February 16th, 2022
by Roman Hendricks
by Roman Hendricks
If you are reading this post then you are most likely about to audition to be a part of our CGWorship team. Woo! As you prepare, I thought it would be helpful to have a few (this is not exhaustive) ideas of what we are looking for/listening for in your audition. Remember, music is fun so enjoy this process!
Drummers
- Drummers are the backbone of the band so you must have the ability to keep a consistent rhythm. If you are inconsistent, the rest of the band will be inconsistent.
- Controlled striking - Drummers must be able to play the room and play with control and consistency. No matter how big or small the room is, inconsistency in your hits will lead to lots of issue for the audio engineer and for the rest of the team.
Bass Players
- Bassists set the foundation of the music and work hand in hand with the drummer. It is important that you lock in with the drummer and what they are playing.
- Remember, simple and tasteful is always better in worship music. You are the foundation so moving off of the groove needs to be intentional so it doesn't take away from the song. DON'T BE TOO BUSY.
Keys/Piano Players
- Similar to bass, in worship music, simplicity in what you play is almost always best. Just because you can play a G#7add9add13...doesn't mean it'll work haha. Simplifying your voicing will insure the mix doesn't get too muddy and cluttered.
- Like an Electric Guitar player, don't be afraid of effects to give your playing more texture and depth.
- Ability to play lead lines that are designated by the original arrangement
Electric Guitarists
- Tone is king! Worship music has a distinct tonal quality that can't be achieved with simply a guitar and amp. Yes, we want you to play the right parts, but we also need you to have the right sounds too.
- Ability to play parts designated by the original arrangement
- Be versatile to serve the song. Know when to play and when not too.
- Know the difference between rhythm and lead
Acoustic Guitarists
- In worship music, there is a lot of harmonic content coming from the keys, EGs, and Vocals, so the sweet spot for an Acoustic guitar is going to be a more percussive playing style. We are looking for how you play with the drums and consistency with timing.
- Voicing: Because of the capo, you have lots of options on how you voice your chords. Keep in mind that open chords typically sound better in a worship context.
Vocalists
- How comfortable are you in front of other people? If you look uncomfortable, they will focus on that and not what they should be...worshiping God! It's not about having the right moves, or pretending to look into it. As we say at CGWorship, We lead authentically when we live dependently. True worship comes from truly knowing God.
- Can carry the melody confidently through pitch and rhythm
- Ability to sing harmonies. This isn't a requirement but it does allow for more versatility in how you can lead in a service.
- Drummers are the backbone of the band so you must have the ability to keep a consistent rhythm. If you are inconsistent, the rest of the band will be inconsistent.
- Controlled striking - Drummers must be able to play the room and play with control and consistency. No matter how big or small the room is, inconsistency in your hits will lead to lots of issue for the audio engineer and for the rest of the team.
Bass Players
- Bassists set the foundation of the music and work hand in hand with the drummer. It is important that you lock in with the drummer and what they are playing.
- Remember, simple and tasteful is always better in worship music. You are the foundation so moving off of the groove needs to be intentional so it doesn't take away from the song. DON'T BE TOO BUSY.
Keys/Piano Players
- Similar to bass, in worship music, simplicity in what you play is almost always best. Just because you can play a G#7add9add13...doesn't mean it'll work haha. Simplifying your voicing will insure the mix doesn't get too muddy and cluttered.
- Like an Electric Guitar player, don't be afraid of effects to give your playing more texture and depth.
- Ability to play lead lines that are designated by the original arrangement
Electric Guitarists
- Tone is king! Worship music has a distinct tonal quality that can't be achieved with simply a guitar and amp. Yes, we want you to play the right parts, but we also need you to have the right sounds too.
- Ability to play parts designated by the original arrangement
- Be versatile to serve the song. Know when to play and when not too.
- Know the difference between rhythm and lead
Acoustic Guitarists
- In worship music, there is a lot of harmonic content coming from the keys, EGs, and Vocals, so the sweet spot for an Acoustic guitar is going to be a more percussive playing style. We are looking for how you play with the drums and consistency with timing.
- Voicing: Because of the capo, you have lots of options on how you voice your chords. Keep in mind that open chords typically sound better in a worship context.
Vocalists
- How comfortable are you in front of other people? If you look uncomfortable, they will focus on that and not what they should be...worshiping God! It's not about having the right moves, or pretending to look into it. As we say at CGWorship, We lead authentically when we live dependently. True worship comes from truly knowing God.
- Can carry the melody confidently through pitch and rhythm
- Ability to sing harmonies. This isn't a requirement but it does allow for more versatility in how you can lead in a service.
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