San Diego Music Coach for students & group facilities
Rhonda Ciardetti
Area served: San Diego County
Music Performer Coaching
Music Therapy
Beginning Bass Guitar
Beginning & Intermediate Singing
All Ages
Please inquire: info@banddiego.com
Click Picture for Band Diego Home Page
Auditions Entertainers, Click image San Diego County
Band Diego Manager accepts students in the San Diego La Mesa area to coach as a band musician or singer. Coaching is vintage pricing of $20 per hour per student and no monthly commitment is required. (Take one private instruction coached class or more.) Instruction is for beginner and intermediate entertainers. Adults & children any age. A good clean wholesome fun performance is the goal. Focus is on learning how to perform the style of music the student prefers. Individual private coaching is $20 for 45 minutes. Group/class instruction is $75 per hour.
For pre-school facilties, instructor has competed 12 units in child development. For Acute Care Facilities, coach has over 10 years experience working with seniors.
Rhonda has performed locally in San Diego County for over 25 years. (in oldies but goodies bands, country bands, variety dance bands, hard rock bands, 1980's bands, punk bands, alternative rock, classic rock bands, senior facility bands, pop groups, children event entertainment bands, and for community festivals.) It is important to match your music preference to your coach.
Instruction is in person in a San Diego County, La Mesa California zip code 91942 within a comfortable home studio atmosphere very convienient to interstate 8, 94, and 125.
Fees are budget friendly at only $20 per hour for a private lesson or $75 per hour per any size group meetings.
Rhonda of Band Diego has excellent reviews.
Backing tracks are used. Students can have one lesson or come more often. It is up to student and Rhonda's available schedule. Please plan to pay for your lesson prior to the lesson date. Check, Cash or Paypal(for Paypal processing fees apply) Rhonda can come to you to coach at your facility location so please inquire. Travel fees may apply.
Students choose their own songs and work to build their song material set list. Student will explore music Keys best suited for their vocal range or instrument playing ability.
Students experiment with their favorite style of music to play as a musician and/or are introduced to singing both lead and harmony vocals.
Students are coached on delivering a professional singing or instrument performance. Multitasking such as singing and playing an instrument at the same time. Optional: percussion instruments for student to experiment with.
Below are some free opinions & tips or click image for PDF
Have coached my daughter & many others. Male & Females!
Rhonda is a Senior Music Therapy Specialist, Click image for Senior Music Entertainment Bands
How to Get in a Band.
Insight, Suggestions, Opinions, Experience. Full free version Text
What does the serious musician need to know before auditioning for a group? Could you be band material now? This writing focuses on trying to make it easier to be prepared for the incredible transition from amateur to pro. Many of you are ready for an audition now. You may not know it, but you are!
Music is where it is at. Who has not imagined being signed on as a performing artist with a band?
You too can join a group. Play With a Band Pro! There are many methods. Study “how” to proceed finding your ideal playing partners and gather insight about how to be prepared for an audition.
Save yourself from feelings of embarrassment and frustration. Are you Ready? Really...Are you ready? Do you have what it takes to become a pro? Do you know the commitment you are signing up for? Starting IS as an amateur. Until you are paid, you are an amateur. Some are more talented than others. What is your competition and how talented is the band you are hoping to audition for? In some areas/locations, it is difficult to find opportunity.
Natural talent….forget about it! Discipline, hard work, and desire are what you need to improve. If you are serious, then make it a priority, let go of inhibitions, grab necessary equipment, and learn how to develop performance skills. Soon you may be closer to head for your first audition!
Suppose you are auditioning for the group you hope to perform with. You will want to ensure that you are in the right “place” musically and mentally. Nervousness is normal. It often means you yearn to succeed and care what people think of your performance. An important milestone is to be accepted by a band as a fellowship musician.
Right now you might be biding time, simply standing in line, trying to know what to do and how to get what you desire. Cherish the moments when you are The Sponge.” Soak up all you can. Use resources available to you. Encourage productivity by wanting to be in a band so much that it is hard to think of not moving forward. Accomplishment is success. Learn one song, two, three, four….
Develop working relationships from the beginning. Easy for some but this was tough for me. Bands can get complicated. There is often a chain of command. Many clowns. You might be learning for many years exactly what NOT to do.
What to do: Smile, understand your true talents, be thankful, be resourceful, adapt with time/age, and grow.
A musician can be confident when they feel respected in their personal lives as well as with their talent. The people with whom you may live with might put up with the noise/music you make. It is a sacrifice. Never be ashamed of what you sound like when practicing. You may get ribbed about it now and then. Flash a grin and “survive” it! Think about which hours may be best to crank up your sound. Neighbors and housemate might hear, so be sure that it is a “good time” for all. You can use headphones if you suspect you are disturbing small household pets and humans. When you hear something that resembles the song you are trying to or play. Clap. Good practice habits are required before and after you get into a band.
People in your life often will be very impressed and happy for you when you follow through. “I remember Dillon and Heather when they couldn't’t pick a lick….Now listen to them……!” It is possible to combine these 5 elements: accuracy, confidence, showmanship, dedication, and communication in many different ways.
Sometimes a musician will rate high in the accuracy category but low in confidence and showmanship. Compare this musician to someone who ranks high in showmanship, magnetic to people, and average in accuracy. The person with high showmanship ability may get more live shows. The more accurate player may get the most jobs as a studio musician or backing musician. Both are successes and obviously both have dedication. They also each started as a Novice and turned Pro. Keep in mind that the showman may have originally have set out to be the studio musician and the accurate one may have aspired to be the showman.
What you seek and what you get may be totally different. What did you get? Being flexible may be appropriate. Analyze what you are personally capable of doing and develop what you need to be doing to get where you want to be musically. AAAA Appearance Attitude And Ability What appearance will you project as a band member? What will you attitude be? What is the level of your instrument ability? NOW Begin analyzing what you are capable of at this very moment. Do not sell yourself short. Do not over inflate your skills. TOMORROW? Where do you aspire to be 6 months from now? YESTERDAY? What have you done in the past few days that increases your results?
Unfortunately many musicians never find the discipline and desire it takes to become a professional musician. Instead they join the “WANNA Bees,” buzzing around forever telling excuses and stories of what could have been. I meet them many times I perform. I see the unfulfilled desire in their eyes. It makes me sad. I wish they could play too.
The rule is usually the “More you can contribute, “the merrier” your musical endeavors. Do not let excuses such as your age, looks, innate talent, etc. get the best of you. A difference between you as an amateur and you-as the pro, can be the number of hours you have spent on your instrument.
Every musician at every level has something to offer even if it is just enjoying. Always remember this. Are you having fun? Embrace the phase you are presently in and look forward to what future knowledge and position you will attain. Work at improving your technique and learning your changes at least 4 hours every week. You possibly will be playing or audition ready within a year or two if you are not ready to audition at this time. If you are ready, you are about to embark on a true adventure of the heart! Performing!!!
From Practice to Performance There is a ton of information available to assist you in learning songs that is geared to whatever level you may be at. Plant your instrument tools where you can see them regularly. Give them a chance to “grow” on you. This is a way for you to see and hear your instrument “calling” you. Minimize the chance of an out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing to be going.. An instrument also needs time to “germinate” in your brain. Sow the seed. Practice. You will reap the harvest. People will tell you to “visualize” what you desire. By physically putting your instrument where you will often see it, you are ensuring yourself of that clear focused picture of a goal.
I hope you connect with a good teacher or coach. They can be great for technique and can also assist you with figuring out songs that you wish to include in your repertoire.
Set List Do you want to play mainly originals or covers? Try your hand at both. Create your own set list. Make sure you know how to play band material songs from start to finish before auditioning for an actual group. Not just bits and pieces of the song! Know where the breaks are and changes. Pick only songs that you are capable of performing.
Establish your preferences and style. Your influences will expand with time. Accuracy AcCuraCY When you can play or sing your entire first set with at least a 75% accuracy rate you have “passed” and are ready to audition. Shoot for the 100% of course, but don’t beat yourself up to where you think you are never good enough. (You may find the other 25% when the competition is on!)
Make a list of what additional instruments you may want to personally explore. I consider your voice to be an instrument. Find the right song to add vocals to. Singing and playing both at once, takes time to coordinate. Break it down. First learn to play the song. Then learn to see the song. Then combine.
Itemize your non-musical attributes. I am serious. Make a list. Have you thought about what it is that you do well and what you can offer a group? Are you able to and willing to set up other instruments and equipment besides what you personally own? Do you have a truck? Is it an option to rehearse at your house? As a player can you pull off some backup or lead vocals? Do you have other instrumental ability?
What skills do you have that others do not? What can you Offer? ************** Make a list of your strengths. “Play” off them! Be totally honest with yourself. Have confidence and pride with where you will fit into a band. Assets include many things besides your musical expertise. When you have some confidence with your ability and a set of songs under your belt, try performing to a small group of family and friends. Be enthusiastic…it’s a show! Treat it as such.
Bring copies of chord changes to songs on your set list when auditioning. If the group wishes to jam on them, you may pass them around. It helps if others are unfamiliar with the songs. Memorize something.
Do not get into a habit of staring at a piece of paper all the time. Look up. Make a couple small notes on your personal set list to cue your brain. This might be the first couple of words of a song if you are a vocalist, a brief drum pattern if you are a drummer, a few chord changes or the key you perform the tune in. Plan to connect with the audience as a performer.
Often musicians headed for an audition will “pad” their sets to make them look like they know more songs. You will come off as a fibber or at best a “wishful” thinker if the band starts playing the song and you don’t really know it. You might hear them ask “What material do you know completely?”
It is polite to request to see and play a song or two from the band you hope to join set list before your own. You should find out a couple before the audition if this is possible.
What do you consider when choosing songs to put on your list? Usually players create sets keeping in mind the type of audience they will be playing to. For your initial list, it is important to pick songs that you like and can pull-off. You may want to consider: Tempo , Style , Dynamics
VOLUME Many pros have no control, and this can be an un-fixable problem that costs the band repeat business.
Song Chart Example: Title Artist Intro: G D x 4 measures Verse: G C D7 x2 Chorus: C em G Solo over Verse C D G F C Bridge Chorus Verse Chorus end
Finding Your Band So, you got a hold of some band and scheduled an audition on Saturday. Now what do you do? If you aren't a virtuoso yet, do not worry.
1. When you contact the group, ask what the instrumentation is and what music they are planning on performing? 2. Inquire about the existing members. 3. If you are definitely interested, learn some songs they are actually playing. Work out the music before-hand.. 4. Find out where they rehearse, when, and what time. 5. Ask what their performing plans are. How often? 6. Inquire about paying gigs or free gigs. 7. You may want to find out if there are fees for renting a studio. 8. Be safe, possibly bring someone with to wait while you audition. Yes, there are creeps that might trick you, possibly hurt you, or steal your gear. You might want to keep much of your personal info private. For example, you can give a zip code if they ask you where you live.
Be prepared to answer these questions when calling a prospective band:
Have you ever played with a band before? Do you have an online demo? What are your influences? When are you available to practice? How often do you want to perform? What are you expecting financially? What type of equipment do you have? Where do you live? Are you in a band now? Do you have transportation and gear?
Inquire what happened to the member that held the position previously. They usually tell you if it is something they care to discuss. Money issues may or may not be important to you at this time. Discuss it if necessary.
Being able to go in and just play a song with the band auditioning you straight-off is what you hope to attain. If they have chord charts, or can tell you a progression verbally, this can also save your ear some time. If you are not interested you can follow-up later and say “thanks” but it is not what you are looking for.
Do not ever schedule auditions you do not plan on showing up for. Establish credibility from the get-go. The players should be in harmony when it comes to the musical direction of the band. They should be "on the same page".
Finding other Musicians Attend Performances of Musicians and mingle. Be careful and search the Internet within Local Newspaper Music Classifieds. Look for postings at your local music store, Church, and at Music Departments of Schools and Colleges. Some radio stations have local ads for bands looking for members. Some Cities have Musician Referral services and musician unions.Your music teacher might be helpful hooking you up with other musicians.
Keep searching for the right players to perform with as there sometimes seems to be more wrong matches. Searching can take up many hours. Small location residents who can not find musicians might make a demand/request that their friends or siblings please learn to play whatever instruments are missing. Funny, but I have seen this works!
Vows You do know that you are about to be walking down the aisle to a committed relationship. Don’t you? Consider it a marriage of instruments. Be ready to say “I Do.” and mean it. You must also be prepared to say “I Don’t” if things are not fulfilling to you musically. The band “divorce” rate can be high. Keep your spirits up when seeking “true love” . Do not get trapped in a similar undesirable situation over and over again.
What do you want in the group you join? Jot down exactly what you are searching for. Be realistic*********** Look for the positive incentives and weigh them against the negatives. I do not want to give you the impression that you must hold out for that “perfect” group. It may even be possible that every band you play with will get on your nerves and you still enjoy performing!
Perhaps the point of being in a band includes other reasons besides playing music. Simply put, a common ground interest of music. It could also be possible that you just need something in your life at a particular time like money or the limelight with adoring fans!
Your Ideal Situation Do you want to play copy tunes, write originals, try someone else’s originals, record music, invest in a rehearsal studio? A clear notion of what you desire always helps. (So does talent and money.).
Do you foresee yourself jamming in a party band, an original band, corporate band, or bar band? Do you wish to travel 75 miles to practice? Does it matter what age or gender others are? Do you care if your group ingests drugs or alcohol?
Sparkle You want me to do what? Are you willing to be the organizer who schedules practice and makes phone calls to members in your group? Can you write the sets, develop promotions, or be the person who searches for the gigs? Would you like to have someone in your band that has this job exclusively and not be bothered with management issues? Who is responsible for the PA equipment? Problems can arise from control issues. Know your role.
Respect others and responsibilities. The band needs a leader good at TCB "taking care of business". Think twice about taking a position as a rhythm guitar player if you are really a lead player. Ask yourself if you will be happy. Are you joining just to get some experience? This is great...just don’t have unrealistic expectations. How content would you be in this situation if you secretly wanted another role? You may become frustrated and angry if things do not pan out. Are you willing to play bass when you prefer being the drummer? Even though you are better on bass? Complications can be the normal.in many situations.
Common band problems involve establishing who is right for a particular part at a certain show. Unless it is a duet, only one person usually sings lead at a time. If your job is to sing backup, then please physically backup from the mic when you sing!
Once the level of talent in your band increases, Ego Games may begin. Especially when there are many “lead” vocalists and multi– instrumentalists. Egos can be exasperating.
Work styles differ. Do you prefer the “learn when you are together” method., “learn it in private,” or enjoy “winging it” and just jamming.? Whatever you choose, professional band members will be expecting you to hold up your end. If musicians do their homework before practice, it saves time and rehearsals are usually more productive.
Limit your disappointments. Do not end up investing all your energy into a situation that is not right for you . Look for people that you work well with. HUH? Is that even possible?
The show must go on!! Being a performer can help you with loyalty for the performance.sake.
Develop your ear as well as your music theory skills. This way you will become a more rounded musician. Some musicians play totally by ear. Others play by knowing the chord progressions. Well the player that needs chords probably won’t be able to follow the ear player when he says “It goes like...,” while quickly playing a riff. This may not help the chord player at all. Now if the ear guy would just say “D A Bm”, Mr. Chord player would be fine.
The way we “musically” communicate best is a consideration when joining a group. Tablature may be a helpful visual tool when communicating riffs to particular instruments. This can help bridge the gap between “ear” and “chord” players. It is a good alternative to being able to read standard music notation.
Singers should at least know the key that they sing the song in. You also should own your own microphone, stand and mic cable. In band situations, you will find that some advanced players are willing to work with beginners if you can offer each other something.
Playing with those of a higher musical plateau can be uplifting. There will be a huge learning curve when you join a band. You will have access to “pick” other member's brains. One thing that may take you hours to learn on your own can be quickly shown to you by another. Do your homework though and don’t expect anyone to pull your weight.
Take notice of how you are interacting with others musically in your band. What is your attitude? Is it appropriate? Why does only one player push your buttons? Work on your reactions.
Do not get yourself into trouble by playing with a bunch of scoundrels. Shady characters will cast their shadow on you.
It usually is not wise to leave behind your equipment for convenience or because of laziness. Even members you have played with for awhile may burn you intentionally or un-intentionally.Label all cables as these get mixed up the easiest. Hotels and other performance facilities can get robbed. Storage units that are 24 hrs, with security can sometimes be a real benefit.
All band members should mirror the image required and the image is best to be matched to and agreeable with each individual performer goals. Whether it is bright, dark, mysterious, outrageous, intriguing, sexy, or comical. Do you want the role? This is very important question for you to decide as a performer. Do not take the performance role if it will be harmful to you.
The client notices your image first. Get a decent photo!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of wonderful bands break up from conflicts that have nothing to do with music at all.
Appreciate musicians who are open-minded and can accept constructive criticism. Strive to be a musician who is great to work with. Cut Others Some Slack.. Life is a challenge. You will want to give your band members a fair chance to “untangle their wiring” so to speak as life’s challenges are concerned. Good mates are hard to find. We all have snarls and snags at one time or another.
Audiences and Auditions Ready Freddy? When setting up your first performance or audition, the very first thing to do is to make an honest assessment of your abilities, and look for an audience or band that wants what you have to offer. An audience and your “auditioneers” will usually notice your first visual "stage worthy" impression.
Most of a general audience's ears aren't developed as musically as performers you will be auditioning for. A regular audience can be somewhat more forgiving then knowledgeable musicians. Especially if they include your mother and people you know! Everyone, pays attention to your stage presence. First appearances and your rapport are very important.
People notice your music and what sounds tight. A steady tempo and dynamics are very important. Many players tend to play everything at one volume and often rush the song during solo parts. Long gaps between songs is uncomfortable.and called "dead air". Kills the performance momentum.
Will I get the audition right? You asked all the right questions on the phone before the audition. You learned the audition material. The band still may not be even close to what you were told on the phone or what you visualized in your head. Why is there this Saturday Night Fever musician asking you to play Disco when you were told you would be playing Nirvana influenced original songs? You can often expect the unexpected.
The guitarist you called to set up the initial audition may have given you bogus info. Explain what you are prepared to play at the audition. You might want to offer to come back after things are clarified.
People appreciate comrades. Remember that musicians run in familiar circles. You may be seeing them again even if you hoped you would not. People grow, change and expand. Who can see down the road of what your music future holds and with whom you may end up playing with?
As I age, I see the same musicians from years ago who somehow were possibly not a match earlier in my career or are in a faded memory of oblivion. People can change, and some do not. Reunions can be interesting. It is fun being older and resilient enough to still be performing. I had to stop playing with loadies since I will never match up to preferences of drug lifestyle on stage. I also adapted my music style preferences to what I am good at!
Auditions and performances are not the place to learn a new song. This is better done BEFORE the audition if possible. Don’t waste everybody’s time by going to an audition or performance unprepared. Excuses are unwelcome guests at auditions. If you said you would prepare a song to play with them, do it.
Before Auditions Remember to ask things that may be important to you: Style of music, originals, covers, or both? When, where, do they practice? What type of PA system available? Ages, gender, instruments/vocal ability, Influences, experience of other players. What Tunes do they want you to audition to? Is a recording available? What is the key? Audition like a Pro and Bring: Decent working gear.
Depending on your instrument: extra strings, batteries, cords, drum sticks, microphone, tuner. Paper and pencil. Demo if you have one. Set list Directions to audition. It is easy to get lost when you are nervous. If you are unfamiliar with the location, you should drive there on a day or so before the audition. Arrive at the audition 5 minutes early. Don’t forget the Good attitude and appearance.
Behavior at an Audition If you’re nervous, Perform like you’re not. Many feelings are due to excitement or fear.
Act like a professional when you pull in the driveway. Keep conversation when waiting to a minimum, especially if others are auditioning. Be nice to your "competition". You may end up working with them. Do not be intimidated. You may get the spot even though others appear more talented.
During the Audition: Recovering from your mistakes is a sign of a pro musician. . After the Audition, Thank the band and exit fairly quickly. Never attempt to linger after a band audition unless the group seems to be definitely initiating this. They may need to audition others, or talk privately and make their decision together about you being their new member. You may totally click with one particular member, but do not act like you are “in” prematurely.
It is also good for you to step back and take your time deciding. Checking out other options rather then taking the first thing that comes along may be beneficial. You are also auditioning them! Although one member may have your contact information, leave it again. Make sure your phone #, e-mail address and instrument are listed and give a copy to each band member. This is networking. You would be surprised how many musicians are “lost” from misplacing numbers. Do not leave any of your equipment behind. Many do this. I have received “bonus” mystery cords and other “free” items when holding auditions.
You may have had a good audition even though you are not chosen. Expect to hear back from them within a few days after they are totally through holding auditions.You can contact them to inquire. Chalk it up to experience and networking if you don’t hear from them. They may have a spot for you in the future or you may run into “bits and pieces” of them again in different band situations with more experience in your blood.
If circumstances absolutely prevent you from going to a scheduled audition, call the band in advance and let them know so they can fill in your spot with another musician. Try to reschedule immediately to establish sincerity.
When you get home, record details of your experience. Critique yourself on: 1. overall performance 2. projected confidence 3.your ability to have fun with the experience
Take a deep breath. You actually have gone a step forward. Learn from whatever happened. Do not be discouraged. Let yourself grow.
Rehearsal Space Where are we gonna rehearse? Sometimes one of the mates has a house with a room or garage that you can overtake. Neighbors who can play it cool and not call police are needed. If you do not have a spot, just keep your eyes and ears open. Some storage units will rent space to bands, but limit the hours you can play. Try to find a place that is a reasonable cost to split among band members. Hauling equipment upstairs, other bands practicing near you and restrooms are also a consideration.
It can be difficult to find a time and place convenient for all members. You can also have the group break down into smaller groups. Have one person meet at a time to work on their part with one other member. It is an option that may be much quieter than the whole band. This way you can still be rehearsing somewhat together until you can afford a space.
Equipment You can get by on some inferior stuff at practice. Show time may require you to upgrade your practice gear to quality performance level equipment. You will need some bucks. Obtain a good PA system for vocals.
Show Tips Have a “rain” plan for every show. Mother nature can be a real pain!
There should be at least some members of the band who drive pick-ups, SUVs, etc. to be able to haul your gear out to gigs. Everyone as a team can offer to help set up and load equipment unless you enlist roadie friends!!
Threads. Get the clothes. They proper attire might be considered as performance equipment. You may have different themes at performances.
I want to see a show if I see you play live. Some sort of lighting ,power supplies, platforms, etc. may be needed. Certain gigs may require you to provide these items yourself. It could mean renting generators, stages, canopies, or props.
Compare written reviews of products. Do your homework online and save time. Call music stores in your area to checkout used and new gear. If you see it listed somewhere at a lower cost, this gives you bartering leverage.
Your promo package and what you sound like is what is going to "sell" you. You usually need one before you get booked. Prospective clients are very busy and might not want to spend a great deal of time looking at your bands promo. Think of the advertising you get in the mail and how much you actually bother even to open or look at.
How do you impress them? Use a sort of letter of introduction and a band bios combined. Pack all you can into as little space as possible. A decent photo and video demo recording of a songs or song cuts is usually included.
Please do not put a ton of full songs on your demo. Short cuts are usually the best. If you are already performing, a calendar is also nice to include. Bands are more “attractive” if they are working. The calendar also helps prospective clients find a slot to book you. Be prepared to get band members schedules ahead of time so you know when your partners are really available to even play a show.
Depending on the show you are trying to book, you may want to invite prospective customers to a live show beforehand if you are playing locally. Possibly even to your practice. You can also offer to perform at their location briefly for free. Many folks like to leave you with the impression that they will try to attend. Some end up being “no shows”. Keep in mind that if clients know of you or think they know of you, they do not need to see you before booking. They have their minds made up already.
If tickets are expensive and given away free they may be used but not necessarily by someone you invited. Original Bands are sometimes forced to sell tickets to their own shows or are charged a fee to play at a club.
Expect to work together as a team communicating with music! Consider how your playing is affecting other members of the band? Is your playing mixing well with the overall band sound? Did you just drown out the vocalist with your solo? Why did you change the beat and cause a train wreck? Play together, Stay together. Be aware of others. This is what playing in a band is all about. So may egos can overfill a stage and the audience usually likes a team effort.
Fights can break out when someone is hurt, frustrated or jealous. Everyone in the band might feel each others pain. Learn to say “So what." Blaming will hurt you. When things go wrong, try not to blame!
Dating band mates is usually annoying to others and tends to open a can of worms. Players have been known to damage perfectly good operating equipment and friendships while simply trying to endure conditions and emotions they are not comfortable with. Beware! Many good times, laughs, disappointments, and failures can surround the musicians in love.
Spouses might not be as much of a fan for music as you are. Music can take up much of your time.
Core Members of a Band Can you take a joke? Really ..below are jokes I think might be funny!
The Lead Guitarist: Must have an ego. They provide much of your strength by performing solos while making funny facial expressions. Wow riffs are expected. Some actually are or “think” they are the whole show. Hazard is everyone "knows" when they make a mistake. Fortune cookie says: It is difficult to find a good band lead guitarist that sings with their voice and their guitar, who can also follow..
The Drummer: The driver of tempo and dynamics who can make or break anything you play. Warning, they may be subjected to being replaced by a drum machine at any “midi, mp3 , or digital moment”. Instead of toys, their mother may have gave them pots and pans to play with when they were tots.
The Bassist: The band’s heart beat. A bass player may often dream they will learn guitar or they play guitar and have to play bass in your band. Hazard: They might get their kicks from tripping up lead instruments. Bassists are harder to find than guitarists. They can easily make a mistake that goes unnoticed and the audience comes to stage to chat with them while they are performing. Job security if they sing too.
Rhythm Guitarist: Holds down the fort when the lead guitarists goes off. Rhythm is protector of band “sound holes.” Good instrument for a person to accompany vocals They can often play and sing at the same time. In band situation, rhythm player might need to ask before anything but rhythm is attempted! It is lucky day when lead guitarist and rhythm become tolerant.
Keyboardist: Great if you can find one!! They can cover-all parts . Means more tunes your band can pull off. “Known” for overplaying. They suddenly realize during a show that they make more money playing solo acts. Some are born for cruise ships.
The Singer: Should be the icing on your band cake. Usually dancing, show-ship, limited percussion aptitude, no instrumental ability and helping with gear is not required. Many are Prima Donnas. An ideal one will be your “cheerleader” who gets all the audience attention...which can make band mates "show unappreciated". Interesting that singers often can not sing harmony. Really needed singers can flex power by keeping band mates on their toes when singing a section of a song at the wrong spot.... consistently every performance or by being late to shows and practices!
The Backup Singer A good one can make the lead singer better. Often asks— “Is my mic on?” You might recognize them on the 4th of July. They are the ooohs and aaaahs. Best if they can dance and are interesting on stage . They can work the audience off stage and invite other musicians to fill shows seats while toying with intent to be promoted to lead singer.
Bonuses Members: Horns, Harps, Percussionists, Violins, sound people, lighting techs, dancers, hostesses, etc.. Added to the “Core” when a big production is happening. Skills to have for a “plus” mark when you audition as a singer. However, if your skills are high, question to ask is: When is big production actually occurring? A decent singer may get an “edge” on others because they can play sax on a few songs or work a PA.
Unspoken law: It is O.K. for people to "take" or “borrow” you. Loyalty is desirable to a certain extent., but answer the door when “opportunity knocks.” You may miss your chance if you don’t. This is a sensitive issue and must be handled eloquently. The grass might just need to be mowed on the other side of green.
“Playing” the field and getting your ears wet helps you know what you want. Be willing to take some risks. Do not burn your bridges in the process though. Honor your show commitments before you leave a group. Send a replacement if you know of any.
Reunions are always fun after having left on a high note with nice pitch.
Words of Wisdom 1.“Falling out” might be a sin. 2. Typically you can book your band as far as 6-12 months in advance. 3. A booking makes your band rehearsals more focused. Sometimes people buckle under pressure. 4. In a 4 hour evening standard club show, only about 50 songs are played. Do You Take Requests? 5. In Original showcases you usually play 5 to 10 songs. Cut some tunes if the band before you “goes over” their stage time allotment. 6. Guests will stay longer if you sound good and pay attention to them too! 7. Some Bar Musicians like to save some of their best tunes for the 3rd set. 8. Reduce lag time between songs on stage. (This does not mean play faster-quicker!) 9. Dynamics Dynamics Dynamics
More Wizzzzzzzz 1. Acoustics are very different from gig to gig. Visit the location ahead of time if possible. 2. Adjust performances depending on the audience’s reaction . Set Lists are guides not gospel. 3. Event Tip: Be sure to hold a sound check prior to starting your first song. Start on time. 4. When song-writing, record ideas immediately. They have a way of evaporating into thin air. 5. Strangers in the music world should only be allowed to “sit-in” if you “know” their ability. 6. Invite other musicians to your show…it makes you play better. 7. A good performance can be measured by the “ears” and “eyes”.
I copied this Section 102 of the US Copyright Law: "Copyright protection subsists. . .in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. Works. . .include:literary works;musical works, including. . .words;dramatic works. . .including music;pantomimes or choreographic works; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works;motion pictures and other audiovisual works; and sound recordings." Avenues for selling your original material besides the obvious would be software programs, movies, ad jingles, and corporate events. Search telephone directories & e-mail addresses. Start by contacting the marketing department of companies first.
All rights reserved, RM CIARDETTI San Diego CA 2003
