Music Audition Requirements

I was part of a church audition some time ago so I thought it’d be good to write about some of the requirements I think are necessary. These pointers may apply to other musicians though I’m writing from a drummer’s perspective. I like to add different churches may look out for different things but I think these things are at least basic requirements to make it for an audition in a worship context.

Firstly, the musician has to understand he is auditioning, not learning. He’s not there to be taught how to play something. He’s there to play what’s required and impress. The key word here is ‘impress’. And by that, I don’t mean showing off all the skill and technique he has learnt since he was born. I mean playing with the band and clicking with them.

Next, know the songs well. If you’re given some songs to play, know them as well as you can. Or at the very least, know the verse and chorus. You may not need to play exactly like the original, but the feel must be similar. Let’s be realistic. In a church, no one is looking for some hotshot drummer (no harm having one though), but at least one who can play worship songs.

I can’t stress this enough. Since 99.999% of the time, the band is going to do cover versions, it is highly important to know worship songs, past present future if any. Know your Don Moen, Hillsongs, Paul Baloche, Chris Tomlin etc. I’m not worried whether you can play Chick Corea or Frank Zappa’s music. You lose the audition if you can’t make How Great is Our God sound good. I’m not saying secular influences aren’t important. They are crucial for musical development and I highly recommend them. But fundamentally, it’s a worship role you’re trying to nail.

Rest assured, there won’t be Simon Cowells breathing down your neck. At least for myself, my expectations are pretty basic. Play like the CD- that’s it. I’ll be glad if the musician can pull off at least the verse and chorus with a good feel.

Next, you have to earn your place. Prove you are good enough. Like I said, I’m not looking for fanciful stuff. I’m looking for worship musicians period. Anything else is a bonus. If you have other musical influences, I will very much enjoy talking to you about them. But I won’t recommend you for the role if you don’t know worship stuff. I’ll tell you to sort that part out first and then audition again.

Lastly, provide some details of playing experience. If you’ve played in some mega churches before, you’re in a pretty good position. List down your high points, don’t be shy about them. The kingdom of God has no place for shyness. David wasn’t shy about fighting Goliath. If possible, provide a recording of your playing. It doesn’t have to be crystal clear but at least a simple one which I can hear you play.

As you can see, the requirements are pretty simple. Play with confidence. A drummer with confidence makes a world of difference. Not many people know but the drummer’s role is the most crucial. As Paul Baloche says, “I rather have no drummer than have a bad one.” It’s a high call to play the drums for the Lord. The Levitical leader Asaph was a drummer apparently. The drummer is the life force and anchor which the band relies on. Once he plays, everyone just follows him. I won’t say worship music is the toughest to play. But it’s a genre in itself and deep understanding beyond skill is required. If this is what you can do, you’d be well placed for the audition.