Doing a Audition with a Local Dayton Band
This is part two of a series of articles I am writing on finding and auditioning Dayton musicians. This week, I’m focusing on the audition.
So you found a local Dayton area band, and they’ve asked you to audition. Congratulations! Now, keep in mind that cold auditions can either be a great experience, or can be a grueling experience. The good news is that can control most of that experience. Let’s go over some tips to help ensure that it’s a great experience:
- Ask for a list of tunes you’ll be expected to know
The worst thing you can do is show up for an audition unprepared. You’ll look bad, and nobody like to do that. So, ask for a list of tunes to focus on. You can also negotiate how many songs you’ll need to know for this first meeting. - Do your homework
OK. So now you got a list of songs to focus on. Get those songs and learn em! Try YouTube. Search the web. Go to iTunes and download the songs (They are only 99 cent each). This is important. I can’t tell you how may musicians I’ve auditioned who show up and say “Oh, I couldn’t find that song so we’ll have to skip it.” This is a RED FLAG! It says you really don’t care if you get the job or not. Spend the 10 dollars or so and be prepared. - Be positive
Nobody like to hang out with people who bring everybody down. And being in a band mean countless hours of hanging out together. So get a positive attitude and keep it. If you make a mistake during your audition, don’t get all down in the dumps, and sulk. Laugh it off, and keep moving. - Consider the audition as a chance to meet some new friends
You may or may not pass the audition, but you probably will find a new friend or two. And your new friend may refer you to someone else, who could hire you. You just never know what might happen!
Granted, none of these tips will ensure you pass the audition, but they will ensure you look like a pro candidate. So get a list of songs. Do your homework. Get a positive attitude, and make some new friends. It will pay-off.
Good Luck!
