Going to a drum audition can often be one of the scariest things that any drummer can do. You don’t know what to expect most of the time, and the outcome could potentially disappoint you.
Most of us have to go through drum auditions at some point or another, so it’s good to understand how they work, as well as how to go through with them in the best possible way.
In this guide, we’re going to give you six vital tips to help you with drum auditions. Read through all of them, and then meditate on what they mean to you.
A drum audition is when you get tested on your drumming skills before being allowed to join something. Auditions either happen for music schools or for bands.
A music school will hold drumming auditions to see if your skills are good enough to study in the institution. If you fail the audition, the music teachers may suggest that you do a bridging course and then try to audition again at a later stage.
For bands, you audition in front of the band members to see if they like your drumming and want you to be in their band. If you don’t pass the audition, another drummer does, and they get to play in the band.
The most important thing you can do for a drum audition is to come as prepared as possible. Most auditions will have material that gets sent to you beforehand so that you can work on it.
Practice playing those drum parts so much that you can play them in your sleep. That will prepare you to counter the nerves that may arise during the audition process. It will also show the people auditioning you that you mean business.
Most auditions also have unprepared sections, so it’s good to nail the prepared parts in case you slip up with the unprepared parts. You may still pass the audition that way.
If you’re auditioning to be the drummer for a band, you need to show them that you have a lovable personality as well. Band members always become friends, so these band members are technically also auditioning you to become a part of their friendship circle.
You can be the best drummer in the world, but most people won’t let you join their band if you’re not a great person.
So, arrive at the audition and try to make them laugh. It will also calm your nerves when the environment is more relaxed.
This isn’t as important with music school auditions, though. Just keep it in mind for band auditions.
Drummers should be as adaptable as possible, and you’ll often be tested for that in drum auditions. Be open to suggestions with drum parts, and then try to make people’s suggestions come to life.
While you need to prepare as much as you can, also be open to playing unexpected things for your audition.
You may have practiced a drum part thousands of times for a certain song. If the people auditioning you tell you to play something else, make sure that you’re able and willing to.
This should go without saying, but you should always play your heart out in a drum audition. If you have skills behind the kit, you need to show the people auditioning you.
There will be moments in songs where you can play out. Make sure to play all your best grooves and fills in those sections, as long as they still fit the context of those songs.
Don’t overplay all the time, though, as that will show a lack of good musicality. Pick your moments, and then shine behind the kit when it comes to those moments.
Here’s something that many people forget to do. When you don’t warm up, your playing will be stiff for the first few minutes of your audition.
If you’re going to be waiting a while, make sure to bring a practice pad with you so that you can keep your hands warm. Warming up before you play makes a massive difference. You’ll feel better prepared, and your drumming will sound much better as well.
Not all auditions will require you to play a drum solo, but most will. It helps a lot to work on a structured drum solo beforehand. This will be the most impressive thing that you can play for the people auditioning you, so create the best drum solo you can.
If you don’t prepare a drum solo beforehand, you may get nervous and end up playing the same patterns over and over. People will notice that you’re doing that, and you may not score as high on your audition.
You should look for adverts where people are looking for a drummer. You can find these in music stores and on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook.
If you just do your thing and network with other musicians, you may also find that drum gigs will come to you. People will hear about you and ask you to play in their bands.
Drummers get noticed when they impress people at gigs. Always play your heart out, no matter who is in the crowd. You never know what connections you can make afterward.
All drummers should also work on building social media pages. That’s how the wider music community will notice your drumming skills.
There’s no definite answer to this question, but a gigging drummer can make just as much money as a teacher or a doctor. It just depends on the scope of their gigs and how often they play them.
Drum auditions will become a lot less scary when you prepare properly for them. Being as prepared as possible will actually make the whole experience a joyful one.
You just need to prepare your heart for the possibility of not passing the audition. If a band prefers another drummer’s style, it may just be because that drummer had more of what they were looking for. It doesn’t make you a bad drummer.
You’ll win some, and you’ll lose some. Just like everything else in life!
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
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