Core Vision Worksheet

Your band's core vision is the foundation for all decisions. This worksheet helps you define, refine, and maintain a clear vision that guides your band.

What is Core Vision?

Core vision includes:

• Purpose: Why you exist as a band
• Values: What you stand for
• Direction: Where you're headed
• Identity: Who you are

Why it matters:

• Guides decisions
• Aligns the band
• Attracts right people
• Filters opportunities
• Provides clarity
• Creates cohesion

Part 1: Individual Reflection

Instructions: Each member completes this individually before discussing as a band.

Your Musical Journey

1. Why did you start playing music?

2. What does music mean to you?

3. What do you love most about being in a band?

4. What kind of impact do you want to have through music?

Your Vision for This Band

5. Why did you join (or start) this band?

6. What excites you most about this band?

7. What do you hope this band becomes?

8. In 5 years, what would make you proud of this band?

Your Values

9. What values are most important to you in a band?

Rank your top 5:

• Excellence
• Creativity
• Authenticity
• Fun
• Growth
• Impact
• Community
• Professionalism
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Independence
• Other: _______________

Top 5:

Your Goals

10. What do you want to achieve with this band?

Musically:

Career-wise:

Personally:

11. What are you willing to sacrifice for this band?

12. What are you NOT willing to sacrifice?

Part 2: Band Discussion

Instructions: Come together as a band to discuss and align on your core vision.

Step 1: Share Individual Reflections (30 minutes)

Each person shares:

• Why they're in this band
• What they hope it becomes
• Their top values
• Their goals

As you listen:

• Take notes
• Look for common themes
• Notice differences
• Ask clarifying questions

Step 2: Identify Common Ground (20 minutes)

Discuss:

1. What themes did you hear across everyone's reflections?

2. What values did multiple people mention?

3. What goals are shared?

4. What excites all of us?

5. Where do we naturally align?

Step 3: Address Differences (20 minutes)

Discuss:

1. Where do our visions differ?

2. Are these differences complementary or conflicting?

3. Can we find a vision that honors everyone's hopes?

4. What compromises might be needed?

5. Are there any deal-breakers?

Step 4: Define Your Core Vision (40 minutes)

A. Purpose Statement

Why does this band exist?

Brainstorm:

• What problem do we solve?
• What need do we fill?
• What would be missing without us?
• What impact do we want to have?

Draft purpose statement: "We exist to _______________"

Examples:

• "We exist to create music that makes people feel less alone"
• "We exist to push the boundaries of genre and inspire other musicians"
• "We exist to bring joy and energy to our community through live music"

Our purpose:

B. Core Values

What do we stand for?

From your individual lists, identify your band's top 5 values:

For each value, define what it means in practice:

Value 1: _______________ What this means for us:

Value 2: _______________ What this means for us:

Value 3: _______________ What this means for us:

Value 4: _______________ What this means for us:

Value 5: _______________ What this means for us:

C. Direction

Where are we headed?

3-Year Vision: In 3 years, we will be:

5-Year Vision: In 5 years, we will be:

10-Year Vision: In 10 years, we will be:

Success Markers:

What will tell us we're on the right track?

D. Identity

Who are we?

Our sound:

Our style:

Our vibe:

What makes us unique:

What we're known for:

Step 5: Create Your Vision Statement (20 minutes)

Combine purpose, values, direction, and identity into a concise vision statement.

Template:

"Band name is a identity band that purpose. We value top 3 values and are committed to direction. We what makes you unique."

Example:

"The Midnight Collective is an indie rock band that creates music for people navigating life's transitions. We value authenticity, growth, and community, and are committed to building a sustainable career while staying true to our artistic vision. We're known for honest lyrics, dynamic live shows, and genuine connection with our audience."

Our Vision Statement:

Test your vision statement:

• Does it capture who we are?
• Does it reflect our purpose?
• Does it include our values?
• Does it indicate our direction?
• Is it clear and concise?
• Does everyone feel represented?
• Are we excited about it?

Part 3: Living Your Vision

Using Your Vision

Your vision should guide:

Decisions:

• Does this opportunity align with our vision?
• Does this decision support our values?
• Does this move us toward our direction?

Opportunities:

• Is this the right fit for us?
• Does this serve our purpose?
• Will this help us become who we want to be?

Conflicts:

• What does our vision say about this?
• Which option aligns with our values?
• What would our future selves want?

Vision Alignment Check

Use this regularly to ensure you're staying aligned:

Question 1: Are our current activities aligned with our vision?

Current activities:

Alignment check:

• Fully aligned
• Mostly aligned
• Somewhat aligned
• Not aligned

If not aligned, what needs to change?

Question 2: Are we living our values?

For each value, rate 1-5:

Value 1: ___/5 Evidence:

Value 2: ___/5 Evidence:

Value 3: ___/5 Evidence:

Value 4: ___/5 Evidence:

Value 5: ___/5 Evidence:

What needs to change?

Question 3: Are we moving toward our direction?

Progress on 3-year vision:

• On track
• Behind
• Ahead
• Off track

Evidence:

What needs to change?

Revisiting Your Vision

Your vision should evolve as you grow.

Review annually:

• Is this still true for us?
• Has anything changed?
• Do we need to adjust?
• Are we still aligned?

Signs you need to revisit:

• Frequent conflicts about direction
• Opportunities that don't fit
• Members feeling misaligned
• Band feels stuck
• Excitement is gone

Part 4: Communicating Your Vision

Internal Communication

Keep vision alive:

• Reference it in meetings
• Use it in decision-making
• Celebrate when you live it
• Address when you don't
• Revisit regularly

External Communication

Share your vision:

Website/Bio: Include elements of your vision in your band bio

Social Media: Let your vision guide your content and voice

Interviews: Reference your purpose and values

Shows: Let your vision shape your performance

Vision Maintenance Checklist

Monthly

• Reference vision in band meeting
• Use vision to evaluate opportunities
• Celebrate examples of living values

Quarterly

• Complete vision alignment check
• Discuss any misalignment
• Adjust activities as needed

Annually

• Review entire vision
• Update if needed
• Recommit as a band
• Celebrate progress

Common Vision Challenges

Challenge 1: Can't Agree on Vision

Solution:

• Find common ground first
• Identify non-negotiables
• Look for complementary differences
• Consider if you're the right fit

Challenge 2: Vision Too Vague

Solution:

• Get more specific
• Use concrete examples
• Define what values mean in practice
• Create measurable markers

Challenge 3: Vision Doesn't Guide Decisions

Solution:

• Make it more practical
• Reference it explicitly
• Use it in real decisions
• Adjust if it's not helpful

Challenge 4: Vision Changes

Solution:

• That's normal and healthy
• Revisit and update
• Ensure everyone still aligns
• Communicate changes

Challenge 5: New Members Don't Align

Solution:

• Share vision early
• Assess alignment before joining
• Onboard to vision
• Address misalignment quickly

Key Takeaways

1. Vision is foundational - Everything flows from it
2. Everyone must contribute - Not just the leader's vision
3. Be specific - Vague vision doesn't guide decisions
4. Use it actively - Reference it regularly
5. Let it evolve - Vision should grow with you
6. Ensure alignment - Check regularly
7. Live it daily - Vision is only valuable if you use it

A clear, shared vision is one of the most powerful tools a band can have. Use this worksheet to create yours and return to it regularly to stay aligned.