STUDY PROGRAM

BASS GUITAR

Coordinated text

April 2015

Commission for Musical Education Phone: 247-86629/86618/86638/86611

2, Sosthène Weis Street Fax: 26 12 32 15
L-2722 Luxembourg e-mail : [email protected]; [email protected]
The National Program Commission: to 1erJanuary 2014

President: Mr. Marc Jacoby

Commissioner for musical education: M. Pol Schmoetten

Effective members: Mrs. Colette Flesch

Mr. Marc Juncker
M. Marc Meyers
M. Paul Scholer
Mr. Adrien Théato
Mr. Marc Treinen

Alternate members: Mr. Serge Bausch

Mrs. Mireille Colbach-Cruchten
M. Steve Humbert
Mr. Gilles Lacour
Mr. Paul Origer
M. Blaise Stelandre
Mr. Jean-Claude Thilges

The working group "electric guitar and bass":

President: M. Marc Jacoby

Members: M. Mathias Börgmann

M. Ron Giebels
Mr. Jacques Pirotton
M. Eric Teuwens
Mr. Jean-Jacques Wathgen

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Table of contents

Lower division 1ercycle……………………………………………………………p. 3

Lower division 2thcycle - 1eramention…………………………………………p. 9

Average division………………………………………………………………………… p. 15

Specialized Average Division 1erPrice p. 19

Higher division p. 24

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 BASS GUITAR
Lower division
1ercycle

Coordinated text

desired_skills_at_the_end_of_cycle
Exam schedule
Study pool
Type directory
April 2015 Catalogue of works

3
 Lower division 1ercycle - April 2008 version

Desired Competencies

1. Knowing how to tune and maintain one's instrument. Knowledge and handling of electrical functions.
of the bass guitar and the amplifier
2. Show a good balance between body and instrument, standing and sitting
3. Work on the technical exercises specific to this instrumental level while being able to assess and improve.
the quality of the service. (It is already the development of a working method)
4. Knowledge of the basic symbols of musical notation and basic symbols
specific to the instrument (hammer on, slide, pull off ...)
5. Know how to execute a 'groove' correctly from a rhythmic and dynamic perspective.
6. a. Basic right hand techniques:
Proper hand grip
-Knowledge of basic attacks with the fingers i, m and m, i
Knowledge of basic articulations (legato, portato, staccato)
Introduction to 'dead notes'

b. Basic techniques of the left hand:

Proper grip with the left hand
Introduction to basic techniques: slide, pull off, hammer on.
Basic articulations (legato, staccato)
Introduction to extinguishing
Position change exercises
Introduction to the game of harmonics
Introduction to 'dead notes'
7. Know the major, minor (natural mode), blues, and pentatonic scales
8. Know the structure of basic chords and be able to follow a simple chord chart.
9. Introduction to the faculties of deciphering, reading, and memorization, in binary and ternary
10. Introduction to different styles with the appropriate vocabulary (Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Latin, ...)
11. Introduction to improvisation
12. Participate in the ensembles

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 Lower division 1ercycle -version April 2015

FINAL EXAM PROGRAM

Technical test:

• 2 major scales, the blues scale and 1 minor pentatonic scale, on the four strings
without empty strings and according to a melodic and rhythmic formula of your choice. These scales are
chosen from the range directory of 1thecycle (major scales: C, G, A, D; minor)
pentatonic and blues: la, re) and communicated 6 lessons before the exam date
• 1 piece or 1 melodic study
• 1 accompaniment

Either the piece, respectively the melodic study, or the rhythmic accompaniment must be
choose only from the official pool determined at the national level.

Public examination

• 1 piece of your choice

• 1 imposed piece

Note:
The plays can be performed in the original version, if possible, or in an adapted/simplified version which
however presents the main characteristics of the piece (riff, accompaniment, solo ...)

The student presents each program (technical test and public test) from memory (a
Piece may, if necessary, make an exception.

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 Lower division 1ercycle - April 2008 version

POOL OF PIECES for the end-of-cycle examination

The Beatles Drive my car

The Beatles Penny Lane

The Black Crowes Hard to handle

Dire Straits Sultans of Swing

Hendrix, Jimi Fire

Lewis, Jerry Lee Great balls of fire

Queen Under Pressure

Red Hot Chili Peppers Californication

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 Lower division 1thecycle - april 2008 version

TYPE REPERTOIRE for the final cycle exam

The Beatles Day tripper

Eagles, The Hotel California

Lewis, Jerry Lee Great balls of fire

Queen Under Pressure

Red Hot Chili Peppers Californication

The Rolling Stones Brown Sugar

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 Lower division 1ercycle - version April 2008

CATALOG OF WORKS

The Beatles Drive my car

The Beatles Penny Lane

The Black Crowes Hard to handle

Dire Straits Sultans of Swing

Bob Dylan Like a rolling stone

Hendrix, Jimi Fire

Hendrix, Jimi Manic depression

Alanis Morissette You oughta know

Berry, Chuck Surfing U.S.A

Oasis Don’t look back in anger

Queen Kind of magic

Red Hot Chili Peppers Scar tissue

Red Hot Chili Peppers Apache Rose Peacock

Red Hot Chili Peppers Californication

Stevens, Cat Wild world

Who, The I can see for miles

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 BASS GUITAR
Lower division
2thcycle

desired_skills_at_the_end_of_cycle
Examination program
Study pool
Type directory
April 2008 Catalogue of works

9
 Lower division 1eramention - version April 2008

DESIRED SKILLS

1. Knowing how to tune and maintain one's instrument. Knowledge and handling of the functions
electric bass guitar and amplifier
2. Show a good balance between body and instrument, standing and sitting.
3. Work on the technical exercises specific to this instrumental level while knowing how to estimate and
improve the quality of the service. (This is already the development of a working method)
4. Know the symbols of musical notation and the specific symbols of the instrument
(hammer on, slide, pull off, bending, slap, pop...)
5. Develop the right-hand game
− Perfect the attack.
− Game with pick
− Initiate to
• double stops
• slapping and popping
• tapping
• chords made with p, i and m
6. Develop the left-hand game
− Achieve ease in changing positions.
− Develop and differentiate between vibrato and glissando
− Work on and develop the hammer on, pull off, slide
− Extension exercises
− Refinement of dampeners and 'dead notes'
− Work on and develop the game of harmonics
− Introduction to the five-string bass
7. Work on velocity by integrating chords, arpeggios, and scales.
8.
− Know the major and minor scales (natural mode), the blues scale
and the pentatonic and the major and minor arpeggios
− Introduction to ecclesiastical modes and harmonic and melodic minor scales.
9. Develop decoding skills, sight reading, and memorization
10. Knowing how to develop a prepared or improvised bass line.
11. Address different styles with the appropriate vocabulary (Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Latin, ...)
12. Modal improvisation, blues and on a diatonic chord progression
13. Participate in ensembles and practice leading an ensemble
14. Be aware of the specific role of the bass in an ensemble

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 Lower division 1eramention - version April 2008

FINAL EXAMINATION PROGRAM

Technical test:

2 major scales (in 5 positions) and 2 natural minor scales to develop

on the 4
eme
strings and throughout the neck. These scales are chosen from the repertoire of scales from the 2 cycle
(major scales: F, F#, G, Ab, A, B; minor: Bb, B, C, C#) and communicated 6 courses
before the exam date
Arpeggios of the 2 required scales to be played over two octaves; the arpeggios can be replaced.
by a cadence formula, (e.g. I – V7– I, II – V7- I ...
1 piece or 1 melodic study
1 accompaniment (bass comping)

Either the piece, respectively the melodic study, or the rhythmic accompaniment must be
must choose from the official pool determined at the national level.

Public trial:

1 piece of your choice

•highlighting the student's creative work, developed on their own initiative: the work will focus on
on a piece that includes an improvised part (which may be prepared) or that has been arranged or
composed by the student.
1 piece required to be communicated 6 classes before the exam date

Note:

The pieces presented for the two tests must be accompanied either by the teacher or by a combo.
or a recorded accompaniment.

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 Lower division 1eramention - April 2008 version

POOL OF PIECES for the end-of-cycle exam

Brown, James I feel good

Chic Freak out

Metallica Master of Puppets

Lynyrd Skynyrd Free Bird

Vaughan, Stevie Ray Couldn’t stand the weather

Who, The My Generation

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 Lower division 1eramention - April 2008 version

TYPE DIRECTORY for the end of cycle exam

David Bowie Space Oddity

Gang, James Funk No. 49

Hendrix, Jimi Spanish Castle Magic

No Doubt Don't Speak

Red Hot Chili Peppers Naked In The Rain

Lynyrd Skynyrd Free Bird

Wonder, Stevie Sir Duke

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 Lower division 1eramention - version April 2008

CATALOGUE OF WORKS

Chic Freak out, Everybody Dance, Good Times

Brown, James Sex Machine, Cold Sweat, I Feel Good

Bruce, Jack Collection: The Blues Bass

Groce, David C. Collection: Improvising Rock Bass

Dömling, Norbert Collection: E Bass Flagoletts

Hal, Leonard Collection: Bass TAB White Pages

Hendrix, Jimi All Along The Watchtower

Metallica Master of Puppets

Queen Staying Power

Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic (double stops)

Red Hot Chili Peppers By the way (five strings)

Red Hot Chili Peppers Backwoods (Slap pop)

Snidero, Jim Easy Jazz Conception (for Bass)

Steely Dan Bodhisattva

Steely Dan Peg

Stevie Ray Vaughan Couldn't stand the weather

Vaughan, Stevie Ray Pride and Joy

Tower of Power Soul with a capital S

Weigert, Dave Collection: Workshop for drum & bass

Who, The My Generation

Wolk, Tom Collection: Rock Riffs for Bass

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 BASS GUITAR
Average division

Desired skills at the end of the cycle

Examination program
April 2010 Type directory

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 Average division - April 2010 version

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

1. In general, the 3èmethe cycle deepens the techniques started during the first two cycles
advanced right hand play (slap, tapping,…)
natural and artificial harmonics
refinement of the extinguishers (left hand and right hand)
Study of the playing techniques and styles specific to certain bassists: Jaco Pastorius,
John Patituci, Richard Bona, Victor Wooten, Steve Swallow, Dave Holland (double bass)
Jeff Berlin, Flea, Paul McCartney, Rocco Prestia, Bootsy Collins, James Jamerson...
2. Improvisation exercises on different modes.
3. Introduction to improvisation in different styles.
4. Development of specific musical vocabulary for different styles (Rock, Pop, Blues, Latin,
Country, Funk, Jazz; but also in the repertoire of brass bands, harmony orchestras and
popular music in general) as an accompanist and soloist.
5. Harmonic, melodic and rhythmic analysis of the repertoire, accompaniments and solos
studied:
knowledge of all major and minor scales and arpeggios (harmonic and
melodic) as well as all the ecclesiastical modes
knowledge of the different types of agreements and their extensions
knowledge of advanced support grids
knowledge of the principle of substituted chords and reharmonization
6. Development of decoding skills and memorization.
7. Practice of ensemble playing in the broad sense.
8. To express oneself and perform in public.
9. Propose and perform a musical piece (arranged, transcribed, or even 'composed') during a
public music production.
10. Culture open to all past and contemporary musical currents.

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 Average division - version April 2010

END OF CYCLE EXAMINATION PROGRAM

Technical test:

• 1 study with scales and arpeggios (e.g. excerpt from the suites for unaccompanied cello by J.S. Bach or from
repertoire for tuba, trombone or double bass
• 1 solo transcript
• 2 improvised accompaniments on chord progressions, in different styles

Public trial:

• 1 compulsory piece
• 1 piece composed or arranged by the student. It will be accompanied by a combo and will present its
work in the form of a 'lead sheet'
• 1 piece of your choice

The works chosen for the exam program will be of different styles.

Note:

The student will present their thesis program. However, for the study in the technical test and for
The imposed during the public examination, he will be able to use the score.

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 Average division - April 2010 version

TYPE DIRECTORY for the end-of-cycle exam

Pop & Rock

Muse Hysteria

Primus Great the sacred cow (bs. : Les Claypool)

Cream Crossroads

Beatles Something (bs. :Paul McCartney)

Funk

Red Hot Chili Peppers Higher Ground (version by RHCP)

Tower of Power Soul Vaccination (bs.: Rocco Prestia)

The Chicken Jaco Pastorius (bass)

Jazz

New Real Book Vol. I, II, III

The Real Easy Book Vol I, II

George Gershwin Summertime

S. Simons, Gerald Marks All of me

Joe Henderson Remind me

Fanfares/Harmonies/Popular Music/(Big Band)

Honk

Brass Machine

Tiger of San Pedro

Toto Greatest Hits (specific arrangement)

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 BASS GUITAR
Specialized average division
1st Prize

Coordinated text

desired_skills_at_end_of_cycle
Examination schedule
Coin pool
April 2012 Type directory

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 Specialized average division 1erPrice - April 2012 version

DESIRED SKILLS

For some students, cycle 3, specialized middle school, is a step towards higher education and the
professionalization; it is distinguished by the intensity of study hours and by its vocation to
preparing for higher education. Access to the specialized lower secondary cycle is reserved for students
whose competence in the dominant area has been verified by a test.
The objective of the specialized cycle focuses on the same content as 3.emeaverage cycle, but with
a qualitative and quantitative requirement corresponding to the perspectives of education
superior, particularly the knowledge of a wide repertoire, individual and collective.
3. Improvement of the repertoire game providing access to higher education, in particular
those that require virtuosity and endurance.
4. Deepening of instrumental techniques thus allowing for an interpretation
convincing, improvement of techniques undertaken during the 2ndemecycle
5. advanced right-hand playing (slap, tapping, double thumbing, ...)
6. natural and artificial harmonics
7. improvement of the extinguishers (left and right hand)
8. study of specific playing techniques and styles of certain bassists: Jaco Pastorius, John
Patituci, Richard Bona, Victor Wooten, Steve Swallow, Dave Holland (double bass), Jeff Berlin,
Flea, Paul McCartney, Rocco Prestia, Bootsy Collins, James Jamerson...
9. Improvisation exercises on different modes.
10. Introduction to improvisation (advanced accompaniment, solos).
11. Development of specific musical vocabulary for different styles (Rock, Pop, Blues, Latin,
Country, Funk, Jazz; but also in the repertoire of brass bands, harmony orchestras and
popular music in general) as an accompanist and soloist.
12. Harmonic, melodic and rhythmic analysis of the repertoire, accompaniments and solos
studied:
13. knowledge of all major and minor scales and arpeggios (harmonic and
melodic) as well as all the ecclesiastical modes
14. knowledge of the different types of agreements and their extensions
15. knowledge of advanced support grids
16. knowledge of the principle of substituted chords and reharmonization
17. Development of deciphering and memorization skills.
18. Practice of ensemble playing in a broad sense.
19. Interpretation at first glance.
20. Expressing oneself and performing in public.
21. Propose and perform a musical piece (arranged, transcribed, or even 'composed') during a
public music production.
22. Culture open to all past and contemporary musical currents.
23. The practice of a complementary instrument is recommended.
24. Consider the opportunities available for their musical future in order to make conscious choices.

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 Specialized average division 1erPrice - April 2012 version

END OF CYCLE EXAMINATION PROGRAM

Technical test:

• 1 study with scales and arpeggios (e.g., an excerpt from the cello suites by J.S. Bach or from
repertoire for tuba, trombone or double bass.
• 1 study including elements of double stops, chords, and harmonics (e.g.
Portrait of Tracy, Teen Town by J. Pastorius; Bass Extremes by V. Wooten and S. Bailey
• 1 solo transcript
• 1 improvised accompaniment on a chord progression

One of the pieces must be chosen from a pool of six specified pieces.
national level

Public test:

• 1 imposed piece
• 1 piece composed by the student. He will be accompanied by a combo and will present his work under
format of a 'lead sheet'
• 2 pieces of your choice

The works chosen for the exam program will be of different styles.

Note:

The student will present their thesis program. However, for the study in the technical test and for
The imposed during the public event, he will be able to use the sheet music.

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 Average specialized division 1erPrice - April 2012 version

POOL OF PARTS for the end-of-cycle exam

Börgmann, Matthias Night Visit

Miller, Marcus Power

Pastorius, Jaco Portrait of Tracy

Jaco Pastorius Teen Town

Red Hot Chili Pepper Around the World

Tower of Power What is hip

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 Specialized average division 1hePrice - April 2012 version

TYPE DIRECTORY for the end of cycle exam

Pop & Rock

Porcupine Tree Blackest Eyes (bassist: Colin Edwin)

Muse Hysteria (bs. : Chris Wolstenholme)
Dream Theater Erotomania (bs.: John Myung)
Primus Great the sacred cow (bs. : Les Claypool)

Funk

Red Hot Chili Peppers Aeroplane (among others) (bs.: Flea)

Tower of Power What is hip (or Soul Vaccination) (bs.: Rocco Prestia)
Jaco Pastorius Come on come over
Marvin Gaye What's going on? (bs.: James Jamerson)
Brecker Brothers Some Skunk funk (b.s. Neil Jason)

Jazz

New Real Book Vol. I, II, III

The Real Easy Book Vol I, II
Miles Davis So what
Shorter, Wayne Footprints
Chick Corea Spain

Fanfares/Harmonies/Popular Music/(Big Band)

Honk
Brass Machine
Tiger of San Pedro
"Toto Greatest Hits" (specific arrangement)

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 BASS GUITAR
Higher division

Desired skills
April 2010 Examination program

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 Upper Division – April 2010 version

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

For some students, the upper cycle is the beginning of higher education; it is distinguished
by the intensity of study schedules and by its aim to prepare for professionalization. Access to
The upper division is reserved for students whose competency in the major has been verified.
through a test.
The higher diploma is recognized as equivalent to the first year of higher education and
The exam for obtaining this diploma takes place at the national level in a conservatory.1)
2. The objective of the upper cycle focuses on the same content as 3especialized cycle. Aiming at
university education and employment perspectives, studies in this cycle lead to
particular to the knowledge of a large repertoire, individual and collective.
3. Interpret difficult works from the repertoire, requiring a deepening of techniques
instrumental and means of expression.
4. Deepen improvisation techniques in different styles.
5. Better understand the interconnectedness of different musical parameters, in order to be able to put in place
points to its own working method and its own interpretations.
6. Culture open to all past and contemporary musical currents; differentiating the
means of stylization (and their standalone application), especially in relation to the articulation and the
flexibility of phrasing.
7. Analyze and compare different interpretations.
8. Analyze the studied directory.
9. Readings and interpretations at first glance.
10. The practice of a complementary instrument is recommended; for the future professional, playing
a monophonic instrument, a polyphonic instrument and vice versa.
11. Consider the opportunities available for one's musical future in order to make informed choices.

1)
See the law of April 28, 1998 on the harmonization of music education in the sector.
communal: articles 3 and 4

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 Upper Division - April 2010 version

END OF COURSE EXAM PROGRAM

Admission test

During the admission test for the examination to obtain the higher diploma, the candidate
will present a program of 25 to 35 minutes featuring works from various styles and periods
different. A work in a reduced format (e.g. in trio with guitar, bass, and drums) as well as a
an improvised accompaniment section and a bass solo accompanied must be integrated into the
exam schedule.

The program will be presented from memory and in full.

Any service not complying with the scheduled durations may result in penalties.

Recital:

The exam, which will take place in the form of a recital, will last 30 to 40 minutes and will include
works of different styles and periods, as well as a piece composed by the student.

The program will be accompanied by a combo.

In principle, the candidate presents their thesis proposal; however, for the imposed work, they can
to make use of the partition.

The program will be presented in full.

Any service not adhering to the expected durations may result in penalties.

Note:

No work or part of a work presented at the admission test may be repeated in the recital.

The two events are open to the public.

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