When searching for musicians, remember that there are two distinct types.
There are people who like to search for themselves, and there are those who like to be searched for. There are those who are eager to finally be found and their talent accepted, and those who can’t wait and offer themselves.
Simply put, some use the resume model (find me), others the search model (I’ll find you).
If you’re faced with the serious task of finding musicians, you must understand what kind of people you want in your band.
A musician who searches for themselves will be guided by the band’s values and their own. He will be able to determine his place even before he gets settled.
The other type hopes they won’t have to call and find out. They will be found.
The type of musician you need will determine how you search for them.
If you’re looking for a less-active team member, it’s easier to look through ads in newspapers and online, select several resumes, and filter them.
If you need an active one, then in this case it is best to create an advertisement in the newspaper yourself with the necessary requirements for the musician.
In the first case, people who are not concerned with the group’s affairs and the promotion of music will come to you. Give them sheet music and let them rock. These people don’t need much. Just play and have fun.
In the second case, you’ll most often attract future band leaders and managers. Since you’ve outlined the requirements, experience, and other minute details relevant to the band, expect an independent and self-sufficient musician to join your ranks.
In general, recruiting musicians is a very sensitive matter and requires a well-thought-out approach with a multitude of criteria and requirements.
The most important rule: Never hire someone on the first encounter, even if they’re a super-duper great musician. Create invisible tests and checks and observe their decision-making process.
For each position, role, or role, there are different tests and tasks. Depending on the candidate’s skills, create situations that can only be resolved through experience or a rare and flexible mind.
During consultations, I give several examples of how to test newcomers.
And finally, don’t forget, anyone can learn to play an instrument and sing; it’s easy to find someone like that. But finding a decent person (even without any experience) with the necessary human qualities in a difficult situation becomes an impossible task.
First we look for the Man, and only then the Musician.
How do you find musicians for the band?
I have a simple system for selecting musicians for the band. Can I tell you about it?
