Bands and
Professionalism
Bands and Groups and Songs
Have you ever wondered what exactly is
up with learning songs? This informative report can give you
an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about
learning songs.
By: Dave
Wilson
Bands and Professionalism, I view this
is a very important topic. There are many bands that don't
cross their T's and dot their I's.
It is, for the most part fairly easy
to learn your part of the song on your instrument and
perhaps your vocal part, but there are many other things to
take into account for your live performances.
Remember, you're being paid to do a
job, and as fun as that job might be it is still in fact, a
job. The venue owner or talent buyer is expecting you to
come through with a quality performance.
To start with, You want to arrive at
the venue in plenty of time to set up and do your sound
checks. Unless you really trust your sound man, you may want
to have a long enough cord or a cordless system so you can
stand out front and make sure all is well with the sound.
Obviously there may need to be some
adjustments when the place is full, but for the most part
you should be in good shape.
I trust that what you've read so far
has been informative. The following section should go a long
way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.
For the performance itself, every band
whether you're doing covers or original material, your sound
and stage presence or lack there of is what makes you and
your show unique.
Too much time (aka dead air) between
songs is definitely not good. For one thing, you tend to
lose your audience's attention and you want to keep your
momentum.
You can avoid this by having a set
list so you know what song is coming up next. You can also
purchase equipment with memory that will allow your
instruments effects to be up and running at the start of
each song. You can have the last note of one song to be the
first of the next song allowing you to run songs together in
a medley.
In many cases a song will start with
one instrument so if you play that instrument and you know
the timing well enough you can start right in providing the
rest of the band is prepared for that.
Of course, you want to have some
interaction with the audience and each band according to
it's personality will have it's way of addressing this.
Relax and go with the flow. Just remember people are there
for the music not for a speech.
Those who only know one or two facts
about learning songs can be confused by misleading
information. The best way to help those who are misled is to
gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.
About the Author
Dave Wilson: Booking Agent and musician of 30
years.
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