Training - Internal Band Organization

Internal Band Organization - What does that mean? Seems simple, get a drummer, a bass, a few guitars, keyboard and singers and you are ready to collect your first gig check. If it were only that easy!

FIRST AND FORMOST, be able to self evaluate your skills on your instrument and your vocals. When you play do you attract crowds? Or do you suddenly find yourself alone? Critique yourself and get some loyal or better yet, not too loyal friends that will tell you how you really sound. If you are going to be selling something that no one will be buying, consider another profession.

We will discuss some of the following factors that must be addressed in both forming a band and keeping the band together once it has been started.

• What kinds of music are you interested in playing? - i.e., country, rock, jazz, blues, etc.
• Do you have equipment? Musical instruments, amplifiers, sound system, etc? Make an inventory of everything you own.
• What are your goals? Regular gigs playing cover music? Starving artist tours doing originals? Cutting a CD for release? Have a primarily plan, then a "plan B".
• Do you have a place to practice or access to a facility?

Where do I find band members?

• Music Stores
• Internet
• Word of Mouth
• Venues
• Music Associations and Clubs

Once you have prospects:

• Holding auditions
• Picking the winners
• Determining Chemistry
• Picking a leader
• Setting up a practice routine, discipline, discipline, discipline

Handling the money (Hopefully there will be some)

Do we formally structure the band into a business? - Pros/Cons

Communicating within the band - Sounds easy, right?

Being Professionals