Am I Experienced? (No Hendrix Content)

[pendergasta]

Ok, here's the deal. I've got the opportunity to audition for an actively gigging classic rock cover band in my area who has gigs scheduled in some of the larger bars and clubs in our area. I've played a little guitar for years(just strumming around), and have played bass seriously for a year and a half. Ive been playing with a non-gigging oldies group for about 8 months. I know the basics of live sound, but I've never played live.
- Here's the ad:

"J***l, an established Classic Rock Cover Band is auditioning bass players for their 2009 gig schedule. Looking for a professional minded experienced player. Background vocal ability is a plus. Learn more about the band at www.*****.com."

How do you know when you're "professional minded" or experienced? I'm committed, and I'm learning music theory. I already know about a third of the songs on their list, and the others aren't overly complicated. Should I audition, or let it pass? How do you know when you're ready for something like this?

[Zappstorius]

Audition! Even if you don't get the gig it will be a great learning experience...

[qunndo]

I'd suggest the fact that you've never played live would mean that your not overly experienced and don't meet the experience levels required. I'd still call them and organise an audition, just be honest about your position and let them decide.

[pendergasta]

Originally Posted by qunndo

I'd suggest the fact that you've never played live would mean that your not overly experienced and don't meet the experience levels required. I'd still call them and organise an audition, just be honest about your position and let them decide.

Absolutely. I'd never lead them to believe that I'm more experienced than I am. I'm just not sure what level of experience it takes for this type of gig...

[Busker]

Originally Posted by pendergasta

Absolutely. I'd never lead them to believe that I'm more experienced than I am. I'm just not sure what level of experience it takes for this type of gig...

I went on my first audition 6 or 8 weeks after I started bass (I had years on guitar though). The band almost hired me with no experience because I could play well enough to get through some basic rock songs. I know they were strongly considering it because I got called back for a second audition. In the end, I didn't get the position because I was just too green, and my vocals weren't up to snuff. But it was good experience just going on the audition.

You should ask for an audition. Just be honest with them. They may or may not want to audition you, but you should try.

[pendergasta]

Originally Posted by Busker

I went on my first audition 6 or 8 weeks after I started bass (I had years on guitar though). The band almost hired me with no experience because I could play well enough to get through some basic rock songs. I know they were strongly considering it because I got called back for a second audition. In the end, I didn't get the position because I was just too green, and my vocals weren't up to snuff. But it was good experience just going on the audition.

You should ask for an audition. Just be honest with them. They may or may not want to audition you, but you should try.

Thanks for the wisdom. That makes alot of sense.

[Jehos]

Go for the audition. I spent *way* too long not playing in bands because I was afraid I wasn't good enough to audition for one, then when I finally did I found out that I was the best bassist the band had ever played with. I still don't consider myself that good, but bands keep hiring me and not wanting me to leave.

Professional minded means they're looking for somebody consistent to show up to all the rehearsals, learn parts on their own time, and not bring any drama.

The worst they can do is say no, and auditioning is always a good learning experience whether you get the gig or not. At worst you can ask them for feedback about what you should be working on.

[rokkitt]

have them give you some songs to learn

do your best.

be honest.

let them decide.

say "thanks for bringing me in"

if they pick someone else, ask where you can improve.

go see the band live.

repeat!



you will learn new songs each time, and increase your song list.


and .... go see the bands you audition for. the music community is small, and even if you didnt get the gig, you are going to improve your playing right? and ...there are not alot of bass players out there, right?

so.....down the road they might change bass players or need a substitute/fill in


hey, good luck and have fun!


(how else do you get experience unless you go on audtions!)


Big Al

[Thor]

rokkit makes sense.

Take some time to see the bands around even if you don't
get the gig. I finally moved on from my last band because of
motivational issues and hit the open mike scene 6 months ago.

Today I know a ton of local acts and even better, they know me.

I hooked up with some of the more talented like minded players
that were free, and seven weeks after we started we are booked.
In the interim we took the act to two open mikes
at the place that booked us with 4 original songs in place.

That is the shortest time period I have ever put a good
project together. Getting out there and networking really
helped.

Even if you don't play OM's, staying in touch with other
local musicians is where the paydirt is; everything is always
in a state of flux. And if they know you, you get the first calls
when their band implodes.

So yeah, do the audition, figure out who the band leader or
core decision makers are, and get their emails and contact
info. Figure out where they play and if they share bills, with
whom. And stay in touch.

[JustDavid]

Audition!!

And audition to get the spot! Good advice above on that.

If you get the spot, great! If you don't, follow up & ask why you didn't because you want to know what directions to better yourself in.