Being in a band again is a lot of fun. I've had to adjust my technique a little after playing alone for so long. It made me think about musicians who want to get into a band but don't know how or think they're not good enough. Here are some thoughts.
Am I good enough to play in a band? Probably yes. There are bands for all sorts of skill levels out there. Ideally you want to be in a band where everyone is just a little better than you -- but of course the band wants you to be a little bit better than them.
I've never been in a band. What should I do? The biggest thing about going from solo playing to a band is rhythm. You have to get used to playing in time and if you make a mistake, do go back, just keep playing! You can develop this skill be playing to a metronome or with prerecorded songs. Pick a song you like and put it on the stereo. Play with the song, keeping in time. Try not playing exactly what the recording plays. Have fun.
How do I find a band? Ask friends. Go to a music store and ask there. Look in Craig's List. Go to your local community college music department and take a class. Post your wants on social media.
Here are some other thoughts about band etiquette:
Have the right gear. Don't go into a band audition with a little home keyboard with built-in speakers. Go to a music store and get some pro equipment. Yes, they want to sell you something, but most places will get you the gear you need at your level. Be prepared to spend $500 or more.
Come to rehearsals and gigs on time. No one likes a "flake." People usually set rehearsal in their precious free time so don't waste it. Even if the other members can start without you, this makes it harder to feel like a team.
Skip the drugs and alcohol. Don't come to rehearsal or gigs high or drunk. Playing good music takes all your abilities. If you really think you can play high, try recording yourself.
Come to rehearsals/gigs prepared. People really appreciate it when you have learned your parts and are ready to play. Practice on your own time to get your "chops" up to speed.
If you find a band or another musician around your level of expertise and you follow some common sense rules, you will be playing in no time!
Am I good enough to play in a band? Probably yes. There are bands for all sorts of skill levels out there. Ideally you want to be in a band where everyone is just a little better than you -- but of course the band wants you to be a little bit better than them.
I've never been in a band. What should I do? The biggest thing about going from solo playing to a band is rhythm. You have to get used to playing in time and if you make a mistake, do go back, just keep playing! You can develop this skill be playing to a metronome or with prerecorded songs. Pick a song you like and put it on the stereo. Play with the song, keeping in time. Try not playing exactly what the recording plays. Have fun.
How do I find a band? Ask friends. Go to a music store and ask there. Look in Craig's List. Go to your local community college music department and take a class. Post your wants on social media.
Here are some other thoughts about band etiquette:
Have the right gear. Don't go into a band audition with a little home keyboard with built-in speakers. Go to a music store and get some pro equipment. Yes, they want to sell you something, but most places will get you the gear you need at your level. Be prepared to spend $500 or more.
Come to rehearsals and gigs on time. No one likes a "flake." People usually set rehearsal in their precious free time so don't waste it. Even if the other members can start without you, this makes it harder to feel like a team.
Skip the drugs and alcohol. Don't come to rehearsal or gigs high or drunk. Playing good music takes all your abilities. If you really think you can play high, try recording yourself.
Come to rehearsals/gigs prepared. People really appreciate it when you have learned your parts and are ready to play. Practice on your own time to get your "chops" up to speed.
If you find a band or another musician around your level of expertise and you follow some common sense rules, you will be playing in no time!
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