Gigging

Where to look

Classified ads in your local newspaper, music papers, internet classifieds, etc. Bulletin boards at music stores, record shops, drum shops, talent agencies. Live bands networking! Go out, meet, and interact with live groups. This is one of the best ways to learn about who is looking for who. Get to know talent agencies and the people who work in these places. They can sometimes help you find a suitable band or at the very least, pass the word along. The Musician's Union is a good place to find certain types of work. Great contacts can be made as well. Stay in touch with the people behind the scenes at your recording studios. They are recording all your friends and know who is doing what. Jam sessions are a bit more popular in larger towns, but when you can find them, they are valuable music networking havens!

How to audition

Be friendly and professional. Do not oversell yourself but be confident and assertive. Find out what they are looking for in a musician and determine whether or not you fit the criteria. Know the material better than anyone else! This is the key to a successful audition. If you know the tunes better than anyone else, assuming you play them with feeling and with good time, you will probably get the gig. The second most important criteria in getting a gig is how well the other members of the band think they might be able to get along with you. Be friendly, but be yourself. People can usually see through facades.

Keeping the gig

It is even more important after getting the gig to be cooperative and extremely diplomatic. You will have opinions, but try and not be to forceful with them. Keep a positive attitude and you will have respect from the other players. Stay on top of the new tunes that come out in the genre of the music you are playing. Know what is happening! Be on time, keep yourself and your equipment in good shape, and play every night like you are making $1000 instead of $50. Wear a smile and act like you are having a good night even if you are not. Consistently try and better yourself, learn the newest techniques, the difficult songs, read all the magazines, etc. Be a strong force in the group.