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How long is too long to hear back from a band you auditioned for?

PorkPieGuy said:
I thought this was originally the way things went down, but I think I may have misread it. Plus, if something feels funny or not-so-right about any sort of audition process, just walk away. It's not worth it.
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Correct. I think you must have misread my initial post, because they did not communicate to me how long the process would take. They only said they had a couple more drummers to audition, or something to that effect. Given that I auditioned less than 2 weeks from making initial contact, I was under the impression that "a couple more drummers" would mean maybe another 2-3 weeks. But I wouldn't go as far as saying something doesn't feel right. It just seems to be an exceptionally long time to keep me waiting with no communication whatsoever and no expectations set as to how long the process would take.

mesazoo said:
Have you been turning down other opportunities during this waiting period?
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No, but I have started looking again. If something comes up before they've finally made up their minds, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Which is why you shouldn't keep someone waiting indefinitely.
 
doggyd69b said:
If they offer you the gig, I guess the next step is to set expectations (from both sides) from the get go so that there is no confusion. If those expectations are not met by either you or them, then part was amicably, you know so as not to burn bridges later. No hurt feelings, that is how adults should deal with things.
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I couldn't have said it better. "I'm honored that you gentlemen selected me. Here's my understanding as to how we will operate:"
 
TK-421 said:
Correct. I think you must have misread my initial post, because they did not communicate to me how long the process would take. They only said they had a couple more drummers to audition, or something to that effect. Given that I auditioned less than 2 weeks from making initial contact, I was under the impression that "a couple more drummers" would mean maybe another 2-3 weeks. But I wouldn't go as far as saying something doesn't feel right. It just seems to be an exceptionally long time to keep me waiting with no communication whatsoever and no expectations set as to how long the process would take.
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Yes, I think it's time to move on. Like I said before, I don't want to be where I'm not wanted, so I'm perfectly fine if a band chooses someone else.

If I was in your situation, I'd go follow the band on social media and go see them play with the new guy. Before the show, go talk to them and tell them you're looking forward to seeing them so there's no awkwardness when they see you in the crowd. Clap for them and have a good time. Whenever you leave, tell them what a good job they did. Why do all of this?

  • This shows that you are a professional and don't take "not getting the job" personally.
  • You are supporting another local band, and it gives you more musicians to network with.
  • It shows the other band that there are no hard feelings, and they may recommend you for another band if they hear of an opening.
  • It helps alleviate any sort of competitive spirit between anyone which I absolutely hate. We are all musicians; therefore, we are all on the same team and need to help each other.
However, if they are a bunch a schmos, ignore everything I just said.
 
TK-421 said:
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I did that the day after my audition. He responded by thanking me for learning the tunes and said they had a few more drummers to play with before they decided. That was on May 31. And that was the last I'd heard from him before I finally decided to reach out again yesterday. While he never said how long the other auditions would take, I was thinking maybe a couple weeks, or 3 at the most. Apparently not. Personally, I think he should have given me some sort of time frame just to set expectations. Because otherwise, 3+ weeks is kind of a long time to be kept in the dark.
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Agreed. On a related note, I wonder what the 'average' number of auditions occur before a decision is made?
 
I would never leave an audition without a solid followup date.

Otherwise you might move onto another project, get a very late call for the one you thought just flaked off...then have to say 'sorry, I took another job' and take the growing reputation that you are the flaky one.

Its business...always have a followup date...if they do not follow up...then its on them.
 
Otto said:
I would never leave an audition without a solid followup date.

Otherwise you might move onto another project, get a very late call for the one you thought just flaked off...then have to say 'sorry, I took another job' and take the growing reputation that you are the flaky one.

Its business...always have a followup date...if they do not follow up...then its on them.
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I don't know if I would ask for a specific date, but I would let them know that I'm pretty busy with other interested projects too just so they know.
 
A J said:
I couldn't have said it better. "I'm honored that you gentlemen selected me. Here's my understanding as to how we will operate:"
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For me, this lack of communication sets alarm bells ringing.

Only you knows what you'll do; me being the downright awkward gobshite that I am, if they offered the gig I'd say, "That's great!
I'll let you know in October..."
 
At this point, I'm just going to assume they're not interested for whatever reason. I'm not going to contact them to turn it down, but I'm not going to hold my breath either. I'll keep looking in the meantime and see what happens. If by chance I hear back next month that they decided to go with me, I'll probably just take it—unless I've found something else by then. If I do end up getting the gig, I'll let them know that I expect communication to be much more transparent from that point on.
 
TK-421 said:
At this point, I'm just going to assume they're not interested for whatever reason. I'm not going to contact them to turn it down, but I'm not going to hold my breath either. I'll keep looking in the meantime and see what happens. If by chance I hear back next month that they decided to go with me, I'll probably just take it—unless I've found something else by then. If I do end up getting the gig, I'll let them know that I expect communication to be much more transparent from that point on.
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I've just had another listen to your playing on the post relating to the Prog album you've just done- Wow!

Your playing is top-drawer; I suspect that the band you've auditioned for may be a level or two BELOW your ability, & are considering whether they'd live up to YOUR expectations...?

Always two sides to a coin; with your undoubted talent, you won't have to wait long for alternative opportunities!

Relax and keep doing what you're doing.;)
 
GSL said:
I've just had another listen to your playing on the post relating to the Prog album you've just done- Wow!

Your playing is top-drawer; I suspect that the band you've auditioned for may be a level or two BELOW your ability, & are considering whether they'd live up to YOUR expectations...?

Always two sides to a coin; with your undoubted talent, you won't have to wait long for alternative opportunities!

Relax and keep doing what you're doing.;)
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I think you’ve hit the nail on the head, LOL :)

(And THANK YOU!!!)
 
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Some of the replies make me smile....
Being asked to join a band is a privilege, not a right.
I was asked to a jam session with PaulMcCartney at the beginning of the summer of 1987. At the end of the afternoon they said "thanks good bye". I assumed that was it. A few weeks later I got a call to attend another jam session and the same thing happened.
A few weeks further on I set out on a longish USA tour with my Alt-Rock band. I received a message at a motel during the tour asking me to get back in touch and let theMcCartney people know when I'd be back in London. When I got back they asked me to shoot a pop-video with Paul, then they asked me if I was available to do some tv shows to promote the single.
Eventually after nearly 6 months with no commitment Paul's manager took me to one side in December and said Paul wanted me to help him make his next album starting February 1988. That was the first time I felt part of the team.
No, I wouldn't tell a band I was very busy. My first thought would be this drummer is trying to give the impression they are in demand...BS.
It also comes off as cocky.
You do the audition, hope for the best. If it takes a while to hear back that is just a fact. To me that makes me feel they're really considering this, an important decision to get right. If something BETTER comes up in the meantime, that's great for you and bad for them.
Otherwise, just keep quiet, keep calm and carry on.
 
Chris Whitten said:
This is art not business! There are no rules, no agreed standards.
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There are no rules or agreed standards on how real estate is handled either. But the saying about communication is a valid one and applies to many situations. That said, I agree 100% with your post above that it is a privilege not a right to play in a band. And I agree he should sit tight. If something else comes along, good for him and bad for the band. And if not, he hasn’t tainted his audition by coming across as impatient or arrogant. I think we are on the same page.
 
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MisterGroove said:
There are no rules or agreed standards on how real estate is handled either.
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In the UK and Europe there are many, many rules regarding real estate sales, purchasing and completing.
I think entertainment is one of the least regulated industries where deals are often unfair or would be illegal in most other jobs.
In the music business you can be hired for a tour, turn up to the first day of rehearsal and be told at the end of the day not to come back.
In the 80's we used to joke - don't ever assume you've got the gig or are playing the show until you're actually sound checking at the venue.
Anyway yeah, in short you just have to plough on doing what you do and wait for the phone to ring or text to come through.
 
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