure?

I am a calm and focussed worker under pressure, with my only focus being to get the job done to the best of my ability.

4) What kind of music do you enjoy playing?

I enjoy playing all sorts of music; in the past, I have played keyboard in funk, jazz, pop, traditional and orchestral ensembles. I consider myself a well-rounded player who can adapt to any style of music and blend in well with a band.

Hello Arista

You have passed both music theory assessments so far, on key signatures and the Blues. you are working well and advancing quickly, as well as pushing yourself with external exams. 
Well done,

Rocio

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Hello Arista, 

You got full marks on both your Modes and Rhythm assessment. 
You are doing really well in music theory and I am sure with regular work you are capable of achieving high mark on your external exam. 
Keep on working at home. 
Rocio