Effective Band Rehearsal

If your band is in rehearsals, either preparing for gigging, or practising new songs to add to your repertoire, the chances are you will have to hire a rehearsal room. The costs of hiring a room can soon mount up if you don't organise your time effectively. You could be wasting time and money going around in circles, with a growing frustration that your band doesn't seem to be making any progress.

The answer is to set a Schedule for your rehearsals. Without a schedule it's difficult to monitor progress if in fact any is made. Disorganised rehearsals can soon turn into chaos, with everyone throwing in ideas and playing different things at the same time. The rehearsal is not the time for your guitarist to hone his right hand tapping skills, or your drummer to perfect his lightning fast paradiddles, it is valuable time for working together as a band, and should be used as such. Band members should have their own private schedules for practising instruments and learning new techniques. During a rehearsal you should all be working towards the same goal and making each other sound as good as possible. The rehearsal should never turn into a 'who can play the loudest' competition.

What should your schedule consist of?

Set goals for your rehearsal times and WRITE THEM DOWN! You should know which songs you are going to rehearse in advance. If you have planned your strategy, you will avoid getting stuck in a rut and your time will be used constructively. Songs you already know can be perfected and the little nuances worked on, stamping your own identity on cover songs and putting the finishing touches to originals.

You should make a list of 'finished' songs, 'work in progress' songs, and 'new ideas'. As each one progresses, move it up into the next category, thereby revising the schedule for your next rehearsal.

I would suggest starting with 2 or 3 songs you are happy and comfortable with, simply to give the band a positive vibe to build on, and then start work on new numbers. Set aside a certain amount of time for each song, and then move on! Don't waste time trying to perfect something that just isn't working, you can come back to it later or at the next rehearsal. Perfect the numbers that do work, and you will see positive results as your repertoire builds up considerably.

Always take regular breaks. Coming back to a number that wasn't going too well with fresh ears can often be all it needs to make a distinct improvement. If that doesn't help, there's no point in flogging a dead horse, so move it to the bottom of the list or consider dropping the song altogether and concentrating on another one.

Work on band dynamics and expression, i.e. fast, slow, loud, and quiet. Get your fills as tight and as fluent as possible. What you are working on is that elusive 'feel' that is the hallmark of a good band. Everybody should not only be playing his/her own instrument, but also actively listening to the rest of the band.

Tape your rehearsal. You don't need any fancy recording equipment - a simple tape deck and mic will be sufficient. The idea is simply for the band to be able to listen to their efforts afterwards. Listening to a song while you're not playing means you can listen more subjectively and discuss the merits. Take notes while you listen, that way you are already forming the schedule for the next rehearsal.

And finally, remember; you are in a band! As such, the sum of the parts should be greater than the individual contribution.

Tony Williams is a musician, writer, and self-confessed eBay fanatic. Take time out from the stress of band rehearsals and lighten up with MuZiCk! The irreverent rock music lexicon at: http://www.muzick.co.uk

---

Getting the Best Performance From Your Artist

So now you've decided to record your songs. Good for... Read More

Tips for Buying Digital Pianos and Keyboards

Buying a digital piano could be a very delicate attempt,... Read More

Piano Playing For Adults: More Fun Than Sex And Not Nearly As Dangerous!

OK, so I lied about the fun part.Maybe piano playing... Read More

Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes - When Improvising

Mistake #1 - Thinking about what you're going to playA... Read More

Oh My Aching Head! Can Music Really Make You Feel Better?

We all know, if only instinctively, that music has a... Read More

A Guitar Lesson To Help You Test Your Note Knowledge

In this guitar lesson we look at a great way... Read More

Prepare for the Master (CD Mastering)

Many artists are still confused as to what goes on... Read More

Why Learning How to Improvise is So Important

Imagine asking a beginning writer to write a short story... Read More

The Art Of Practicing - How To See Real Results

I have always believed that success, in practically any subject... Read More

Health Insurance for Creative Artists -- A Multi-Talented Health Investment

For the Creative Artist -- Good Health Insurance is Truly... Read More

The Secrets of Correctly Stringing Your Guitar

Why do you care about stringing your guitar you may... Read More

How To Make a Fortune Teaching Piano (or Guitar, or Drums, or Singing, or?) To Beginners

"But I'm not in it for the money" you say.Me... Read More

Breathing Space in Music

While most students want to know when to play certain... Read More

Independent Music Promotion on the Web: 3 Steps to Success

Let's face it, the wildfire spread of web-based portals designed... Read More

How to Create Backing Tracks If You Dont Play All the Instruments... or Any

Congratulations! Your singing has become amazing, and it's time the... Read More

Why Play Guitar?

As a full-time guitar instructor, I am constantly faced with... Read More

The Flower Garden and New Age Piano Music

If you've ever looked at a flower garden, not only... Read More

Polychords and the Jazz Improviser: How to Practice & Apply Polychords to Improv

In the world of music, many Jazz improvisers and Classical... Read More

3 Secrets To Understanding What Makes Music Tick

It's no secret that virtually everyone loves music in some... Read More

Songs Await Singer

I Want To Grow Old With You (C)Chorus: I want... Read More

Lori Nuic Sparkles

A soulful vibe along with an amazing voice is what... Read More

New M3 with Competition Package

The new competition package available for the BMW M3 is... Read More

Does Your CD Cover $ell (Or Suck)?

Oh, I know the last part of the title (Suck)... Read More

Music Business Contacts: Music Business Registry connects artists, managers, publishers, producers &

"The difference between success and failure is information," notes Ritch... Read More

The Strange Days (mostly nights) of Guns N? Roses

Kenny "Axil" Rose (Lead vocals), D.J. "Slash (Lead guitar), Joshua... Read More

Paint Your Own Musical Landscapes!

I don't know why, but I find the idea of... Read More

What is Piano GHD Syndrome?

Do you remember the movie, Groundhog Day? In this wonderful... Read More

Name That Tune - Tips For When You Can?t Remember The Song Title Or Artist

For years, you have been searching for a song lodged... Read More

So You Want to be President? Learn to Play a Musical Instrument!

President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House... Read More

Reasons to Ditch Your Guitar Pick

Lately, I haven't been using my guitar pick all that... Read More

Acclaimed Songwriter and Performer Michael Alan Releases New CD: Searching for the Heartland:

New York born singer songwriter Michael Alan, who records with... Read More

Six Reasons to Play New Age Piano

Here are six very good reasons to learn how to... Read More

How To Write A Song

Did you ever wish that it was your song playing... Read More