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How long to learn songs for audition?

LowendinFL

LowendinFL

Apr 15, 2008
312
3
Central Florida
#1
Yea so I auditioned for a 70s 80s cover band today with only 2 days to learn some songs. The guitar player emailed me their set list only 3 days ago. They have gigs lined up and need someone to fill the spot right away. Of course they didn't expect me to know them all already. They just let me pick the ones wanted at the audition. I thought that was nice. My audition was about an hour. Played maybe 8 songs. They had 5 bassists to audition today. I was third. They seemed tired of playing by the time I got there.

So I did the best I could. I'm sure I will loose it to someone that was familiar with more of the songs. I had only played two, and only one regularly. They were all very nice and didn't make faces at each other when I messed up so thats a good thing. Wish me luck!
 
#2
Good luck! You did your best. See how it goes.

You might want to learn all their songs even if you don't get the gig and let them know you can sub in the future. Make some good charts so you can pick up the songs anytime you need to.
 
#3
If the audition went well in other aspects, just contact them and thank them for the opportunity to audition and offer them that you are available and will learn their songs if they need you in the future. Who knows? Even if you are not the guy to do the short term gigs, whoever they pick might only be able to do a few gigs or they may decide he is not a fit for the band permanently and come back to you. I have had that happen with players that I picked somebody and they did not work out and went back with our second selection and it worked out great.
 
#4
I like to find the band's web site, find their set list and pre-learn as much as I can so as to show how 'professional' and 'committed' I am - even if I don't end up wanting the gig, it's best to show up with 100% of your game, right?
 
#5
This is where knowing your notes and scales, and playing by ear versus tab comes in handy. I have gone to shows and sat in with bands. Learning songs is good. But what if the band plays them in a different key? What if their last bass player did alot of improv?

I would say if you audition with a band again. Learning their songs for an audition is bogus. I never do that. Go just try to jump in with them. If you guys mesh well you will know, and they will too.
 
#8
I just experienced this last week. My audition consisted of a 550 mile round trip drive, susidized by the band, two rehearsels, one with the drummer, them getting into the van for a 400 mile round trip drive to play several gigs. I had five days to learn 35 songs, mostly originals. I think I was able to learn about 30, with chord charts and notes spread out all over, taped to walls and monitors! A couple of minor train wrecks, I was surprized the drummer and guitar player were as rough as I was sometimes! I gave myself an 82, with each night getting a little better! Well, the band leader called me today, said he would use me on the New England tour, till the end of June then re-evaluate! I must learn all the songs, perfectly, mistake free. I said OK! I will do my best!

That's my story!
 
#10
Just an update from the audition. They sent me a nice email (that obviously went out to everyone who auditioned that day) saying thank you and we still haven't found the right person for the spot. No biggie. If anything else I got a bunch of songs I will be learning out of the experience. Some of them are songs I really like but never thought to learn them. Now I will know them for the next audition.
 

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