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How to run band rehearsals
By BandManager · 1 min read ·
A rehearsal with no goal turns into a chat with noise. With a simple structure, two hours get more done than four with no plan.
One goal per rehearsal
Before you start, decide what you want to achieve: lock a new song, polish the transitions, prepare a show. Write it down at the start and review it at the end.
A structure that works
- Ten minutes of setup and tuning.
- Warm up with a song you already know well.
- Work on the session’s goal.
- One full run of the set, without stopping, as if it were live.
- Five minutes to decide what the next rehearsal will cover.
Calendar and attendance
- Fix a recurring day and time, and respect it.
- Confirm attendance ahead of time: if a key member is missing, better to move the rehearsal than to do it half-way.
- Share the repertoire and the recording of the last rehearsal so people practice at home.
Before a show
Two weeks out, move from working on songs to working on the live show: the full set, the time between songs and the stage logistics. Record one run and listen back: you hear things you do not notice while playing.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a rehearsal last?
Two to three hours is what you can sustain with quality. Beyond that, concentration drops.
How often per week?
Once a week is usual for bands that juggle jobs; step it up before important shows.
What if we cannot all make it?
Rehearse by sections (rhythm, harmonies) and book one full rehearsal before each date.
Shared rehearsals and calendar
BandManager manages rehearsals, attendance and repertoire for the whole band.
Keep reading
- How to make a setlist that worksWhat a setlist is and how to build one: work out the time, shape the show in five stretches, order by key and tuning, and copy three templates.
- Tour day sheet: what to includeHow to prepare the day sheet for a show or a tour: times, contacts, load-in, sound and accommodation. With a checklist.
- How to promote a gigA week-by-week promotion plan for a gig: poster, socials, trackable links, local press and how to fill the room.
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