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Auditions

zenmba

zenmba

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2005
Messages
111
Location
Suburban Chicago
Hi Folks,

I auditioned for a spot in a group earlier this week.
I had only auditioned once before in 25+ years!
I thought my playing (and backup singing) were very good, though I was nervous.
My expectations were high that I would be offered the spot.

I just got feedback that my playing and singing weren't strong enough.
I'm very disappointed. :(

Anyone have similar experiences with audition rejections?
I'll live - I'll keep practicing - I'll join another group one day! :D

zenmba
 
hi zenmba,

I don't have direct experience with audition rejections per se, but I recently finished my PhD, and getting a job as a professor is pretty stressful- I applied to almost 100 places and was rejected by most of them~ and this isn't an uncommon occurrence in my field.

I guess the key is to just keep on- other opportunities will arise, and hopefully you'll find yourself in the right situation soon.
 
I never really auditioned for a band, but many years ago I went with my good friend (a drummer) to his audition for an established heavy metal band (Overkill). He wasn't adequately prepared (he admits), and had to stop during a song a couple times. Needless to say, he didn't get the gig. It's funny looking back on it, because now in his current bands he is the consumate professional, always knows the songs, often better than the guys who wrote the stuff. I can't help but think that that audition, 10 or 15 years ago was the turning point for him. Now he woodsheds like you can't believe. A little humility can be a good thing.

Betcha next time you get the gig.
 
zenmba said:
Hi Folks,

I auditioned for a spot in a group earlier this week.
I had only auditioned once before in 25+ years!
I thought my playing (and backup singing) were very good, though I was nervous.
My expectations were high that I would be offered the spot.

I just got feedback that my playing and singing weren't strong enough.
I'm very disappointed. :(

Anyone have similar experiences with audition rejections?
I'll live - I'll keep practicing - I'll join another group one day! :D

zenmba
Click to expand...

Everyone gets nervious when auditioning for a band, although some people don't, it's just if you let it affect your playing, when l audition l come prepared, know all my parts, but l've done some session/fill in work over the last couple of years, and it's improved my playing a great deal, but that doesn't mean l haven't been reject for some gigs, some people just expect too much some times. hehe.

A drummer mate of mine used to audition for any band he could, he said he got burnt alot, but it really showed him where he lacked in his playing etc etc.

But just because you got rejected from one band, l wouldn't get dishearted by it, everyone here would of gotten reject from bands one stage of their music life. Just move on, learn from it, and improve on it.

Scott.
 
Thanks for the feedback!

I'll go back to the woodshed and work on my skills. I've been recording my practices to isolate my weaknesses.

I'm sure I'll do better next time!
 
I always started my own bands. Of course you don't get the established name and gig schedule, but you get almost total control over the musical direction and management.

I haven't been able to find musicians in my area to jam with. I play progressive metal and live in the country. I record a lot, though - I'm my own bass player, keyboard player and drummer.

Best of luck in finding a good band.
 
My wife is an actor and gets more rejections than jobs. It's just the nature of the beast. I guess even though it hurts it can also be a great learning and motivational tool. There is a band with your name on it somewhere.

Colin
 
Every group i ever jamed with and tried out for i got turned down are ego problems happend and now 99% of thoughs people dont even play music any more hahah.

And i shred all over theem and am quite happy making my own music any way so if you wright at all get your songs together and start your own project good luck and peace.:)
 
Thanks for the suggestions

Hi all,

Thanks for the suggestions. I've decided to practice my ass off this year, then put together my own group with great people. The band I auditioned for wears hats and jump around a lot. I guess I was too skinny and didn't look good in a hat. I want to be the best guitarist I can be and not worry about my hat falling off!

:)
 
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