If you are in a band and you are interested in becoming a ‘performance band’ at Natural Ear Music School, please read the following information carefully.

PERFORMANCE BANDS MUST HAVE ALL EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO PLAY A GIG

AND BE WILLING TO ARRIVE ON TIME ONSITE. Performance band members must make rehearsals a priority, and be willing to practice DAILY.

Guitar players: One large amp, preferably a Blues Jr or a Fender Deluxe, or comparable amp. A ‘profiling amp’ is not a gig amp. A gig bag containing:  (2) 15-20’ cords, a tuner with a fresh spare battery, several picks, an extra set of strings, a small phillips screwdriver, and a strap. Bring two guitars, if you have them. Optional extras – candy bar, a string winder, small wire cutters, a pair of small needle nosed pliers and nail clippers. Please change your strings at least once every month with .10 or .11 gauge string sets. Dead strings do NOT stay in tune. Neither do .09 or .08 string sets. Clean the fingerboard with a rag dampened with alcohol once a week if you have sweaty fingers. Keep the input jack tightened.

Bass players: Bass guitar and bass amp with at least one 12” speaker, 60-100 Watt, 2 15’ cords, strap, tuner with spare fresh battery, an extra set of strings, small wire cutters, and nail clippers. Keep your input jack tightened.
.
Singers: Mic stand and a personal microphone (I recommend a SHURE 57 or 58) a 20’ mic cord and a small powered speaker or PA. This is not always necessary, as you can always ONLY do gigs that supply PA if you want, but you’ll miss the paying gigs......

Keyboard players: Keyboard, stand, either a direct box to plug into PA or a keyboard/bass amp. 2 instrument cords, 15’, batteries for the keyboard, even if you have a power cord.

Drummers: Drum rug, large enough for the bass drum and cymbals, high hats and floor tom to sit easily. At least a 4-piece set in good repair. Bring two pair of sticks, because they break. If there is a backline provided, bring your own snare and pedal. You’ll be glad you did. Drummers should arrive 90 minutes before the gig to set up.

RULES THAT DON’T CHANGE, NO MATTER HOW IMPORTANT YOU GET:
Arrive on time. In the music business that is 1-2 hours before the performance.
(I did not ‘go to college’ to learn this. I learned it on the road.)
Don’t assume anything. Make a mental checklist and keep a gig bag ready to go.
No shorts and no sandals at gigs. Dress up. Don’t wander.