Auditioning

Araillac · #1 03-19-2008, 07:20 PM

I'm 17 now but I'll be turning 18 in August. When this happens, I'll have lost more freedom from home (likewise) and I figured at that time, I want to start getting into a band. People are telling me I play good enough to get into one but I was just curious about how various auditions for bands went.

What sort of things should I know? Will I be reading music, playing music off a sheet or tab, asked to play random songs?

What sort of things might they ask me to do? Have a drummer do some beat and I have to make up some tune to go with it or maybe follow a guitarist?

This is the kind of information I'm looking for. Any amount would be great.

Thanks in advance

need4mospd · #2 03-20-2008, 08:18 AM

You might have to do some, all, or none of that. Depends on the genre, the band, and what you can do. If you were auditioning for a jazz band, it would be expected that you know a decent amount of tunes and can read charts. Try out for a local start up original punk band, you might just have to show up on time.

Dogbertday · #3 03-20-2008, 11:14 AM

original punk band?... you'd just have to show up on the right day.... and own a bass...

Traver · #4 03-20-2008, 12:30 PM

The best thing in my opinion is to ask the people you are auditioning for what they expect of you, and make it clear to them what they CAN expect of you.
Say they tell you they'd expect you to show up and give you some sheet music for their songs and then have you play along, reading the music as you go. Now, if you are not proficient enough at reading sheet music, you'll be able to tell them right off the bat that won't be possible, and you'll either work something else out or you'll find out that you're not the person they're looking for, thus saving you all time.
It's a stupid idea to just walk into an audition without any clue of what you're going to do, because you might end up getting nothing done at all, wasting everyone's time.

dreadheadbass · #5 03-20-2008, 12:34 PM

when we auditioned a new singer the main thing we were looking for was personality as well as ability
after all what good is a band member if he can shred like paul gilbert and write like john lennon if he's a total self obsessed tool who you want to strangle

Araillac · #6 03-20-2008, 02:22 PM

That helps a lot. I saw a bulletin at my local music store with a bunch of people asking for certain musicians and they left their phone number so I guess I could ask what they expect then. I also suppose it's a good idea to be able read sheet music anyways.

Thanks guys.

mambo4 · #7 03-21-2008, 02:48 PM

Most bands want 2 things: musical competence, and a good personality match. a Professional attitude (show up on time, help out, keep your commitments,etc ) helps too.

My audition experiences while trying out for various original bands:

1.) find the ad on craig's list. If i like what I read:
2.) got to their myspace page and listen. If I like what I hear:
3.) contact them and arrange an audition for the next week or so
4.) rip their songs from myspace to my ipod and learn them as best I can (usually writing out a chord chart, maybe some notation)

then I show up with my charts and my bass and go for it. after that Its not up to me

Also, if you're just starting,go for the most skilled group that will have you -it's an educational gold mine to play with superior musicians.

Jim Powers · #8 03-22-2008, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mambo4

Most bands want 2 things: musical competence, and a good personality match. a Professional attitude (show up on time, help out, keep your commitments,etc ) helps too.

My audition experiences while trying out for various original bands:

1.) find the ad on craig's list. If i like what I read:
2.) got to their myspace page and listen. If I like what I hear:
3.) contact them and arrange an audition for the next week or so
4.) rip their songs from myspace to my ipod and learn them as best I can (usually writing out a chord chart, maybe some notation)

then I show up with my charts and my bass and go for it. after that Its not up to me

Also, if you're just starting,go for the most skilled group that will have you -it's an educational gold mine to play with superior musicians.

+1 You need to know what you'll be playing.