Keys to professionalism, 101. (This list goes to ELEVEN)
1. Show up on time. Actually, early is on time, on time is late, and late is "you're never getting called again."
2. Know the music you are supposed to play, and the style that it is to be played in.
3. Rehearsing is for working out kinks, not learning songs. Learn the songs before rehearsal.
4. Have equipment that works and backups if needed.
5. Bring your own extension cord and power strip. If anything you use takes batteries, have extras.
6. Play to serve the music. When it's your turn to lead, LEAD. When it's your turn to accompany, make the other players sound better.
7. Check attitude at door. Nobody cares if you had a bad day.
8. Don't drink before or during a job. A gig is a job.
9. Be a good bandmate. Help the drummer load in/out. Let all stringed instruments tune with the same tuner.
10. Be flexible. If the singer has a sore throat and needs you to play a song a step lower, don't whine about it. Be prepared.
11. If you say you're a professional, act like one.
You'd be dang amazed how hard it is to find people who live by these rules, but once you play with people who do, you'll never go back.
|