GUITAR
ACING THE AUDITION | Jeffrey B. Scott
Everyone has to do it at some point in their had one person tell me they were just bad at worship team, I will more likely connect with the
musical lives. Whether it is the first time you play auditioning! Their nerves would always get the ones who were personable and pleasant to be
with the student band or leading a congregation best of them. Whatever the reason, find a way around than I will the guy who was a blazing
at a prospective job, this will summon the best to be calm. fast talent but wouldn't look me in the eye. As
(and worst) of all of us.
The Audition.
a leader, I'm looking for both skill and heart, but
I always ask, "What's the worst that could I'm also looking for people who will be a happy
happen if I don't do well?" And usually, the addition to the team. Engage in conversation
honest answer is a little underwhelming: with the leaders and other participants in the
Have you ever had to prepare for an audition? Nothing changes. Nothing bad happens, no process, and see what happens. And if you
Then you know it is a road full of peril and one gets thrown down a mineshaft or locked don't make the team, it's possible to make
potholes! But with the right roadmap, I believe up for a bad audition! Relax. friends and connections to serve through
we can navigate it successfully.
dialogue and hang time that would otherwise
have been impossible.
BEFORE THE AUDITION
Over-Prepare
It is easy to think we know a song when we can
sing along with it on the radio, but we all know
it's another thing entirely to play that song by
yourself. When you get the opportunity, put in
the work. Don't settle for knowing how a song
goes. Work toward knowing the intricate details
of parts and tones, stops and starts. When to
lay out is just as important as when to play. Be
aware that the people you're auditioning for
(especially in the worship environment) may not
only want to know that you play your instrument
well, but also want to know you have a good
work ethic and an eye for detail. In this case,
sweating the small stuff is a good practice.
Practice like
AFTER THE AUDITION
you are going
to perform, and
Patience, young Padawan!
You did it! Home run or strikeout, you made
it to the other side. Whether or not you make
the team or get the gig, the audition is behind
you. Be grateful. You did the work, and you put
forth your best effort. The process of choosing
the audition
someone for a team, especially in a worship
will be better
because of your
preparedness.
environment, is a long one. Just be patient and
trust that you did all you could do, and let the
outcome be what it is.
Interestingly,
one
of
my
favorite
"failed"
auditions turned out to be one of my best
drummers (and a great friend). Because he was
willing to submit to the process and come back
for a review, he moved from a failed audition to
Practice for the Moment
It is unlikely that your audition is going to take
being an integral part of the team. It just goes
place sitting in front of your computer listening Admit What You Don't Know to show that it isn't always a stellar audition that
through your speakers. Practice like you are Sometimes learning a part can be challenging. sets you apart, sometimes it is the willingness
going to perform, and the audition will be Even seasoned players can get stumped on to work after the audition that makes all the
better because of your preparedness. Will you occasion. I've found that admitting the struggle difference.
be standing in the audition? Then stand up to can be a great idea.
prep. Get as close as you can to the actual
Talk to me! What’s one of your best audition
conditions of the audition, and you can rule "Hey, I really couldn't figure out this one part.
out a lot of the distractions that come with the Could you show me that?" goes a lot farther
audition environment. than playing a part badly because you weren't
stories?
able to nail it down.
DURING THE AUDITION
Be Calm Be a Person, Not Just a Player
Yes, that may be the hardest part. I even Even in a room full of people trying out for a
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September 2018
Jeffrey B. Scott
Jeffrey is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist,
living in Nashville, TN with his wife and 3 amazing
children. Jeffrey plays guitar for American Idol
David Cook. [email protected]
WorshipMusician.com