It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 6:01 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 20 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:03 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:42 am
Posts: 7
Hi folks. I've been lurking for a while and have finally joined. And I have a question that I think people could answer.

I recently had a guitar audition this week with a really good local cover band. They've been auditioning players for several weeks and haven't found the right person.

At the audition, I got a number of very nice compliments and positive feedback, especially after the couple of songs that had solos. I was nervous, but played quite well. And there seemed to be a nice rapport (it's an 8 piece band).

At the end of the audition, I thanked them all and asked the bandleader when they expected to make a decision. The band leader told me it would be "by the end of the month", which is several weeks away. He also asked me if their rehearsal site (which is an hour's drive from where I live) would be a problem. I assured him that it would not be. He also made it clear that he noticed I'd done my "homework" for the audition (e.g., learned a dozen songs in less than a week, had a well-organized binder with all the charts, etc.)

Now, I have never actually had a formal audition like this. All of the bands I've been in either picked me based on seeing me with other bands, or were projects that I formed myself. So I don't really know how these things typically go.

It's been two days and I haven't heard anything. I feel like if they really liked what they heard, especially after auditioning other guitarists that didn't work out, wouldn't they be jumping on me to sign me up? Am I misreading this?

I am basically assuming that they don't want me, but am I giving up hope too soon?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your time!


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:17 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 7:37 am
Posts: 4099
Location: New York
I've been on the other side of the auditions, I can tell you in my case we didn't think it would be fair to the other people who wanted to audition if we made a final decision without even hearing them. We also didn't want to jump at the first person who could get the job done, because there might be someone better who would come along. Don't count yourself out, just hang back and let them do their business, if it was meant to be, they could call even a month later. Best of luck to you! :D

_________________
Please subscribe to my Image Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/user/b7567


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:18 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 1:59 am
Posts: 492
Thymatronic wrote:
It's been two days and I haven't heard anything. I feel like if they really liked what they heard, especially after auditioning other guitarists that didn't work out, wouldn't they be jumping on me to sign me up? Am I misreading this?


I'd give it a while longer - if they had other auditions booked, it's only right for them to at least see the people rather than tell them to get lost.

That's what I've generally done in the past at least, as you never know - A couple of times over the years I've found the person who I thought was absolutely perfect and cancelled outstanding auditions, only to have that person pull out at the last minute, leaving me with no backup option. Always good to have a 'second best' lurking in the wings for such eventualities. :lol:

I've had far too many auditions over the years to recall, but I can count on the fingers of one hand the ones where they've said 'You're hired!' there and then. Most of those instant hires were also the ones where the band turned out to be about as organised as a bowl of rice pudding, so that might also say something. :mrgreen:


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:27 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:57 am
Posts: 13164
Location: Peckham: where the snow leopards roam
Vulpinity wrote:
Most of those instant hires were also the ones where the band turned out to be about as organised as a bowl of rice pudding, so that might also say something. :mrgreen:

Well... some of us take a highly organised approach to rice pudding, so... :)

Anyhow.

Thymatronic, I totally understand your frustration. However, you say the bandleader told you they'd make a decision by the end of the month. So he's left you in no doubt about the time-frame, and that's fair enough. Nuttin' you can do now but put it on the back burner in your mind and get on with other things. The worst thing you could do is ring up and hassle them about it: that'll just irritate them, make you look needy and lose you the job for sure.

If you've heard nothing by the last day of the month then that's different. By that point common courtesy says you have a right to know what's happening and a polite, easy-going phone call will be in order.

But till then... steady your nerves and think about something else.

Good luck - C

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 12:13 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2012 3:08 pm
Posts: 474
I think they would've hired you on the spot..with it being a cover band project and all. Being told to wait for a response from a band is like a girl saying she just wants to be friends...

My advice is to keep looking.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 1:27 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:47 am
Posts: 2967
Location: Westchester County, NY
But remember they keep you resume on file for 6 months.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:44 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
I went over to play with some young fellows one time not that long ago just to see if it would work out and I walked away thinking I wouldn't be a good fit for them. Two months later they called me up and asked me to play. You never know what can happen. I agree that usually they would grab you on the spot if they thought you would work out but not everyone's minds work the same way. Some people have different thought processes. Ordinarily I'd say this doesn't look good but the guy did say that they weren't going to make up their minds until the end of the month. So .... wait until the end of the month and in the meantime if there are any other opportunites don't be afraid to explore them. The worst thing you can do is start obsessing about it. Not saying you are, just saying don't.

Relax. If it was meant to be, it will be. If not, you keep looking until you find a good fit.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:52 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 7:13 pm
Posts: 19026
Location: Illinois, USA
Ceri wrote:
Vulpinity wrote:
Most of those instant hires were also the ones where the band turned out to be about as organised as a bowl of rice pudding, so that might also say something. :mrgreen:

Well... some of us take a highly organised approach to rice pudding, so... :)

Anyhow.

Thymatronic, I totally understand your frustration. However, you say the bandleader told you they'd make a decision by the end of the month. So he's left you in no doubt about the time-frame, and that's fair enough. Nuttin' you can do now but put it on the back burner in your mind and get on with other things. The worst thing you could do is ring up and hassle them about it: that'll just irritate them, make you look needy and lose you the job for sure.

If you've heard nothing by the last day of the month then that's different. By that point common courtesy says you have a right to know what's happening and a polite, easy-going phone call will be in order.

But till then... steady your nerves and think about something else.

Good luck - C



:D I likes me some rice pudding ! :D http://www.mannysdeli.com/
is a good choice. :lol:

after the anyhow, Ceri, so good. When you call the fellow will say " I was just going to call you." :D

_________________
you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 6:27 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:42 am
Posts: 7
Many thanks to all who have given their perspective on my situation and shared their experiences. I really appreciate all of it! I will just wait it out and try to make constructive use of this time.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 1:29 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:33 am
Posts: 1247
Thymatronic wrote:

It's been two days and I haven't heard anything. I feel like if they really liked what they heard, especially after auditioning other guitarists that didn't work out, wouldn't they be jumping on me to sign me up? Am I misreading this?

I am basically assuming that they don't want me, but am I giving up hope too soon?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your time!


strings10927 wrote:
I've been on the other side of the auditions, I can tell you in my case we didn't think it would be fair to the other people who wanted to audition if we made a final decision without even hearing them.


+1

I did that a couple of times lately, before I started my own project. (the bands sucked!)

Being the guy who auditions others now, I know both sides.

If you are looking for a musician, there's several factors to be taken into account:

- experience
- level of playing
- distance
- mobility
- feedback from other bands
- checking recordings, if available
- personal chemistry within the band
- sometimes even optical appearance
- preferred instruments
- attitude
- musical taste

or even more, depending on level of professionality and intended image of the band.

With 8 people in a band, it takes some discussion to find a decision. Believe me, if they "hire" you right from the start, there's most likely something wrong with the band (but not in general)! Either they're desperate, or not as good as you, or the kind of "trial and error" guys (let's take him but keep looking) ......

They said, it'll take until the end of the month, just because they thoroughly wanna check other options and don't want to "break it over the knee".
Give them the time!
What I would do is call them ONCE (or send an Email) after 2 weeks, telling them how happy you were about the awesome audition and that you're happily awaiting their decision because this is what you REALLY want to do. Maybe ask them for 3 or 5 additional songs from the setlist, to be able to further prepare.

This shows them two things:

1st: you're not PUSHING them
2nd: you REALLY want to do this and you're serious about wanting it. It shows engagement and attitude

What the badleader really DOES NOT NEED AT ALL is somebody calling over and over again, asking if there's been a decision made yet. Not calling at all might be misunderstood for "not being interested enough". :wink:

_________________
Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 9:14 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:10 pm
Posts: 13467
Location: Palm Beach County FL
This is not unlike interviewing for any employment situation. It's always a bummer when you're the buyer in a seller's market. I can relate to that model in my own career, and in particular, when I was a member of the selection committee interviewing candidates for hospital residency slots. In your case, it is so because of the nature of the music. There are a lot of good players out there, just as there were many academically qualified candidates, all bidding on the same horse. The department, as well as the band, has to decide who is going to be the best fit. In our case we had documented applications to review which we screened first, before we selected those we considered meeting. Perhaps the band will make a cut, and have another round. Have you ever seen the Metallica documentary in which they were interviewing for their current bass player. The thing which impressed Hetfield, and closed the deal was a unique quality that this guy had which was going to bring something new to the band. It impressed him.
I've seen that in my experience as well. Something unique about an individual which differentiates him/her from the pack. Be patient, but don't deny yourself other opportunities. The other side of the coin is this. Sometimes a 'seller' has to learn the hard way by not seizing an opportunity when it presents itself. We've had that happen with residency candidiates. If they lose you on the first round, because you accepted another gig, ask them to keep your phone number on file. Don't give up the new gig for them. Your integrity is important. You might be available again further on up the road. Of course, the band might go on to become the next 'Beatles'. I think of Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best in that regard. But that's the nature of the business you're in. It goes with the territory. Good luck and keep us posted.
Doc :wink:

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 11:02 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:15 am
Posts: 186
Location: Minneapolis, MN.
In my years of doing this, i have also found if your not quickly to decide on one person for the job, by the time you do make up your mind, it may be too late, and the person you wanted found something else...lol
i have been on both ends, and when i was on the hiring side, if the person sounded right, you knew it immediately and after a short talk we would grab him right away.
but most times, i was in a position, that no auditions were needed, knowing each other.

_________________
1986 Kramer Baretta
1989 Samick "The Samick" Les Paul
2007 Fender Strat MIM Deluxe / 1985 MIJ neck
1990 Epiphone Strat
Marshall JCM 2000 DLS 50 watt / Marshall 1960a 4x12

https://soundcloud.com/jim-slimjim-cassi


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:03 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:33 am
Posts: 1247
Jimmikatt wrote:
but most times, i was in a position, that no auditions were needed, knowing each other.


You lucky devil!
The rural area where I live in doesn't leave much chance to know each other.

Like a friend of mine said: it's half as big as the cemetry of Chicago but twice as dead!! :lol:

There's hardly good musicians here and especially after moving here just about 8 months ago it is pretty difficult to find musicians of my age and experience.

Most musicians are in their 20s and know nothing else but "full throttle power chords" with belching sounds called "vocals". :|
Additionally they lack attitude! Kinda like: "I want my first gig next month and I want to earn 500 bucks per gig ...... what??? .... nobody said that there's rehearsals and work involved .... okay, I know another few guys .... ciao!" :evil:

I wish I could put a band together by just KNOWING a bunch of people! :(

_________________
Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 2:04 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:42 am
Posts: 7
My update today is that I pretty much got the gig. I was contacted by the bandleader and asked to do an upcoming gig with them just to make sure I mesh with them in a live setting. No worries about that on my end. But what a long two weeks its been!

Thanks again to everyone who replied to my post!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: the post-audition waiting period
Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 2:20 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:10 pm
Posts: 13467
Location: Palm Beach County FL
Thymatronic wrote:
My update today is that I pretty much got the gig. I was contacted by the bandleader and asked to do an upcoming gig with them just to make sure I mesh with them in a live setting. No worries about that on my end. But what a long two weeks its been! Thanks again to everyone who replied to my post!

I am sure I speak for the group in looking forward to a successful run with this band. Keep us posted on the outcome of the upcoming gig. :wink:

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 20 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: