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Music Stands on Stage

Should musicians use a music stand on stage? [results will be displayed after you vote]

  • No

  • It doesn't matter -- use one if it helps you play better

  • Depends on the kind of band or performance

  • It's OK if you minimize the visibility of the stand

  • It's complicated -- defies a multiple choice answer like this

Results are only viewable after voting.
#81
Great topic! I'm also at the point where I cant remember a new song I just learned 3 months ago, but I remember some random song I played in HS 40 years ago. Sad. Anyway, I digress, and attempt to get back on topic...

I was watching 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival that I recorded the other night from several years ago. Most bands had at least a few musicians with sheets taped to their Keys, or taped to the floor. Maybe setlists..., maybe a reminder of the key..., or maybe lyrics... Also, virtually every serious touring band I've been involved with has a few monitors facing the band for reminders of things like that. But a music stand, to me, in this day, is a non starter for anything other than a jazz band, orchestra, or something more formal. But iPads on the floor, or paper taped to the floor, or even an iPad on a mic stand (if you are using the mic) or on top of an amp, that's everywhere. I don't think that bothers anyone, as long as you can play to the audience and interact with the rest of the band, and not have to stare at it to remember what to play.

My .02c
 
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#82
I am in 2-1/2 worship bands and there are over 250 songs (and growing) total in rotation, frequently with one or three new added every week, per band. I have some memorized, but certainly not all.
One band practices, another is only 1/2 hr. rehearsal prior to service and the last (1/2) is just show up and play whatever the BL has decided on.

I use a Surface mounted to a mic stand. My music is in ChordPro format, with an established (usually) set list. A 64gb Mu SD ensures I have almost anything they could throw at me.
I offset it in front of the drum kit/shield where I can gravitate/glance at it during the set.
From the "seats" it is almost invisible.*
I never flip a page or have to stare at the ground behind the monitor.
Just discreetly touch the screen for the next page.

*added on Edit: Only possible if your tablet of choice is BLACK. Trendy neon colors and White don't cut it.
 
Last edited:
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#83
thespoon said:
I am in 2-1/2 worship bands and there are over 250 songs (and growing) total in rotation, frequently with one or three new added every week, per band. I have some memorized, but certainly not all.
One band practices, another is only 1/2 hr. rehearsal prior to service and the last (1/2) is just show up and play whatever the BL has decided on.

I use a Surface mounted to a mic stand. My music is in ChordPro format, with an established (usually) set list. A 64gb Mu SD ensures I have almost anything they could throw at me.
I offset it in front of the drum kit/shield where I can gravitate/glance at it during the set.
From the "seats" it is almost invisible.
I never flip a page or have to stare at the ground behind the monitor.
Just discreetly touch the screen for the next page.
Click to expand...
Can you use it to change keys as well?
I've suggested having tablets--it might make it easier than having those multi page songs/arrangements.
 
#86
If it is a top 40 band with 400+ songs that plays all night it's ok.
If it's a 90 min gig with a setlist, no way.

Someone said something about rehearsal time. Wise words. If there is just a bunch of musicians on stage that did not have the time or chance to rehearse before the gig,
a stand might be the only possibility. I just played a night with a couple of guys i never rehearsed with. With a stand.
 
#87
zontar said:
Can you use it to change keys as well?
I've suggested having tablets--it might make it easier than having those multi page songs/arrangements.
Click to expand...

Transposing is fairly simple. Just a couple of screen presses. GuitarTapp Pro (iOS, Android, Win 8.1) is the app I use.

If you use DropBox and there is WiFi (or you set a Master Hot-Spot device) one user can transpose, and all tablets are updated.

Great app for around $7, last time I checked. Stay far away from the so-called "free" version. It expires and then it has subscription fees.

* Added on Edit: This app has been "dormant" since 2013. Current pricing is under $3. A steal, IMO. YMMV
 
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#89
DWBass said:
Not a good example. He doesn't play in a Top40 band or even a popular national act playing rock or pop music.
Click to expand...

It's a perfect example. The OP's original question was: Should musicians use a music stand on stage? There was no mention of top 40 or popular national act or rock or pop music.

And besides, Anthony Jackson has in his career played with literally countless top 40, pop, national touring, rock (and jazz) acts.
 
#90
I'm thinking this should be a 2 part question. One for the musicians and one for the singers. I'm ok with the band members having notes, charts, cheat sheets. Singers on the other hand, I feel, are the focal point of the band and should be engaging the crowd and not standing in one spot reading lyrics. This is just my opinion. The OP asked for opinions so I think it's fair to give one. Everyone has their own way of doing things. More power to you. Do you. Don't worry about what anyone thinks. Again, it's just an opinion. Lighten up.
 
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#92
i really dislike the look of big, clunky, music stands onstage. I think, unless youre in a big band or orchestra, it takes some pf your "professionalism" points away. That being said, sometimes its nice to have the set list handy, a list of keys youll be playing that night, or notes that show when or where an unfamiliar change may take place. if you need a music stand, get a music stand, but try to hide it, especially depending on the genre of music youre playing. No one wants to see a Metallica cover band with a stage full of music stands..

i use my ipad on a Hyperpad ipad stand for setlists, Notes, and to adjust my monitor mix. it looks more professional, to me, and keeps me in check.

my $0.02
 
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#93
My ears cannot hear a music stand. Why should I care?

Not everyone is playing the same set 4 nights a week. Many are damn lucky to get together 4 times a month.
If you need a stand, a stool, a fancy Persian carpet or someone to throw a cape over you after every performance go right ahead.

Whatever you think it takes to sound good. I may be judging you, but it's not on your apparatus.
 
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#96
Just my opinion: for a rock band? Just stay home and practice until you know the songs. For a corporate function band, an iPad is OK for special requests, but if you are staring at it all night it's just weak. I know a guy who stares at his chart for Brown Eyed Girl gig after gig- and he's actually a killer bass player as long as he's playing contemporary R&B or gospel. He doesn't know any of that regular people music that they play in supermarkets and elevators.

If you are the lead singer as well, it's called karaoke and you should not be getting paid for it. I fear that is a losing battle, though. Young singers, in my experience, just don't actually know any songs.

If it is some progressive jazz catastrophe with intense, intricate parts, then do what you gotta do.
 
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#97
In the past I've used a music stand for reasons other than not knowing the songs by heart in a variety/wedding type band. Sometimes it's a set list that was put together on the fly, sometimes it's the names of some guests you're making a special announcement about. The alternative of putting a bunch of papers on your amp looks worse IMO. But I guess I'm dating myself, as I suppose the players now would have the set list in something like Notes on their iPhones and would whip out their phones periodically, for better or worse.
 
#98
Smooth_bass88 said:
What a ridiculous question. If the gig requires the reading of sheet music, than how can you not have music stands on stage? Besides...if the band sounds good and plays good, who cares??? Having music stands onstage has no bearing on anything. That's why they were invented: for the musician to read his music!
Click to expand...

What if the gig requires actually entertaining the audience? Too many musicians just never get this part. They'll bitch forever about how many gigs there used to be and it's all DJs now. Yeah, nobody is intetested in paying to watch guys read. It's exactly exciting as it sounds.

Of course, I don't know. Maybe you are gigging 5 nights a week and raking in dough hand over fist.
 
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#100
So why does everyone give orchestras a pass on using music stands? For a typical symphony concert, they might only play three or four songs that they've been rehearsing for weeks. On top of that, many of the musicians aren't even playing all the time and none of them are singing! You'd think these so-called professionals would be able to pull it off with out those ugly music stands between them and the audience. :laugh:
 

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