POP-ROCK BASSO
PREPARATORY COURSE
Preparatory Course in Electric Pop-Rock Bass Guitar
The Preparatory Pop Rock Bass Guitar Course at the Saint Louis College of Music is an intensive preparatory course aimed at admission to first-level academic courses.
The program is designed for students who wish to develop solid technical and musical skills in the electric bass guitar within a professional, contemporary music-oriented educational context.
The course includes individual bass lessons, ensemble music workshops from trio to medium-sized ensembles, with live performances in clubs in the Capital.
Training is complemented by the study of rhythm section for bass and drums, pop-rock harmony, ear training, modern piano and music technology, with emphasis on pre-production of original music projects.
Duration 1 to 3 years, depending on entry level
Attendance 6 to 10 hours per week, in regular or long-distance mode, depending on the curriculum and student need
Where Rome, Saint Louis College of Music
Language Italian and English
The pre-academic course varies in length from 1 to 3 years, depending on the student’s entry level and pace of learning.
The teaching structure is designed to accompany progressively towardadmission to the first-level academic courses of the Saint Louis College of Music..
During the course you will acquire skills in the following areas:
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Individual electric bass lessons, with a teacher chosen by the student, to develop instrumental technique, sound control and stylistic awareness.
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Formations from trio to quintet, led by professional musicians, to practice Italian and international pop rock repertoire in the hall and live.
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Study of pop rock harmony, from traditional structures to contaminations with jazz harmony, ethnic music, nu-soul and contemporary languages.
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In-depth study of Popular Music styles in rhythm section, including rock, swing, reggae, shuffle, blues, and Caribbean and South American rhythmic patterns, with emphasis on the role of the bass guitar.
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Piano study, from technical basics to practical application of harmony, with reading of chord signatures and melodic lines of medium difficulty.
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Introduction to music technology, through the use of sequencing software, notions of microphoning and principles of sound synthesis for pre-production of original musical projects.
Upon successful completion of the Pre-Academic Pop Rock Bass Course, the student directly enters the three-year Level I Academic Diploma in Popular Music, a degree recognized by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), issued by the Saint Louis College of Music..
The academic course enables the development of technical, musical and professional skills geared toward work in the contemporary music industry, both in live and studio settings.
Career outlets of the Three-Year Academic Level I Program in Bass Pop.
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Professional bassist for live performance, touring, and recording sessions in pop, rock, and contemporary music
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Artist and band leader of original music projects, with an active role in music direction
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Arranger for small and medium-sized ensembles, with emphasis on rhythm section
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Music producer, involved in the development, implementation and pre-production of artistic projects
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Author of music for soundtracks and music applied to images, for audiovisual, digital media and multimedia content
Saint Louis preparatory pathways do not start from scratch and assume at least two to three years of prior practice on the instrument. The course is designed for students who already have a technical and musical foundation and wish to undertake a structured course of preparation for access to academic courses.
Entrance testing and personalization
It is possible to enter the first year or to be admitted directly to the second or third pre-academic year, depending on the level of preparation demonstrated during the pre-academic placement test. For each subject, the student is placed in the level best suited to his or her skills. For example, it is possible to be admitted to the third level of bass, the second level of harmony and the first level of ear training. Each discipline then follows its own path, calibrated to the student’s actual level, ensuring a coherent, effective and personalized educational progression.
How the entrance test is conducted
Entrance tests for Saint Louis pre-college courses are held:
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in June
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In September, exclusively for any places still available
The entrance test evidence includes:
- Bass test, performance of one or more pieces or exercises of the student’s choice, in-depth study required by the committee (see the admission program by clicking on “Download syllabus“)
- Harmony test, structured as per facsimile for access to the 2nd and 3rd levels of harmony
- Ear training test, structured as per the facsimile for access to the 2nd and 3rd levels of ear training
- Aptitude interview aimed at assessing the student’s profile, awareness of the chosen path, and motivation
