I get asked this question a lot whenever I give my talks or workshops on Music Ministry Development: How do I hold auditions for my music team?
A standard practice done is to hold open auditions wherein interested individuals come and play or sing one song of their choosing and one audition piece. The individual is then assessed based on their performance and delivery. In the event that the person auditioning (is auditioneer even a word?!) makes the benchmark, they are usually integrated into a team. In some cases (as arbitrarily determined by skill level shown), the new member may be asked to attend a few rehearsals first to "check commitment" and to "observe" how things are done. Some of the bigger churches require you to be a member of a small group or have a church approved mentor before even auditioning.
And that's great, because it has worked and continues to work.
However, in my time at the previous church where I worked, I handled the auditions a bit differently. I required all aspiring worship team members to attend a 3 month training course, which was to run every Saturday for those months. They were only allowed two absences, then they were dropped from the program. Only those who finish the program are eligible for audition.
The training course consisted of 4 components:
Music Theory - where we make sure that they learn how to read sheet music, band charts and have a basic understanding of musical elements and terms. This allows for a more efficient rehearsal time.
Introduction to Music Ministry - where we explain to them how the music ministry operates in that particular church & context, how the ministry's vision aligns with the Church's vision, what commitment would be expected of them and to what extent will the ministry care for them.
Instrument/Vocal Concentration - where we hold classes for those who want to audition for that particular concentration. We usually don't allow them to have two concentrations at the start. We also noticed that there are those who want to audition but aren't that well developed in their musical skills. This portion aims to help develop them in that area to, hopefully, achieve the standard required to pass the auditions. There would also be instances when they would play as a team with other people attending the course.
A music theory exam and performance. The theory exam is written while the performance comprises two parts, a solo performance of your instrument wherein the rudiments of the instrument's discipline are checked and wherein they play an audition piece with the existing worship team members.
Those who pass the audition are then automatically scheduled into teams as well as being presented to the congregation to be recognised as a new batch of ministers. Those who don't pass are encouraged to undergo the next training course cycle. Our goal is to be able to build a the ministry of the church as well as build the person up. So as long as they are willing to improve, we are willing to provide the avenue for them to improve.
This process is designed to build confidence in the aspiring minister. It also allows them to understand what they are getting into, what is expected of them and also allows them to hone their skill. Those who are iffy in the area of commitment usually never finish the course.
The wonderful thing that I've seen happen with this setup is the sense of brotherhood and fellowship that naturally occurs among those who are in the course and those teaching it. This also allows for your more senior members to get to know the potential members and help in their walk in Christ. Sometimes, one find's it easier to relate to another person when they know they share a common passion.
But of course, what we did may not be the exact fit for your church context or ministry design. If you'd like help in designing the audition process for your ministry, please, do let me know! You can contact me through this link. I hope this little ministry insight has helped you as you lead and take part in your music ministry.
Shalom,
-M-