Auditions - Pt. 2 (The Musician)

There are three key areas I like to focus on for the musician.

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In part 1 of this Blog post, I spoke more to the artist on the process I recommend when looking for band members. In today’s post, I write to the musician looking to audition for a group. 

The three areas I like to focus on for the musician:

Musicianship

Showmanship

Heart

Musicianship

Concerning musicianship, hone your craft and become a master of your instrument. If you can sing background vocals, that is a huge plus. If you play multiple instruments or are willing to learn any new ones, that is something I highly recommend, also. If you are able or at least willing to learn to do these things, you will make yourself an asset to the group. 

Showmanship

You need to be able to play the songs well and perform them well, live. Being able to SHOW the music you are playing is very important. Remember, communication from the stage to the audience is only 10% Verbal/Musical, 30% Emotional and 60% Visual. 

Heart

There’s a saying that to be successful in music, it’s only 20% Talent and 80% People Skills or your Heart. The truth is, no matter how talented you are, no one wants to be on tour with a jerk. Oftentimes, a band will take a lesser player with a great attitude over having a great player with a terrible attitude. 

In addition to drumming, I also started playing soccer at age four. I was a goalkeeper most of the time. I remember in high school I had two players on defense that always caused the team trouble. One was a better athlete, but had a terrible attitude at times and didn’t really take correction from me or any other teammate too kindly. The other, couldn’t run as fast and wasn’t quite as skilled, but he played with heart. This guy always gave his best and played hard.

Both guys probably cost us an equal amount of ‘goals against,’ but I would take the one with heart any day over the talent. You can easily work with someone who is teachable and pours their heart into what they do.

Improve on playing your instrument, develop your performance skills and allow the Lord to work on your heart to prepare you to be the band member your team needs you to be. 

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FAQs

1. What is Purpose Live, and how can it transform my performance?

Purpose Live is your creative partner in crafting unforgettable onstage moments. Whether you're a music artist or a worship team, we go beyond typical live show production to help you connect deeply with your audience.

If you’ve ever:

• Doubted your ability to command the stage
• Struggled with stage fright
• Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion

We’re here to help. From performance coaching and creating live arrangements to designing riders and stage plots, we cover every detail of your live show—giving you the confidence to hit the road with ease and captivate any audience.

2. Why should I work with Purpose Live?

Because we don’t just teach you how to perform; we show you how to connect.

If you’ve:

• Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
• Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
• Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood

We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.

3. What makes Purpose Live different from other performance coaching services?

We’re not just about making you look good; we’re about making you unforgettable.

It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

No cookie-cutter solutions. Every artist is unique, and we tailor our approach to bring out your true essence on stage—no one-size-fits-all methods here.

No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.

If you’ve ever:

• Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
• Questioned whether you have what it takes to make a living through your music

We’re here to show you how to create a performance that resonates, connect deeply with your audience, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.

4. What are your prices/fees?

Our services are as flexible as they are comprehensive. Pricing depends on the scope of your project, but we work with artists at every stage of their journey and are committed to making budgets work.

Whether you need a one-time consultation or a full show overhaul, we’ll collaborate to create a package that fits your needs and resources. To learn more, schedule a FREE discovery call where we’ll discuss your goals and craft a personalized plan.

5. If I sing and play well, isn’t that enough?

Singing and playing well are vital—but they’re just the beginning.

Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:

• Make your audience feel seen and connected
• Turn your songs into stories that resonate
• Create moments that stay with them long after the show ends

We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.

6. Why do you adjust song arrangements for live shows?

Because what works in the studio doesn’t always translate on stage.

Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.

We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.

Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.

Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.

7. How can Purpose Live elevate my live show?

Imagine stepping on stage without fear or hesitation—knowing exactly how to:

• Connect with your audience
• Leave them wanting more
• Deliver a show that inspires and stands out

At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:

• Crafting an unforgettable setlist
• Honing your stage presence
• Advancing your shows
• Creating clear and professional riders
• Designing stage plots for smooth setups

Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.

8. How can I get started with Purpose Live’s services?

It’s simple to take the first step toward creating your dream performance:

• Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
• Share your vision and challenges.
• Receive a personalized plan to confidently deliver an unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.

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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!