First Audition...

skinbeata7734 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 01:22 AM

Hey everyone I am looking to join a band if feel confident in my chops but i was wondering if any of you could give me some advice on winning over a band looking for a drummer. Especially those ticky guitarists LOL... what i'm looking for is if someone could tell me about there first audition and suggest how to audition such as to just jam, play to a song, or what...thank you in advance!!!

**Der Trommler** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 09:38 AM

skinbeata7734,

You posted this in the site feedback, suggestions and troubleshooting section so I moved it to a better spot for you, this way you get the answers you seek.

Ok, on to the topic. I am sure there are plenty of drummers here that will chime in but the last drummer here I know of that auditioned and got the job is don11817. I know he will give you some real good pointers as to how to get the gig. If my memory serves me I recall him saying one, he was very confident in his skills in the genre he was auditioning for and that is very important, and he learned the bands originals inside and out.

I am sure he will expand on this info when he rings in on the subject.

I will say this, be confident as you play for them. Showmanship is important, but don't try to be too flashy and by the same token don't play with zero flash either. The key is to show them you have the chops to play behind them and you can bring some excitement to the show too.

Dxrxuxmx · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 11:04 AM

Don't worry about that guitar player. Just tell him how great he is and you'll win him over in a heartbeat. Preparing for the songs is key. Learn their material and play it like you wrote the drum lines yourself. Look comfortable and confident while playing, and make sure they know how much you enjoy what they're doing. Also, don't get discouraged if you don't land the first audition. Sometimes things just don't click during auditions. Let us know how it goes!

Dxrxuxmx · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 11:21 AM

Also... Be as professional as possible. Some bands tend to drink a few beers during practice. Kindly pass on the offer. No matter how good you are, alcohol will affect your timing! Polish and tune up your kit prior to getting there. Try not to step on the others toes while they play the old "tune up song". Ask intellegent questions about what they are looking for from the drummer. Find out if they need vocals from you, and what role the drummer will play in the song writing process. Most important... Enjoy yourself!

Gus · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 03:11 PM

add jazz to your time keeping put your self into the audition

skinbeata7734 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 06:15 PM

thank you all for your advice it's really helpful... i love to hear more so keep it coming!!!

Infero Exicution · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 06:38 PM

I would say make a drum solo that ranges from 2:00 minutes to 3:00 minutes containing all that you know and all of your skills. It will show them what your made of.

It will take practice. Try looking at your inspirations solo's and get ideas for yours.
This will also give you a sense of you own style and creativity. Good Luck!

Harry · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 07:32 PM

Hi All,

The one and biggest factor for the band to"feel good about you", is to show sincere interest in them.
Ask them about their genre, and how they see themselves down the track, what direction they want to take the music.

Most bands who are taking on new members, (drummers) use this opportunity to bring a fresh element into their music, just to break the "routine grind"
THIS is where You come in!

Ask them to play a part of one of their most favorite songs, and do not drum with them straight away.
Ask them what kind of feel they are looking for, with regards to rhythm.
THEN drum say, 16 bars, with them after which you ask, "Is this sort of what you are after?"

My experience is that they (like many people) love to be talking about them selves, so let them.

As the most inportant ingredient of making music is communication, you will do well to make it easy for them.

I started to have more (a lot of) success with auditions when I adviced afterwards that they should get more drummers in to compare, so they were getting a better idea which one could fit the band best.

I got this advice from a very wise friend, by giving the signal that you want them to get the best for the band (unselfishly) you will get the job, providing that you are an OK drummer though! Also, that way you do not seem to be desperate, and they will have the feel that also YOU have other options.

They rather setlle for a communcative OK drummer than for an arrogant brilliant one!

And also, bring good gear, (you can always borrow for the time being, ha-ha),
and be on time, and ONLY give a Solo when they ask for it!

Cheers and Happy Drumming,

Harry

skinbeata7734 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 02:39 PM

hey guys thanks for all the advice everyone keep it coming...I'm kinda stuck right now cuz one band i auditioned for and want me to play with them well they have the style of music i'm wanting to play but they aren't as good but the other band i auditioned isn't so much my taste in music but are a pretty good band... so my question is who does everyone think i should lean towards : the band that plays my style but isn't that good, the band that plays a little different from my style but is pretty good musicians, or should i just wait it out and see what other bands are out there to fit my tastes... hope to hear from u guys!!!!

Infero Exicution · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 05:00 PM

Hmm...
I would say wait it out.
It will give the people that have your style of music time to get better.
You may also find a nice band with your style of music.

Did any of them accept you?