As a professional musician working in Nashville, TN – you quickly realize that not all band rehearsals are created equal.

Check out the video to see me breakdown 5 things you can do to make band practices or rehearsals better. Download the list of tips below:

Tip #1 Prep Before (both Music Directors and Band Members)

• No matter what your role, band leader or band member, you should prep before your rehearsal ever takes place. Music directors, that means making sure everyone in the band has what they need (charts, mp3s, tracks, etc) as early as possible to be successful. Band members, learn the music before rehearsal. Rehearsal is for bringing arrangements to life – NOT PRACTICING YOUR INDIVIDUAL PARTS.

Tip #2: Have a Plan for Rehearsal

• To be successful, everyone needs to work toward the same goal. Before rehearsal, decide what the goal is. When everyone i sat rehearsal make sure they know exactly what the goal is. here is what I like to do: decide a set list before rehearsal, show up with a set list to rehearsal, run all the tunes to make sure there are no major issues, take a break, run the set start to finish simulating a “real show”.

Tip #3: Bring a Snack

• I get REALLY hangy (hungry + angry) if I don’t have enough food in my system. This can sneak up on you. Always have a snack so you can avoid bringing more stress/attitude to a rehearsal than needed. 

Tip #4: Don’t Noodle

• This is a great tip for rehearsals and soundchecks. What do I mean by ‘noodle’? Play your instrument at a time you aren’t supposed to. Just because you are the first person set up doesn’t mean you should jam while others are setting up. If two band mates are trying to work out a part for a song, or discuss details for the gig, that isn’t the time to practice paradiddles or shred whole-tone scale on your guitar. Noodling wears out everyone’s ears and nerves. Don’t do it. Please and thank you. 

Tip #5: Play the Room

• You want rehearsal to simulate a real show as much as possible. But if your band is rehearsing in someone’s bedroom, don’t play like you would for a rock show in an arena. People need to hear their parts clearly for rehearsal to make sure everything is correct, so if you are always the loudest person when rehearsing, that becomes much more difficult. Be aware of your surroundings and play at the approproiate dynamic for the room you are practicing in.