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First Audition!

V

vespito

Jan 31, 2011
13
0
SF, CA
#1
Well, I have my first audition in a couple of days. I've never had an audition or even played with anyone who wasn't my teacher even though I am now 40 (I've only been playing for 2 years).

You'd think I was auditioning for the Stones based on how much I've been practicing lately. I've gotten to the point where I've decided to:

a) Give it all I've got and try not to crap myself in the process
b) Not be a douche
c) Ask questions if I don't know something – I hope this is acceptable, because even though I'll be prepared I couldn't hear/figure out some chords. I've figured out 2 of the 3 songs by ear (and a bit of help from my teacher). The guitarist/singer gave me a partial chord chart for the last song – I think she is pretty new to guitar and didn't know what some of them are (she writes some good songs though).

I'm mostly worried that I'll freeze, especially if put on the spot to learn one of their songs from scratch. I was trying to familiarize myself with all their songs, but there are too many to learn before Friday :)

Also, the audition is at a place that has equipment – drum kit, bass amp, etc. I was just going to show up with my bass, patch chord and the chord charts I came up with.
Is it ok to bring home-made chord charts or is that super amateur (I'm planning on knowing the songs by heart, but I'm worried that I'll be nervous and want a reference)?

As for the songs I've been practicing, I've come up with some original/creative things – nothing too splashy – just something to put a bit of 'myself' into the process and show I can play more than root notes.

For some reason I'm really nervous that I'm wasting their time.

Now I see why my teacher has been pressing me to play with other people – I've practiced more in the past week than I have in the last month.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice, I'm all ears.
 
#2
I think you're good to go. I would suggest you don't go overboard with your take on their music. Once you're in the band, that's when it's time to get creative. Right now just stick to the groove, and if asked, show off a little.
 
#3
Let's see...

HAVE FUN! Don't get so caught up in everything that you don't enjoy yourself. Playing with others is always a great opportunity, and it should be enjoyable.

Be as prepared as you can. Play through the songs as often as you can. Familiarize yourself with the material by listening to it whenever you can...car, bus, walking, work, whatever.

I use chord sheets all the time, don't feel bad about bringing them. Learning a few handfuls of originals is pretty easy to commit to memory, so let it come to you when it does. When you do covers and know 100+ songs, it's a different story. Some people can memorize them just fine, I'm not one of those people.

Don't forget to have fun, and good luck!
 
#6
My first audition was similar to the OP's. I've been playing for a year (I am 38) and was quite nervous when I went to my first audition. The band leader had sent me a set list of the cover tunes that they did and tried to familiarize myself with them as quickly as I could. I was still very nervous when I showed up, but they were accommodating and helped me through it. I was invited back to do a regular practice at the end of the audition even though I thought that I had completely botched it.

My advice to you would be to try to relax, have fun with it, and yes, bring what you want if you think it will help YOU. JoeDaddio is correct in that you are also auditioning them. If you don't feel comfortable with them, politely decline if they offer you a spot and find a different band. I feel very fortunate that the band that I am with has some great understanding guys and we have a lot of fun playing music together.
 
#7
Reeellllaaaaaaaxxxxxxx!!! Breathe!

If you've been honest and they know it's your first time, it's their own fault for "wasting their time" with a noob. I'm sure if you show up with any kind of notes, even root notes in Sharpie on a napkin, they'll be impressed.

You won't freeze. It's not like it's your first GIG. Now that's scary! lol ;)

Have fun!
 
#9
+10 on relaxing. You may have to force yourself to slow down. It could be a bit like going from shooting baskets in your driveway to jumping into a full court pick up game. Things will appear to happen fast.

Take the time to enjoy the experience. You are going to do just fine. Best of luck!!!
 
#10
I think the only way you'd be wasting their time is if this project is not right for you. Sometimes people are so eager to join a group they take whatever pops up first. Or they know someone who gets them in to "whatever" group. These situations might lead you in the wrong direction and end up causing frustration.

Have you decided that you like this group's music? Do you like the idea of being in an originals group? Is this right for you, as much as can be determined at this point?

I'd make sure the answer to those questions was yes before auditioning. If it is, then yeah, you're good to go. If you're not sure, do some more soul searching and make sure you audition for something that's up your alley.

Good luck!
 
#11
Getting in a band is one thing, being in a band is another.

Somethings to think about or ask.

Are they auditioning a lot of seasoned players?

Age of the members?

Are they auditioning any friends? No matter how good you are it's hard to beat out a friend of the band.

How long is the overall process, when will the make a decision.

It's best to audition last.

Remember, very rarely us band looking for the best bass player.
 
#12
Thanks everyone for the advice. I do like their music (right now acoustic, but they recently picked up a drummer and are moving in a somewhat pop direction) and am very interested in joining a band that works on original material. In my brief talks, it looks like they are open to collaboration.

Not sure if I am the last person to audition, but the first round was held last week. Again, not sure how many other people are auditioning; I'll see how the audition goes and ask if I'm still interested.

Thanks again for all the feedback - I'll definitely relax and enjoy - at this point I'm just excited to play some music and see what happens. Also good to remember that making sure they are a good fit is just as important as being proficient on bass.

I'll post back after the audition and let you know how it goes...
 
#13
Don't over think it - don't over do it.

see what gels and enjoy the ride.

quick story - i was 38 when I started playing. 2 years later, auditioned with a well known seasoned blues band. The were nice to me - and I was WAY green. they told me they were going to fill the spot with someone else after we got done, but we sat and talked a while - and they were SOLID guys. VERY encouraging.

A year later they were auditioning again, and I went again.....and it gellled great. They DID hire someone else, but I was WAY better prepared this time. they actually called me to fill in a few times and it went great.

I played with some other guys and it sucked.....so i started going to a BLues Jam and got hired as the house bass guy - by David Bromberg. Did that for 3 years and the venue closed.

I put my own band together, and actually had a little experience. The Guys from the audition band have all played as fill ins wiith us and also come to sit in. Kind of cool - full circle. I also still play for David and share house bass with another guy who is a great player/singer - and I learn from him.


Just a perspective shot - you learn something at every stage, at every fork in the road. those who impact you positively, help mold your potential. those who are negative also can teach you as examples of what not to do, or how to treat people. It goes a long way.
 
#14
The TB community is NOT representative of your typical bass player. Over the past 3 years I've met at least 100+ bass players, and only a handful even knew about Talkbass.

I mention this to point out that you are probably WAAY more prepared than the typical bass player. You have put a lot of work into this. You take it seriously. This is YOUR time to put it all together and kick-butt.

And yes- I always feel the 'I'm totally wasting their time' thing in my head before every audition. And yet I've gotten the gig or spot every time I auditioned.

Because I've done the work. I take this seriously...

Now go get 'em!!!! :hyper:
 
#15
Frankjohnson - wow. Thanks for that post. And glad things are working so well!
swspiers - Thanks - I just keep telling myself I'm prepared and it'll work out one way or the other.

I have to say, the talkbass forums are fantastic.
 
#16
JoeDaddio said:
Don't forget to audition them in the process. You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of d-bags.


joe
Click to expand...

I think that this is a great point. Think about what you want out of the experience and make sure that this band will be able to provide it to you. I have been on auditions were the band members attitude feels like their interview style is "Beg us to be in our band." Lame... Your teacher is absoltely right that you should play with others, your playing will grow so much, but don't feel like you need to jump in the first boat that comes by. Good luck!
 
#17
JoeDaddio said:
Don't forget to audition them in the process. You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of d-bags.


joe
Click to expand...

+1 here. Just because you're driving over there and they are listening to you doesn't mean that the audition process is all one way. It's gotta be a two way street. Watch their attitudes, body language, verbal language, etc...
 
#18
Well, I didn't get the gig. 2 of 3 band members showed up and they were very cool. The first half of the audition went well - I was really well prepared and knew their songs, but the last bit where we jammed weren't so hot, and that's on me.

On the plus side, the drummer is interested in playing with me. I'm going to talk to him about his other band, so at least I don't feel like I totally suck.
A little disappointed since I like the music and they were so nice, but it's not my time. Heck, I was so nervous, I just plugged in and played - didn't fiddle with the amp at all (probably a mistake). Anyway, since you all took the time to post comments, I thought I would follow-up and let you know how it turned out.

Oh, I also found out that when you practice 3 - 5 hours a day, your playing improves dramatically!

Lastly - if you stumbled onto this thread because you are wondering when to audition - do it as soon as possible. This way when you find a band you really want to be a part of, you'll already have some audition experience.
 
#19
vespito said:
Lastly - if you stumbled onto this thread because you are wondering when to audition - do it as soon as possible. This way when you find a band you really want to be a part of, you'll already have some audition experience.
Click to expand...

Sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted. I had a teacher that said you should take every audition you can because learning to audition is a skill in itself that must be practiced.
 

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