The Singer's Audition Book & Band Communication
In Nashville, your voice gets you in the room, but your professionalism gets you the gig. One of the biggest friction points between singers and musicians is communication. You might know exactly how you want the song to sound, but if you can't translate that vision to the band in their language, the audition will fall flat.
You don't need to be a music theory wizard to lead a band effectively. You just need a clean, professional audition book and a grasp of the basic terminology that keeps the groove locked in. If you need help building your repertoire, our Coaches can help you select the perfect songs for your voice type. Here is how to build a book that makes the band love you before you even sing a note.
1. The Audition Book: Clean, Clear, and Cut
Your audition book is your resume on the music stand. Nothing screams "amateur" louder than handing a pianist a crumpled piece of paper with coffee stains or a chord chart with tiny lyrics they can't read in a dark club.
The Golden Rules of the Book:
The 3-Ring Binder: Use a sturdy, black 3-ring binder. It lays flat on a music stand (unlike a bound book) and allows for quick page turns.
Double-Sided & Taped: If your song is two pages, tape them together or place them in a way that minimizes page turns. Never make the pianist turn a page in the middle of a complex run.
The "Cut" Markings: Clearly mark your "start" and "stop" points. If you are only singing 16 bars, highlight exactly where you are beginning and ending. Don't make the band guess.
Key Clarity: Write the key of the song in big, bold letters at the top of the page. If you have transposed the song from the original recording, make sure the chart reflects your key, not the original.
2. Speaking "Band": Tempo and Feel
"Can you play it a little more... vibey?" is not a musical instruction. It's a feeling, and it's subjective. To get what you want, you need to give specific, actionable directions.
Tempo: Don't just say "medium speed." Snap your fingers or tap your chest to the tempo you want and say, "One, two, one-two-three-four." Give them the pulse before they start.
Feel: Use standard terms. Is it a "straight" rock feel or a "swing" jazz feel? Is it a "ballad" or an "up-tempo"? Referencing a famous song can also be a great shorthand: "Think 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder for the groove." Want to practice communicating with a live band in a low-pressure environment? Join us for our next Showcase Event.
3. The "Hang" Factor
In a city like Nashville, the "hang" is just as important as the talent. Auditions are often essentially job interviews for a roommate. You might be on a tour bus with these people for six weeks. They are asking themselves, "Is this person cool? Are they low-maintenance? Are they professional?"
Be Prepared, Not Arrogant: Walk in with confidence, but leave the ego at the door. Introduce yourself to every member of the band, not just the casting director.
Own Your Mistakes: If you mess up a lyric or come in early, don't blame the band. A simple hand raise and a "my bad" goes a long way. It shows you are self-aware and easy to work with.
Gear Etiquette: If you are bringing your own mic (which is common now for hygiene), ask the sound engineer first. "Hey, I brought my own 58, do you mind if I swap it out?" is polite. Just unplugging their gear is rude. Need a reliable mic for auditions? We recommend the industry standards available in our Store.
Conclusion
Your job as a singer is to be the frontman, the leader. That means making it as easy as possible for the band to support you. When you hand over a clean chart, count off a clear tempo, and treat the musicians with respect, you aren't just auditioning; you are collaborating. And that is the energy that gets hired.
[Free Download] The Singer's Audition Book Checklist
Is your book ready for the big stage? Download our checklist to ensure your charts, cuts, and keys are perfectly organized. Plus, a "Band Lingo" cheat sheet to help you communicate tempo and feel like a pro. [Download the Checklist Here]