The audition…. the very word itself seems to shake up some spot in our gut where nervousness and fear live…

As a working professional musician, dealing with auditions and knowing how to maximize your chances of landing that next gig is a way of life. Regardless if this means a local cover band that has a busy local schedule, or a world tour with Paul McCartney, it matters not- basically the game is played the same way.

Once you build a network of contacts and fellow musicians that can pull you up the ladder, you will find yourself having to audition less and less. It really is “who you know.”

I'd like to share with you a true experience to illustrate how a major audition can throw a few curveballs at you. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent.)

THE CALL

I was in the middle of a recording session last year when I got a call from a fellow musician/friend that I hadn't heard from in a while, a fairly well known keyboardist who has some world class gigs under his belt. (for the purpose of this article, we'll call him “Jeff”)

Jeff asked me if I would be interested in working with “Mr. X”- a well-known singer. (a real rock and roll legend) I asked about the situation and found out that I also knew the drummer quite well (another very well respected musician) so I figured that I could possibly have a slight edge over any other candidates. The schedule was light and paid well; my favorite kind of touring gig.

A few days later I got a call from the management asking if I would be able to fly to NYC to audition. I asked a few questions about scheduling, where the tour would start/end, and also found out that there would be about 7 other guys trying out. I figured I'd go for it.

Another week or so went by and nothing. No word on song choices, location etc…the audition was just a few days away. Finally I got a song list and started to work on the material. Not hard, (all classic rock and roll songs) but really heavy in the feel department. This gig would be all about the vibe and ability to lock in with a great rhythm section. I learned the material, playing it over and over. After a couple of days I was ready.

SO FAR SO GOOD

The night before I flew to NYC and checked into the hotel. The next morning I woke up and went over the stuff one last time. My audition time was set for 1:30, so I called and made sure that everything was set. I found the studio and went for a cup of coffee nearby with a friend to wait it out. I went over to the studio at 1:25 and was told that they were late- “can you come back in an hour?” and with no choice I said, “OK” and headed back for another cup of coffee.

One hour later I was told that they were even further behind, things had taken longer than they had expected. By the time I went on (3 hours late), my whole head -space was different, but I met “Mr. X” and we started to play. It went well. I felt confident and knew that I was nailing the stuff. The other guys all smiled over at me and I knew that this was a good sign. The manager also told me that he thought it was great and he would be in touch for sure.

Three weeks went by and nothing. Not a word.

I knew that I had nailed it and that it was out of my hands at this point, so I honestly just chalked it up to experience. At least I had some expenses to write off on my taxes.

Not long after I was talking with a friend about the situation. He too had gotten a call but had passed on trying out. He told me that something better would come along anyway. Although I honestly wasn't too concerned with it, he did make me feel better about not hearing anything. The next part proves what a crazy business this is.

Barely one hour after the conversation with my friend, I got a call from another management company asking if I would be into doing some work with a singer named “Miss XX”. Her regular guitarist had recommended me. It was a completely different style of music and seemed like a fun challenge, plus it was touring Europe and going to some places that I had not been, great music, more freedom with soloing and improvisation, and the pay was about the same as with “Mr. X”. The schedule was also perfect, I just needed to move a few things around, find a sub here and there.

The best part? No audition.

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

The next day, just when I thought that things couldn't have worked out better, I get a call from “Mr. X's” management. “You're the guy- sorry it took so long. Are you available from…?” I told them that it was too late and I had already been booked for the next few months. I knew that things had a way of working themselves out.

I tell this story to illustrate a few points and tips about auditions. There are some things you can do, and some things over which you have little control, just make sure that you play to the best of your ability, then things have a way of taking care of themselves .

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCES

1 . Try to find out the other musicians in the band . Remember this is all about “who you know”. Without being a “brown -noser”, it doesn't hurt to try and get a recommendation before hand. Remember though, that you have to be able to back it up…you must be able to deliver. Both your reputation and the guy who recommended you for work's reputation is on the line. In the story above, I knew the drummer and keyboardist, but this should only support your effort. You have to be able to deliver and play.

2. Try to get the material as soon as possible and work on it . I like to listen through for a day or two before I even pick up a guitar. Make a few mental notes and then when you do start to learn the material, you will find that it will save a lot of time and make your interpretation more precise. Also, if you sing, be sure and mention this- oftentimes this is a big plus over other musicians that may not sing backups.

3. Get the right guitars for the gig, even if you have to borrow/rent one. (If it's an R&B gig, you might want to leave the Jackson V at home.) Sometimes you may bring a few options, but don't make the mistake of bringing so much gear an audtion that you take more time than you need. Just bring the essentials. Always bring enough cables, a tuner and set of strings, you don't want to be asking to borrow a cable or string at an audtion. Going the extra mile always pays off.

4. Listen to any possible effects on the record. Try to come as close as possible to copping all the sounds, if that's what they are looking for. Is there a slide overdub? Is there a U2 sounding part on the choruses that you can work into the main riff on some sections? Gauge the situation- pay respect to the obvious hooks and musical riffs, but don't be afraid to step out a bit and add something fresh when you think it will work. (This comes with experience.)

5. Remember that image also matters , unfortunately more than it probably should. Do a little research beforehand. What kind of clothing does the music suggest? Don't go fully decked out in stage gear, but you wouldn't want to wear a Grateful Dead tie-dye and your jam band attire to an audition with Garth Brooks either.

6. Don't appear overly anxious or desperate to get the gig. Sure, you want the gig. They know this or you wouldn't be there. Don't make the mistake of calling the musical director again and again for details. Get as much info as you can up front, call only if you need to find out something about a song or time, and make it happen.

7. Big no-no - never talk money at the audition or ask about pay , especially in front of the other musicians. If you don't know what the gig pays roughly, try and find out before you even schedule an audition. Play it cool, just go in and deliver, and then you can find out about the pay. This could work in your favor as a tool of negotiation as well later.

8. Relax and be yourself . Make eye contact with the other players and have a good time. Don't let little things like running behind schedule or a tune that you don't know throw you off track. Just keep your cool, and do your best.

9. Finally, realize that after you do all the preparation, show up with a good attitude, and play to the best of your ability, you've done your part. It's now out of your hands. As you have seen in my little story, you don't always know what is going to happen. This is all part of the world of auditions. If you don't get the gig, it could be for a variety of reasons, some of which are not based on your ability . It could be political, or maybe a guy was already chosen before you got there and the audition was out of courtesy, or you just simply didn't fit the gig. Don't take it personally . Try and stay in touch with the manager, as you never know what may happen down the road. You may get a call out of the blue one day asking about another artist. This happens quite often. Keep at it - when you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by all means go for it.

Good luck!