Tips for Auditioning

[dfwkeys]

I'm ready to start auditioning for some churches and i need some tips.  I understand that i might get some rejections, but i need to start somewhere.  What is to be expected when audition and what do i need to come prepared such as scales, but is there a certain lick or groove i need to play, or just to show that i know my theory.

I'm ready to step out on faith.

[ddwilkins]

Don't do anything that will harm your chances, and remember to Pray, Pray and Pray somemore.

[DWBass]

My biggest tip...............don't go in blind! Learn several of their tunes (if you haven't done so already) and do not overplay! Keep it simple when auditioning!

[mjl422]

My biggest tip...............don't go in blind! Learn several of their tunes (if you haven't done so already) and do not overplay! Keep it simple when auditioning!

Yeah, visit a couple of services to see what the flow is. And record if you can.  Also, make sure that the teaching/preaching is edifying to you.  Remember you are not just there to play but, to be fed also.

[Ken Felder]

just keep God first an stay humble.  God bless ken.

[Quebass86]

If you don't have a church home, visit several until you feel led by the spirit to make that your home. Don't just go to play because as soon as something doesn't go the right way you have no foundation or reason to stay. Even if a church has a bass player get to know the MOM and ALL of the musicians. Many churches including mine have several musicians at different positions because they have multiple choirs and some musicians only play for certain choirs. Go to the practices, ask if you can sit in on a few songs after you get a good feel. If they are musicians of GOD they will gladly invite you in. At my church all musicians are welcome because we truly know what praising GOD with music and instruments is really about. I personally like to have a few sundays off so that I can worship with my family. Pray and God will lead you in the right direction. Also, in the DFW metroplex you can call HEAVEN 97 radio and they will give you a list of churches that are looking for bass players and they will be of all denominations and races.

[dfwkeys]

These are all wonderful tips.  Thanks.  God Bless.

[BassbyGrace]

Im with you on this bro.  Im in Aberdeen, MD looking for a church now and trying to see what the bass scene is like in these parts.  I know you'll do well.

[MikeGee]

Im with you on this bro.  Im in Aberdeen, MD looking for a church now and trying to see what the bass scene is like in these parts.  I know you'll do well.

I was born in Glen Burnie, Md    raised in Middle River, Md and now I live in Catonsville, MD
I usta work in Edgewood, MD


I like the church home part.

[dfwkeys]

So what are some typical questions you would ask if you were being the judge over the auditions?  such as maybe stuff like this:

Do you know your modes? how many?

How long you've been playing?  etc...

[DWBass]

I don't think I'd ever ask anyone if they knew their modes but I'd ask about experience, how long playing, song knowledge catalog, how good of an ear do you have, how well do you work with others, are you good at taking direction, do you own transportation, availability, etc....etc.

[Quebass86]

Personally, I don't know anyone who really went through an official audtion for bass. most of the time guys I know just went and talked to the MOM after church or during a practice and sat in with them or was given the songs and came back to practice...Usually the formal stuff has been for MOM's or keyboard players that were more in a lead or director role, similar to the drummers I have known.

My suggestion is to just go and talk to the MOM if you find a church you like and let him know you play bass and where you are on the skill set. Honesty is the best policy. record or get cd's of the songs they do, practice and see about sitting in. If they are like my church they may have several choirs. When I first started playing I just played for the male chorus of 102 men. That alone was an overwhelming experience. I had only been playing 8 months then. As time went on I began to play for the children & youth choir, then the women and mass choir. Now that I am playing for other gospel groups I look forward to having some sundays off and we have some young teens in church wanting to learn how to play bass so they get lessons and hopefully will begin playing for the children & youth choir. We have two bass players at my church, the other bass player plays for the men/women and we rotate and cover for each other when we are out of town or need a break. We work great together.

You will do just fine. Pray and play what you feel. Ask the MOM what kind of bass line he wants from a particular song. Does he want it straight from the cd or play it as you hear it. Know the chord progressions and then you can fill in with what GOD lays on your heart....

[BassbyGrace]

I don't think I'd ever ask anyone if they knew their modes but I'd ask about experience, how long playing, song knowledge catalog, how good of an ear do you have, how well do you work with others, are you good at taking direction, do you own transportation, availability, etc....etc.

+1

[Andrzej]

1. Know the songs!

It's difficult to audition for a church as the song list will be different from church to church.  Visit the church a couple of times so that you get a good idea of what their song list is like.  There will be songs you don't know or maybe don't even like playing, but try to play them anyway...even if you hit some wrong notes.  It will demonstrate your enthusiasm and determination.

2. Be on time

...for the audition that is.  Lateness is never a good way to make a good first impression.

3. Availability

Being a part of a Ministry takes a lot of commitment and responsibility.  Be prepared to be called upon on short notice.  Telling the leader that can't make the Sunday evening service because the big game is on TV will not impress.  It takes some personal sacrifice to serve your church.

4.  Be yourself

That is probably the most important attribute to have in an audition.  Just relax and be yourself.  The decision to hire you is not just about your playing!


Make sure you are comfortable being at that church...that is very important.  That will take time to figure out, so hold off on that audition  until you are ready to commit.  I played for a church several years ago and left within 12 months because I never come across such a cliquey, gossipping bunch of people in all my life.  I was afraid to make friends there because I felt that whatever I said would be around the church in next to no time.  If I cannot fellowship at my own church then I am outside of that church.  Not a great place to be when you are a part of the Ministry.  But, to be honest...that was my fault.  I was drafted into the band within two weeks visiting that church.  I didn't give myself enough time making a home there.  If I had a little more patience I would have gotten a clearer picture of how I was going to settle in that church.  Not very well as it turned out, so I left and dissapointed a whole lot of people when I left.

[dfwkeys]

1. Know the songs!

It's difficult to audition for a church as the song list will be different from church to church.  Visit the church a couple of times so that you get a good idea of what their song list is like.  There will be songs you don't know or maybe don't even like playing, but try to play them anyway...even if you hit some wrong notes.  It will demonstrate your enthusiasm and determination.

2. Be on time

...for the audition that is.  Lateness is never a good way to make a good first impression.

3. Availability

Being a part of a Ministry takes a lot of commitment and responsibility.  Be prepared to be called upon on short notice.  Telling the leader that can't make the Sunday evening service because the big game is on TV will not impress.  It takes some personal sacrifice to serve your church.

4.  Be yourself

That is probably the most important attribute to have in an audition.  Just relax and be yourself.  The decision to hire you is not just about your playing!


Make sure you are comfortable being at that church...that is very important.  That will take time to figure out, so hold off on that audition  until you are ready to commit.  I played for a church several years ago and left within 12 months because I never come across such a cliquey, gossipping bunch of people in all my life.  I was afraid to make friends there because I felt that whatever I said would be around the church in next to no time.  If I cannot fellowship at my own church then I am outside of that church.  Not a great place to be when you are a part of the Ministry.  But, to be honest...that was my fault.  I was drafted into the band within two weeks visiting that church.  I didn't give myself enough time making a home there.  If I had a little more patience I would have gotten a clearer picture of how I was going to settle in that church.  Not very well as it turned out, so I left and dissapointed a whole lot of people when I left.

Thanks so much for this, you are right, i do need to hold off on the auditions until i find a church i can fellowship with.  Thanks again