1. How does Bandshare define participant skill levels for an event?
Bandshare is focused on musicians with an existing, intermediate to advanced level skill-set they can readily apply in a live band setting. You need not have prior stage experience to participate but it is important you can play your instrument, learn your playing parts, sing in key, etc.
The definitions below assume you can learn material on your own and play your instrument at a level that won't hold other participants back or negatively impact the presentation of the material:
Still not sure? If you have questions about your particular skill level or a specific event's participant requirements, please contact us.
2. Aren't these just live jam sessions?
When you sign up for a Bandshare performance event it's like joining a pick-up league for recreational musicians. Each event is designed around a carefully curated theme, challenge and vibe and with pre-determined set lists and guest performers and we can’t think of a simpler or more convenient way to bring talented recreational musicians together to entertain friends, family and the local community.
3. Are there auditions or rehearsals?
In general the answer is no but this is ultimately up to the event's host band. Bandshare events are designed to strip the participatory playing and performance experience down to its bare essentials for guest musicians including: a well-curated set list, goal-oriented practice time, like-minded musicians, a great show atmosphere and a guaranteed good time. Musicians who sign up for an event are committed to putting in their time to prepare for the show.
4. I've been playing music alone at home for years with limited experience playing with other people. Is a Bandshare event for me?
Absolutely! Bandshare events are a fantastic way for skilled armchair and weekend players to explore playing and performing music with other musicians. The best part is, once you participate, you'll meet other musicians just like yourself. We see lots of repeat players at these events too. There's no better way to explore new styles of music and challenge yourself in all new ways than a Bandshare event.
5. I'm a seasoned musician who has played in bands for years. What can I possibly get out of this?
If you're tired of playing the same old songs or have been confined to a specific musical genre with your past or present-day band, Bandshare is a great way to break up the monotony by exploring new playing territory. A huge benefit of participating in Bandshare events is the simple fact that you will meet new and like-minded players who you'll actually play and perform music with. The possibilities are endless and where it goes from there is up to you.
6. How do participating musicians learn the songs they're playing on?
Bandshare participants learn in a wide variety of ways but each person is responsible for learning their song parts. Some learn by ear, some with sheet music, some from Songster or YouTube videos while others might work with a music instructor on their own. As a reference point everyone should be learning their song parts as originally recorded on the studio albums unless otherwise communicated.
7. What are participant expectations in a Bandshare event?
Each participant must show up practiced and prepared for the show. Everyone is accountable to one another and you must know your parts prior to the event to the very best of your ability. As a participating musician you are committed to the event's objective (putting on the best performance possible) and respecting the other participants. Everyone who gets involved has a little bit different background and playing experience so we expect everyone to come into an event with a positive and supportive attitude.
8. Do women musicians participate in Bandshare events?
Most definitely! While we can't guarantee the gender makeup of any event, we can tell you that lots of women participate in this playing community. All events offer a safe, fun, supportive and welcoming environment to perform live music.
9. Is it one and done or can people sign up for an event as a repeat performer?
We highly encourage people to stay involved in upcoming events as a way to continue to participate in, and further nurture, the local community. Even if you've put a long-term project together or are in a band of your own, the more folks that participate the stronger this particular community becomes. The goal here is to get people playing music with other musicians in an on-going manner.
10. Do I have to live in the city the event is being held in order to participate?
Absolutely not. We actually encourage outside participants to get involved in our events whenever you're available to do so. Bandshare events are a great way for "wandering musicians" to do something really fun and different while on vacation or business travel. It's fun to mix with the locals too!
11. Why does it cost money to participate in a Bandshare event?
We do our best to keep participation costs low and believe the money charged and value provided far outweigh the hassles removed from the musician gathering process and live performance experience. Registration fee guarantees your playing slot, songs, and in some cases, includes a complimentary cocktail (host dependent).
12. Does Bandshare take a commission on the price I pay for my experience?
Yes, to help cover the costs of the product, services, and support Bandshare provides, Bandshare charges a 20% booking service fee to event guests. The price displayed on the host band's event registration page is a combination of base fee set by the host band plus the 20% Bandshare booking service fee, rounded up to the nearest dollar. For example, if the host band has set the guest base registration fee at $30, event guests will pay $36 (base fee plus Bandshare service fee) at checkout.
13. What is your refund policy if I'm registered and have to drop out?
If you've registered (paid your full registration fee) and find yourself needing to drop out of the show more than two weeks before the event, we'll issue you a full refund. If you drop out two weeks or less, you forfeit your full registration fee. We try to be fair about this but also need to take the other participants time, effort and experience into consideration. Losing a participant last minute can be challenging, depending on the event format.
14. How much does the host band make?
Bandshare host bands receive 100% of the full-dollar amount they've set for the guest's base registration fee. This avoids placing any unnecessary financial penalties on the host band for using the Bandshare platform to launch and administer events, leaving more money in the host band's pocket.
Bandshare is focused on musicians with an existing, intermediate to advanced level skill-set they can readily apply in a live band setting. You need not have prior stage experience to participate but it is important you can play your instrument, learn your playing parts, sing in key, etc.
The definitions below assume you can learn material on your own and play your instrument at a level that won't hold other participants back or negatively impact the presentation of the material:
- Intermediate: Someone who has played for at least a few years on their primary instrument and can learn and plays songs and a small set of song with few, if any, mistakes.
- Advanced: Someone who "owns" the song they're involved with. Someone who knows their instrument well enough to where the song becomes second nature and their musical/artistic personality shines through. They can easily make it through basically any pop/rock song hearing it once or twice before attempting to play it and can lead the band as needed.
Still not sure? If you have questions about your particular skill level or a specific event's participant requirements, please contact us.
2. Aren't these just live jam sessions?
When you sign up for a Bandshare performance event it's like joining a pick-up league for recreational musicians. Each event is designed around a carefully curated theme, challenge and vibe and with pre-determined set lists and guest performers and we can’t think of a simpler or more convenient way to bring talented recreational musicians together to entertain friends, family and the local community.
3. Are there auditions or rehearsals?
In general the answer is no but this is ultimately up to the event's host band. Bandshare events are designed to strip the participatory playing and performance experience down to its bare essentials for guest musicians including: a well-curated set list, goal-oriented practice time, like-minded musicians, a great show atmosphere and a guaranteed good time. Musicians who sign up for an event are committed to putting in their time to prepare for the show.
4. I've been playing music alone at home for years with limited experience playing with other people. Is a Bandshare event for me?
Absolutely! Bandshare events are a fantastic way for skilled armchair and weekend players to explore playing and performing music with other musicians. The best part is, once you participate, you'll meet other musicians just like yourself. We see lots of repeat players at these events too. There's no better way to explore new styles of music and challenge yourself in all new ways than a Bandshare event.
5. I'm a seasoned musician who has played in bands for years. What can I possibly get out of this?
If you're tired of playing the same old songs or have been confined to a specific musical genre with your past or present-day band, Bandshare is a great way to break up the monotony by exploring new playing territory. A huge benefit of participating in Bandshare events is the simple fact that you will meet new and like-minded players who you'll actually play and perform music with. The possibilities are endless and where it goes from there is up to you.
6. How do participating musicians learn the songs they're playing on?
Bandshare participants learn in a wide variety of ways but each person is responsible for learning their song parts. Some learn by ear, some with sheet music, some from Songster or YouTube videos while others might work with a music instructor on their own. As a reference point everyone should be learning their song parts as originally recorded on the studio albums unless otherwise communicated.
7. What are participant expectations in a Bandshare event?
Each participant must show up practiced and prepared for the show. Everyone is accountable to one another and you must know your parts prior to the event to the very best of your ability. As a participating musician you are committed to the event's objective (putting on the best performance possible) and respecting the other participants. Everyone who gets involved has a little bit different background and playing experience so we expect everyone to come into an event with a positive and supportive attitude.
8. Do women musicians participate in Bandshare events?
Most definitely! While we can't guarantee the gender makeup of any event, we can tell you that lots of women participate in this playing community. All events offer a safe, fun, supportive and welcoming environment to perform live music.
9. Is it one and done or can people sign up for an event as a repeat performer?
We highly encourage people to stay involved in upcoming events as a way to continue to participate in, and further nurture, the local community. Even if you've put a long-term project together or are in a band of your own, the more folks that participate the stronger this particular community becomes. The goal here is to get people playing music with other musicians in an on-going manner.
10. Do I have to live in the city the event is being held in order to participate?
Absolutely not. We actually encourage outside participants to get involved in our events whenever you're available to do so. Bandshare events are a great way for "wandering musicians" to do something really fun and different while on vacation or business travel. It's fun to mix with the locals too!
11. Why does it cost money to participate in a Bandshare event?
We do our best to keep participation costs low and believe the money charged and value provided far outweigh the hassles removed from the musician gathering process and live performance experience. Registration fee guarantees your playing slot, songs, and in some cases, includes a complimentary cocktail (host dependent).
12. Does Bandshare take a commission on the price I pay for my experience?
Yes, to help cover the costs of the product, services, and support Bandshare provides, Bandshare charges a 20% booking service fee to event guests. The price displayed on the host band's event registration page is a combination of base fee set by the host band plus the 20% Bandshare booking service fee, rounded up to the nearest dollar. For example, if the host band has set the guest base registration fee at $30, event guests will pay $36 (base fee plus Bandshare service fee) at checkout.
13. What is your refund policy if I'm registered and have to drop out?
If you've registered (paid your full registration fee) and find yourself needing to drop out of the show more than two weeks before the event, we'll issue you a full refund. If you drop out two weeks or less, you forfeit your full registration fee. We try to be fair about this but also need to take the other participants time, effort and experience into consideration. Losing a participant last minute can be challenging, depending on the event format.
14. How much does the host band make?
Bandshare host bands receive 100% of the full-dollar amount they've set for the guest's base registration fee. This avoids placing any unnecessary financial penalties on the host band for using the Bandshare platform to launch and administer events, leaving more money in the host band's pocket.