How To Run Successful Worship Auditions

This week I had the privilege of teaching a workshop at the Calvary Chapel Worship Leaders Conference.  Here are the the notes from my workshop on "How To Run Successful Worship Auditions." 

Audition Philosophy:
An audition is a door to help people get in, 
not a wall to keep people out. 

What makes an audition successful?

  1. You personally get to know someone

  2. You get an idea of their musical skill

  3. There is a clear next step for their involvement in the church

PREPARATION

a. Let people know they are welcome

i. Personal Conversations

ii. Website

iii. Sunday Announcements

    - Social Media

    - Bulletin 

    - E-bulletin 

- Leader in the lobby 

b. Volunteer Application

i. Personal Information

ii. Church Information

iii. Musical Information

iv. Ministry Information

c. Audition Packet 

i. Audition Instruction

ii. Song Charts

iii. Song Recordings

iv. Contact Info 

d. Communicate Clearly 

EXECUTION

a. Welcome / Pray

b. Listen to their audition 

c. Ask for any additional parts to get an idea of their skill

d. Ask questions / Get to know them 

e. Share next steps on the spot or promise to follow up shortly 

FOLLOW UP

a. Pray 

b. Audition Evaluation Form 

c. Discuss with other leaders

d. Choose 1 of 3 responses: Yes / No / Not Yet 

If YES: Share specific next steps on how they’ll get involved with the team

If NO: Share specific reasons why it is not a good fit

If NOT YET:  Share specific things to work on and a date for their next audition 

e. Have additional resources ready to share

i. Music Teachers

ii. Online Training Tools 

- theworshipinitiative.com

- worshipartistry.com

- worshiponline.com

iii. Personal Training 

f. Keep A List

i. People who expressed interest but didn’t follow through

ii. People who auditioned and their next steps

iii. New team members