Audition Guidelines: What do you ask for and expect?

[Neil Folkard]

^^Lots of good points. We do try to be fairly specific. And now, the guitarist has been able to generate keyboard charts for the songs. Two more candidates are on the line, so hopefully someone will be the right fit soon.

 

[Fynn]

The more you interact with the world you start to realize the average person is pretty dumb. Musicians included. Just have to keep grinding along til you find a fit. That guy is probably on the same grind trying to find you. It’s amazing the amount of people out there that can’t do the bare minimum at anything.

The actual reality is not that most people are dumb, it's just that most people are ignorant of the fact that they have different experiences. Almost everybody you meet in day to day life will have completely different experiences to your own. Which means they will be good at things that you suck at, and you will be good at things that they suck at. Add the ignorance, and suddenly everybody thinks everybody else is stupid, because they can't perform simple tasks that you are great at.
You could even argue that calling everybody else stupid, is just a way of showing how blissfully ignorant you are of the nuances of life... Or do you think that you're one of a few select people on this planet, whose neurons are firing at double speed, while everybody else is still mentally a toddler?

 

[Lance Bunyon]

About 14 years ago, I invited an old friend to audition for keys in my classic R&B band. He killed it! Comped, vamped, syncopated. Very tasteful, I don't invite slouches.

A week later he declined. Cambridge was a long way from Cape Ann, he didn't want the commute.
But yeah I expect keyboardists to do all of the above, and try to solo but only when expected.

 

[MarkM13]

Oddly enough, I have been auditioning bassist for a band I’m starting. I’m a drummer first and am on kit in this band.
I set forth very clear expectations for anyone looking to audition. It’s been difficult finding someone but at least folks aren’t showing up and wasting our time.
Some contacted just to see if there were exceptions and thanked me for being up front. 96 invites we sent out on BandMix and only two made it to the in person audition. FWIW the ad copy was:

“ Experienced bassist needed for a unique instrumental group.
“New Standards” is an instrumental band that puts a new twist on hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. We focus on tunes with “hip” chord changes and often ad new ones to spice things up.
Charts are written specifically for the band…..
Note: this gig requires reading. Songs are often not in original keys to adjust for horn ranges. Reading is in the form of lead sheets… I need to stress reading is mandatory and tab will not be provided.

Rehearsals will be once a week in until things are up and going. This will not be a band that rehearses to death. You are expected to show up with your parts learned and use rehearsal time to hear how other parts fit with yours. Practice tracks will be provided along with charts in PDF and XML format.

First auditions will be remote; I’ll send you a chart and play-a-long with and without bass. You’ll record your part with the bass-less track and return.

 

[Bass Viking]

I'd start by asking for clips before wasting time auditioning someone.

+100! Ideally, both parties should provide clips.

With practically everyone and their dog pulling their phones out taking videos, selfies, etc., it's hard to imagine someone who doesn't have access to some kind of clips of themselves playing songs; Either in full band context or at home with clips/tracks.

Agreed and anyone who can't or won't provide a clip is suspect. Saying "I don't have any videos, man" isn't going to cut it.

 

[fdeck]

Not unless it’s pros auditioning pros

For a hobby band, you get what you get.

I don't disagree with either sentiment. On the other hand, I've learned over the years that my enjoyment of being an amateur musician is greatly improved by adopting professional expectations. Now there's still plenty of room for variation, but clear expectations and respectful use of one another's time and effort are pretty much non-negotiable. A lot of amateur musicians have professional day jobs, so it's not a foreign concept.

 

[Pings Bass]

I don't disagree with either sentiment. On the other hand, I've learned over the years that my enjoyment of being an amateur musician is greatly improved by adopting professional expectations. Now there's still plenty of room for variation, but clear expectations and respectful use of one another's time and effort are pretty much non-negotiable. A lot of amateur musicians have professional day jobs, so it's not a foreign concept.

Yeah 100%, I always bring professionalism to the table.

But the reality is if you're having auditions for a band that doesn't pay, sometimes you get what you pay for.