(This article is geared toward a younger audience but the principals apply at whatever age you would like to start a Band. I know players in their teens through players in their fifties that are still playing and have used these same principals)

Have you pondered putting a Band together? Whether you're contemplating putting together a singing/vocal band, rock band, hip hop/rap group or accordion band the same principles apply. Here are some basic principals that should help you to put a band together:

Lots of work:
Work, work, and more work. Don't expect your rise to stardom to be sweet and easy because no matter what road you take it is hard work. So now that you've been warned, the first thing you want to think about is who do you want in this group? It's always best to select people that are supportive of your same ideas. It's called "vision". If you and your partners have the same "vision" for the band there is a much better chance that you will succeed in accomplishing you goals.

So … write your vision down on paper and discuss it with all your band members. If the vision is to sing at the local talent competition then you have to be ready to do whatever it takes to do that. I am sure that you heard of the group "Destiny's Child". Well the group had four young ladies ready to tour and then record/release a CD. They had practiced and were ready and began to tour (a crucial part of their new careers) but there were many "gigs" to play. Many places to sing and there was lots of work ahead. After the first leg of the tour one of the girls left to go home, she said she was tired and may not have been committed to going the distance, she never returned to be a part of the Band. "Destiny's Child" went on to gross millions in record sales as a threesome and is now a top selling act, but it took lots of work, and they lost someone along the way. It is a sacrifice … and you have got to be willing to work, it's almost like a marriage.

Finding a Space to Rehearse:
The easiest way to find a space to rehearse is almost always in somebody's garage or house. Paying for a space to rehearse is an option for that big gig or to really test the Band's sound. Remember to try and find a pleasant rehearsal space so that the atmosphere at rehearsal will always be pleasant.

Practice makes perfect:
This is really just another way of saying more work. Band practice whether it's singing or playing your instrument is crucial. If you do not practice then your talent will stagnate and never get to the level where people will notice you. You have to be better than the next guy to make it in the music business. If you are mediocre, your talent will not be recognized and that is exactly what you do not want. Recognition wherever you play or sing is crucial to a musician's career. Set your own personal rehearsal schedule and don't break it! Make sure you practice by yourself at least twice a week for a committed length of time. Professional musicians will tell you that they always practice, even if they have been playing for 20 years! That is because your practicing will make you the perfect musician or singer. Learn scales, learn chords, and learn to read music if you can, and learn from anyone that you can. If you can afford to … take lessons, be a real dedicated musician, practice makes perfect. Lessons and practice will only make you better and you will be recognized for that talent soon enough.

Now it's time to talk about your Band rehearsals. Make sure that they occur at the same time every week so that no one has a reason to forget. Have a plan worked out for every rehearsal so that you don't waste time. Never rehearse a song more than three times in a row or it will go stale. Come back to that song later. Concentrate on overall sound, not just the sound of your own instrument or voice and be prepared for criticism. If you are not ready to take constructive criticism then you are not ready to be in a Band. Be willing to teach another musician or to be taught, you can learn from everybody. If you have more experience, offer some tips to your fellow players. Also remember to tell each musician what a good job they did after the rehearsal! Never leave a rehearsal or practice without expressing appreciation for the talent of each of the band members. If you are a person willing to give thanks, start each rehearsal with thanks to the God that gave you your musical talent and ask him to bless your rehearsal and your goals. I truly believe that each musician's talent is a gift from God.

This article continues next week with:
* Discuss each player's commitment
* Find a Place to Play Out
* Never Give Up!

This article was written by David Laracuente a member of the Band "Feedback", find more articles at Feedbacklive.net. If you have any questions or would like to contact Dave directly please send your inquiry to dave@feedbacklive.net.