- Choose songs you are excited about and motivated to learn.
- Choose a song which successfully meets the requirements of the set task.
- Consider the available players you know when considering ensemble performances. Ensure they are reliable and competent for their part.
- Ensure you choose a song which is challenging, yet achievable.
- Use an open-mind. Genres are generally broad and changes can be made to songs to suit your playing style.
- Make sure to choose a song sooner rather than later to ensure maximum practice and rehearsal time.
- Locate relevant sheet music for you and all necessary players.
- Organise the music technology required for learning, practicing, rehearsing and performing your repertoire.
- Organise the music equipment required to practice, rehearse and perform your repertoire (instruments, PA, mics, leads, stands, music stands, etc.)
- Firstly address the overall structure of the piece (sections, parts to learn, soloing?, difficult sections)
- Begin with learning the main part of the song. This may be the main hook of the song, or a part you will be repeating throughout. This will work as the foundation for your performance.
- Practice slowly! To effectively learn the part you must begin slow and build up the speed. This will allow you to build your technique and technical control as you work towards your performance speed. Speed is a slow development after years of practicing.
- Continuing learning the remaining parts for your performance. Make sure to learn the simpler parts and avoid getting hung up on difficult sections.
- Once you can competently play all your parts, begin isolating sections which need refining.
- Have a plan for your practice. Know what you want to work on before getting to your practice space.
- Make sure you have all your equipment and resources.
- Warm Up! Learn an effective practice routine you can utilise to get warmed up before you begin learning your repertoire.
- Practice to a metronome! This will be key for building up speed and repertoire quickly.
- Use your time effectively. Work towards being able to play the each song fundamentally from start to finish. Then begin to focus on weaker sections.
- Ensure you have all equipment and resources required to rehearse.
- Check your band is aware and prepared for the rehearsal.
- Use your time effectively to rehearse the relevant repertoire.
- Aim on playing the basic song from start to finish. Then focus on the weaker areas.
- Inform the band of any changes to the arrangement, repertoire, and areas to focus on between rehearsals.
- Pack down the area when finished
- Develop a clear communication with your band mates
- Ensure your band mates receives all the relevant sheet music, technology, references and rehearsal/performance information
- Check-in with your band mates on their progression with the material
- Organise consistent rehearsals
- Know the scheduled rehearsal, sound check and performance dates and times
- Be prepared for each event.
- Make sure you are available to load gear prior into the designated area
- Ensure all gear is in tune and in working order prior to sound check
- Load gear onto stage and setup for the performance.
- First check you are receiving a signal from your instrument. If you aren't, consult the sound engineer.
- It is ideal to have a rough idea of the levels you wish to hear of each instrument on stage. Aim to first hear yourself clearly. Then balance the other key instruments you need to hear to best perform the song. Refine the mix with the time available.
- Wait for the cue of the sound engineer to check the level of your instrument.
- Perform a section/song. Wait for the sound engineer to discuss your foldback mix to further refine the sounds you wish to hear most/least of.
- Ensure all different instruments and technology has been checked and balanced before exiting stage.
- Enter stage and take place with your instrument. Make sure all your gear required for the performance is receiving signal.
- Check all your band mates are ready to perform.
- Ensure there is a timekeeper with the song tempo ready.
- Acknowledge the band, give/listen for the count in and perform the song.
- Enjoy the performance and the connection with the music. Practice is over, it's time to PLAY the song.
- Think of the song like driving on the road. There may be some minor mistakes but they are just minor bumps on the road. Just keep on driving!
- Avoid showing the crowd any mistakes. They won't hear it and will only know if they see it.
- Remember to look up and engage with your band and the audience.
- Make sure your signal is muted before disconnecting
- Pack down your instruments and gear. Load from the stage to the designated area.
- Celebrate with your band!
- Find a system like this that works for you and continue to develop your technical abilities, musicality and repertoire.
- Explore the wide world of music and evolving technologies to be a motivated, lifelong musician.