Where to look

1. Classified ads – your local newspaper, music papers, internet classifieds, etc.
2. Bulletin boards – music stores, record shops, drum shops, talent agencies
3. Live bands – networking! Go out, meet, and interact with live groups. This is one of the best ways to learn about who’s looking for who.
4. Talent agencies – get to know the people who work in these places. They can sometimes help you find a suitable band or at the very least, pass the word along.
5. Union – The Musician’s union is a good place to find certain types of work. Great contacts can be made as well.
6. Music studios – Stay in touch with the people behind the scenes at your recording studios. They are recording all your friends and know who’s doing what.
7. Jam sessions – Jam sessions are a bit more popular in larger towns, but when you can find them, they are valuable music networking havens!

LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED!

How to Audition

1. Initial contact – be friendly and professional. Don’t oversell yourself but be confident and assertive. Find out what they are looking for in a musician and determine whether or not you fit the criteria.
2. Know the material better than anyone else! –This is the key to a successful audition. If you know the tunes better than anyone else (assuming you play them with feeling and with good time) you will probably get the gig.
3. Be personable. – The second most important criteria in getting a gig is how well the other members of the band think they might be able to get along with you. Be friendly, but be yourself. People can usually see through facades.