The first step in finding musicians to join your band is to plan, prepare, polish, and place your advertisement. Your advertisement should be attractive, clear and professional. You want people to respond who are both qualified and interested. You also want to make sure that you are representing your band positively.
A good advertisement begins with a plan. Jot down a few details of what you are looking for in terms of skill and personality. A typical job posting will have a brief description of the organization, a section for responsibilities and qualifications section and specific information directing candidates to apply. Put together a brief description that outlines the background and direction of the band. Provide a link to your band’s website or list a few similar bands to yours to give viewers a reference of the style of music. This will also give applicants an idea of how difficult and technical they may need to be in order to fit in.
The next step is to list the activities and responsibilities that you would expect the musician to commit to. If you plan to practice 5 days a week or every Sunday night, let the applicant’s know. Depending on the position that is open, you will want to indicate any leadership, writing, or administrative responsibilities that may be included.
When determining the qualifications each musician should have in order to apply, begin by making a wish list. Divide the list into must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Finally, describe the method in which you expect each candidate to apply. You may request each musician to send a resume of their music experience or make a video showcasing their talent. It is also important to provide a time line and your response method so each candidate knows what to expect following the submittal of their application.
Before you finalize your advertisement and post flyers up all over your city, have a few people proofread your work and add some graphics where appropriate. Once your posting is ready, decide where to place it based on the context of where the targeted musicians are likely to be. This may be on college campuses, at bus stops, apartment complexes, coffee shops, night clubs, or bars. Your goal is not for everyone to see your ad but for your next bassist or drummer or vocalist or guitarist to see it. Beyond that, you don’t care.
If you are going to use the internet to market your band’s opening, create a posting for www.craigslist.com and www.kijiji.com. Also, do some research on your favorite music web sites and find online forums and networking groups where you can target musicians. Comment below this article if you know other great online resources for finding musicians.
Check out this job posting below for some ideas:
Electric Guitarist Wanted for Alternative/Progressive Rock Band in Toronto
Un-Strung, a progressive rock band, is auditioning electric guitarists to fill a full-time opening. The selected individual will be primarily performing rhythm guitar parts and assisting with the songwriting process. Un-Strung has been playing at local clubs and bars for three years across the Greater Toronto Area. For full details on the music and the band, please visit www.un-strung-the-music.com.
Expectations:
* Provide background effects and perform rhythm guitar parts
* Participate in band practices every Tuesday and Thursday evening
* Assist band members in songwriting process
* Perform with band at least 3 nights a week
* Available to audition and start practicing immediately
Qualifications:
* At least 3 years experience playing electric guitar with a rock band
* Demonstrated commitment to past bands or musical aspirations
* High energy stage presence
*Willingness to pursue future success and full-time touring
To apply, please send a resume outlining your musical training and experience to band@un-strung-the-music.com. Include with your submission a link to a YouTube video of you playing one of the songs listed on our band web site, www.un-strung-the-music.com. While all interested guitarists are encouraged to apply, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an audition. Selected candidates will be contacted by phone. |
