Welcome to the
NOT-SO-BIG BAND!
A program which pays students to play pro gigs alongside Melbourne’s best musicians.
Not-Your-Average Youth Program
Hey there, my name’s Toshi and I’d like to welcome you to the Not-So-Big Band (NSBB), a unique youth program that I started back in 2018.
One of the most asked questions I get from students is “how do I start getting gigs?”
The quick answer is: develop relationships with the venues you want to perform at and learn how to build an audience with the skills you have (eg. instrumental ability).
Both of these take a serious investment in time and when you’re beginning your journey it can be quite daunting to approach your dream venue or feel like you are good enough to even start performing.
When I started out, I was extremely lucky as the school I went to got students to perform at corporate functions. This meant that I often got to play at iconic venues such as the MCG as well as fancy hotels around the city. By getting to play gigs regularly, I got a lot better at playing my instrument and I was introduced to people who offered me even more performance opportunities. However, if you look around today, what music program is offering that kind of real-world experience as part of their curriculum?
Unfortunately, in Melbourne there are a lot of great institutions and people to learn from but very few avenues to start getting into the music scene. Which means you either have to put in a lot of effort to do it yourself or give up 😞
That’s where the NSBB comes in!
After realising how beneficial gigs were to my journey, I decided to replicate that experience for the next generation but on steroids.
In the NSBB, we offer students monthly gigs at the best jazz club in Melbourne, the Paris Cat, in front of real audiences. Each performance features pro’s from the Melbourne scene, giving students the chance to network as well as learn from some of the best musicians in the country. To top it off, all students get paid for the gigs they play!
We’ve done the hard work for you and as of 2024, the NSBB has performed hundreds of times and there have been dozens of students who have gone on to perform regularly with their musical idols.
Here’s what some of our alumni have gone on to achieve
Thien joined the program on trumpet back in 2019 when he was only 15. Since then he has gone on to become one of the most booked trumpeters in Melbourne and plays alongside some of the best musicians in town. Not to mention he also won the prestigious James Morrison scholarship in 2022!
Sam was one of the first students in the NSBB. He was already a standout student back in 2018 but since graduating from the program Sam has made his mark on the Melbourne music scene, regularly being booked and playing alongside legendary local and international artists. Not to mention releasing his own recordings and producing his own shows at clubs around town.
How about some thoughts from our current students
Parents love the NSBB too!
“I would highly recommend the NSBB program to any young player wanting to get an immersive experience in jazz musicianship. As a parent and observer of the program you can see the speedy progression over the weeks / months of all musicians as they commit to an ambitious program of live performances. The NSBB program acts like an accelerated apprenticeship as this band provides a framework to stretch musicians to their potential. Improvement in individual soloing & ensemble playing is so clearly demonstrated across all of the young musicians participating. I have been fortunate to witness many performances at the Paris Cat by the NSBB and got only good feedback as how the program has worked through rehearsal and with collaboration and leadership from guest artists. I have also been most impressed with NSBB artists coming back to lead the band, MC and share their experiences and stagecraft with the band. There is a lot of passion in the room with this project!"
Tim Rolfe
“The Not-So-Big-Band has provided our son with a range of invaluable performance and learning opportunities that he would not have gained elsewhere. We have seen him grow in confidence, both as a musician and as a person, because of these experiences. The opportunity to play alongside a range of outstanding jazz musicians in a professional setting has enabled him to develop his musicianship and broaden his network considerably. He has also been able to develop his leadership skills in the Musical Director role of the band on several occasions. We can say, quite confidently, that he would not be the person or the musician that he is today had he not been part of this program.”
Alison & Chris Budgen
Is the NSBB right for me?
The NSBB isn’t some magical program which makes students ready for the pro world overnight. What we do is foster the amazing skills students already posess and then help them achieve their musical goals through having an amazing work ethic. Every student in the program is different but the one thing they all have in common is commitment and passion.
Being subjected to the expectations of the pro music scene can be rough at first and is definitely not for everyone but if you are willing to put in the time, practice regularly, show up prepared to rehearsals and performances, and want to take music seriously, then there’s a place in the NSBB for you.
Specifically, we are looking for musicians who play:
Trumpet
Trombone
Alto Sax (with the ability to double on Flute and Soprano Sax, or at least willing to learn)
Tenor Sax (with the ability to double on Clarinet, or at least willing to learn)
Guitar
Piano
Bass (with the ability to play both Upright and Bass Guitar, or at least willing to learn)
Drums
Per project, student’s will learn and perform between 14-20 different arrangements of varying difficulty with only one rehearsal.
The repertoire the NSBB plays requires the ability to read music and have a basic grasp on how to improvise over chord progressions. For the rhythm section instruments there are often times where you have to create grooves that are stylistically correct when the sheet music only has slashes.
The NSBB rehearses on Thursday evenings in South Melbourne and performs in the Melbourne CBD on either Friday or Saturday evenings. All members must be able to travel to both the rehearsal and performance venue by their own means of transport. We also require that all students have access to their own instrument and equipment, a portable music stand, and professional clothing (black suits/dresses).
We don’t have a specific age cap, however the most common age bracket we have is from 16-20.
If you fall out of these parameters then the NSBB may not be right for you. However, send us an email because if you have the right attitude and are willing to put in the time then it’s likely we can make the program work for you regardless of your current ability.
Who we aren’t looking for
It’s really easy to overcommit yourself in the music industry, even more so when you are just getting started. The one factor which impacts the NSBB more than anything else is being prepared, and when you feel overwhelmed with everything in your life it can often be difficult to be adequately ready for rehearsals and performances. Before applying make sure you have a think about how the NSBB may impact your schedule. Other than the rehearsals and performances, factor in enough time for personal practice and looking over the material. If it feels like too much work than the NSBB may not be right for you.
We also want to foster a safe and positive working environment free of judgement. Everyone is on their own path which means sometimes you may be better or worse than those around you. It is not acceptable to judge others or come to rehearsals/performances with a negative attitude. If you are someone who thinks you are the best and wants to make those around you feel worse about themselves, the NSBB is not for you.
Program from a glance
Students provide their availability and are offered a minimum of one project each month
Every project includes a 2 hour rehearsal at The Music Place (South Melbourne) from 7-9pm on Thursday evenings and a performance at the Paris Cat Jazz Club (Melbourne CBD) on either a Friday or Saturday evening
Every project features 90 minutes worth of music which is played over two sets
Students get to work with a minimum of 2 pros each project who lead the rehearsal and play alongside the band
16 different themed projects with more being added all the time
All projects combine the section playing and reading skills from a big band with the interaction and improvisation of a small group
Dozens of different styles
You’ll play alongside likeminded students who all take performing seriously
Students are paid $50 per project
Current project themes
Here are some of the professional musicians the NSBB works with
David Cotter (Vocals)
Craig Fermanis (Guitar)
Tony Hicks (Sax)
Phil Binotto (Percussion)
Paul Williamson (Sax)
David Dower (Piano)
Ben Robertson (Bass)
Gianni Marinucci (Trumpet)
Jack Pantazis (Guitar)
Dave Palmer (Trombone)
Gordon Lambie (Trumpet)
Sean Rankin (Trumpet)
Amelia Evans (Vocals)
Ben McGill (Vocals)
Max Budgen (Trombone)
Are you interested in writing music?
It can be really hard to find opportunities to learn how to write music as well as have your arrangements played by real musicians. If you are looking to develop your writing skills we want to help! While not mandatory, we encourage all NSBB students to try and write for the band in some capacity.
As part of being in the program you get access to mentorship that will guide you through the writing process and help you get a playable chart on the bandstand. Once the arrangement is ready to go, it’s as simple as bringing it in to a rehearsal and playing it on one of the gigs! The best part is that you maintain ownership of the chart and can go on and use it however you like, which means you can sell it online, play it with your own groups, or even record it for an upcoming album.
If writing music is something you are interested in, let us know when you apply for the program and we can help you get started on your writing journey. In the mean time check out this awesome arrangement NSBB alumni Max Budgen wrote for the NSBB back in 2022.
Did someone say studio time?
Every year members of the NSBB have the opportunity to go and record in a professional studio where they get to select a number of songs to be filmed and recorded.
The experience looks similar to a normal project with pro musicians performing alongside students and helping them understand the in’s and out’s of the recording process.
Typically, we reserve this for the very best students in the program who have proven their ability throughout the year. Here’s a few examples of previous sessions.
So how do I enrol?
To start playing with the NSBB we have a simple three step process which will get you into the band as quickly as possible.
STEP ONE - Expression of Interest
Talk over the program with your teachers and family, if it’s right for you then send through an expression of interest found below.
STEP TWO - Trial
We check with your teacher and if you look like a good fit for the NSBB we will invite you to attend a trial rehearsal (or gig if you’re lucky). Don’t worry, we will send you the sheet music ahead of time.
STEP THREE - Offer
If everything goes smoothly then we will send you a formal offer to the program including any required paperwork to get you started playing gigs with the band.
Typically, the entire process takes a month but can be streamlined depending on how soon a student wants to have a trial.
How much does this cost?
Since it was created, the NSBB has always been about affordability as we believe music education shouldn’t be restricted based on someone’s financial background. Unfortunately, the music business is an expensive place with the typical hour lesson costing over $100. If you were to add up all of the time students have access to pros in the NSBB, it would be well over $1000 per project, not to mention the cost for sheet music, administration, and other necessary expenses.
Instead of charging $1000’s, we have decided on a small monthly fee of $110. But when you take into account that every student gets paid $50 per project, that means the monthly cost is actually only $60! It is also common for students to be offered multiple projects per month and there have been students who have actually made money from the NSBB.
To make it even better, if you aren’t available for a project in a given month, then we won’t charge you the monthly fee.
I’m ready to sign up
The Not-So-Big Band
$110AUD Monthly Fee
Lots of Gigs - A minimum of one project per month which includes a two hour rehearsal and a performance at the Paris Cat Jazz Club. Students can be offered more projects depending on availability in a given month.
Get Paid - Each project pays students $50.
Play with pros - Every project pairs students with at least two pro musicians who help lead the band (sometimes shows have had up to 5 pros on the bandstand!).
Flexible schedule - Students are offered projects based on their availability allowing for flexibility around other events happening in their life
No lock-in contract - Students are able to leave the program whenever they feel like.
200+ different pieces - Access to a growing library of hundreds of arrangements which are tailor-made for the NSBB. They cover dozens of different styles and everyone gets featured.
16 themed projects - A large variety of themes including Disney, Nintendo, Sinatra, La La Land, James Bond and more.
Performance recordings - Every show is recorded with the in-house system at the Paris Cat enabling students to go back and listen to themselves. A very useful tool for self improvement
Annual studio recording session - The top performing members of the NSBB will be invited to film and record a number of pieces at a professional studio once per year.
Writing experience - We provide mentorship throughout the writing process and help students bring in their arrangements to rehearsals and performances.
Rehearsal resources - each project comes with an extensive amount of notes and reference recordings to help members get the most out of their practice time.
COMING SOON: Improvisation Resources - Backing tracks, exercises, and analysis of solo sections for each project to help students improvise.
Exclusive Bonuses - NSBB members also get access to a number of extras that you’ll find after the sign up form below.
Expression of Interest Form
Extra benefits of being in the NSBB
Bonus #1
Develop Related Skills
Not only do you learn performance and writing skills in the NSBB but if you want to go on and produce you’re own shows and become a freelance musician we can help prepare you with other skills. Things like understanding how to lead a rehearsal, MC a gig and be captivating to an audience, how much to charge for your services, graphic design, marketing, and a whole bunch more. We will even introduce you to venues around Melbourne to help you book your first show.
Bonus #2
Expand Your Network
When you join the NSBB you instantly get access to a wide range of contacts in the music industry in Melbourne and abroad. We have helped connect students to a number of different pros such as legendary trombonist Marshall Gilkes who played on a students album, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with one past student getting to perform with Vincent Gardner and Jerome Jennings, and a number of other heavy hitters such as members of the Count Basie orchestra, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and the WDR Big Band.
Bonus #3
Hire From Within
There comes a time for every NSBB member when they must move on from the program. However, after spending months and even years learning and perfecting the various NSBB projects, those members become the best candidates to come back and help mentor the next generation of students. We love hiring alumni to come back in a professional capacity and play shows.
What happens next?
After completing an Expression of Interest form we will reach out to your music teacher and discuss whether you should be given a trial for the NSBB. If everything goes smoothly, you will then be sent an email to schedule your trial.
Unfortunately, there aren’t an infinite number of spaces in the NSBB and we can’t offer a spot to everyone who applies. At the moment we have a maximum capacity of 6 players per instrument in the program. For those who have a successful trial but can’t be accomodated, we have a standby list where we will send students a formal offer when a place becomes available. In the rare circumstance where none of the students in the program can make a project, students on the standby list may be offered a temporary position for that project.
Our No Lock-In Contract Guarantee
It’s hard to know if a program like the NSBB is the right fit until you actually try it - that’s why we’ve removed the common annual contract that is associated with youth music programs
If at any point you feel that the program is not right for you, whether that be you aren’t challenged by the projects anymore or your life is getting busier, you can leave at any time. It also means that you can stay in the program for as long as you’d like and don’t need to take another trial at the beginning of each year.
We care about your safety
If you are interested in reading our policies regarding child protection and how we store NSBB data, please click on the relevant button below.
Frequently Asked Questions…
-
You bet! We want you to be able to prepare as much as possible and come into the trial confident. One a trial has been scheduled we will send you the relevant PDF booklet.
-
You only need to bring your instrument. We will provide the sheet music.
-
It is rare that we ask a student to leave the NSBB but if it has to happen it is because they are acting in an unprofessional manner. Consistently being late or dropping from projects at the last minute, not being prepared, and being rude to others are some of the reasons we may ask you to leave. Typically, we will meet with you first and discuss the issues so that you are aware of the problems before removing you from the program.
-
For trials and rehearsals you can wear casual clothing. For performances we expect business professional attire for all members. For men that means a black suit, black dress shoes, and a white shirt, and for women a black dress or a black suit with a white shirt.
-
When you are offered a position in the NSBB we will send you instructions on how to invoice and receive money from the performances you do.
-
All students need to bring their instrument, a music stand, and a pencil to rehearsals. For rhythm section members you will need to bring an amplifier and drum kit as well.
-
Yes. Tickets are available on the Paris Cat's website for all NSBB performances at the venue.
-
At the Paris Cat performances include a 60 minute soundcheck and two 45 minute sets. There is a 30 minute break between the soundcheck and performance with a 10-20 minute break between sets. In total you will be at the club for 3-4 hours.
Still got questions?
Shoot us an email using the form below.
The Not-So-Big Band
$110AUD Monthly Fee
Lots of Gigs - A minimum of one project per month which includes a two hour rehearsal and a performance at the Paris Cat Jazz Club. Students can be offered more projects depending on availability in a given month.
Get Paid - Each project pays students $50.
Play with pros - Every project pairs students with at least two pro musicians who help lead the band (sometimes shows have had up to 5 pros on the bandstand!).
Flexible schedule - Students are offered projects based on their availability allowing for flexibility around other events happening in their life
No lock-in contract - Students are able to leave the program whenever they feel like.
200+ different pieces - Access to a growing library of hundreds of arrangements which are tailor-made for the NSBB. They cover dozens of different styles and everyone gets featured.
16 themed projects - A large variety of themes including Disney, Nintendo, Sinatra, La La Land, James Bond and more.
Performance recordings - Every show is recorded with the in-house system at the Paris Cat enabling students to go back and listen to themselves. A very useful tool for self improvement
Annual studio recording session - The top performing members of the NSBB will be invited to film and record a number of pieces at a professional studio once per year.
Writing experience - We provide mentorship throughout the writing process and help students bring in their arrangements to rehearsals and performances.
Rehearsal resources - each project comes with an extensive amount of notes and reference recordings to help members get the most out of their practice time.
COMING SOON: Improvisation Resources - Backing tracks, exercises, and analysis of solo sections for each project to help students improvise.
Exclusive Bonuses