Audition Observation Checklist

Auditions go by quickly. This checklist helps you observe systematically and make better decisions.

How to Use This Checklist

Before audition:

• Print one for each band member
• Review what to observe
• Agree on rating scale
• Assign specific focus areas

During audition:

• Take notes as you go
• Rate each area
• Note specific examples
• Observe everything

After audition:

• Compare notes
• Discuss observations
• Make decision
• Document for future

Rating Scale

Use 1-5 scale for each area:

• 5 = Excellent - Exceeds expectations, standout
• 4 = Good - Meets expectations well
• 3 = Adequate - Meets minimum requirements
• 2 = Below - Doesn't quite meet requirements
• 1 = Poor - Well below requirements
• N/A - Not applicable or couldn't assess

Audition Observation Form

Candidate: _______________ Date: _______________ Observer: _______________ Position: _______________

1. Technical Skill

Instrument Proficiency

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Tone quality: _______________
• Technique: _______________
• Control: _______________
• Consistency: _______________

Notes:

Timing & Rhythm

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Plays in time: Yes No Mostly
• Locks with rhythm section: Yes No Mostly
• Handles tempo changes: Yes No N/A
• Groove/feel: _______________

Notes:

Dynamics & Expression

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Dynamic range: _______________
• Expressive playing: _______________
• Responds to cues: _______________
• Musical sensitivity: _______________

Notes:

Song Knowledge

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Knew the material: Completely Mostly Somewhat Not really
• Accuracy: _______________
• Preparation level: _______________

Notes:

2. Musical Fit

Genre Appropriateness

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Understands genre: Yes No Somewhat
• Appropriate style: _______________
• Right feel: _______________

Notes:

Blend with Band

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Fits sonically: _______________
• Complements others: _______________
• Doesn't overplay: _______________
• Serves the song: _______________

Notes:

Creativity & Ideas

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Brought ideas: Yes No
• Ideas were good: Yes No N/A
• Open to direction: Yes No
• Collaborative: _______________

Notes:

3. Performance Ability

Stage Presence

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Confidence: _______________
• Energy: _______________
• Engagement: _______________
• Visual presentation: _______________

Notes:

Communication on Stage

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Eye contact with band: Yes No Sometimes
• Responds to cues: Yes No Sometimes
• Gives cues: Yes No N/A
• Awareness: _______________

Notes:

Recovery from Mistakes

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Made mistakes: Yes No
• How they handled them: _______________
• Kept going: Yes No N/A
• Stayed positive: Yes No N/A

Notes:

4. Professionalism

Punctuality & Preparation

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Arrived on time: Yes No
• If late, communicated: Yes No N/A
• Came prepared: Yes No
• Equipment ready: Yes No

Notes:

Communication

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Clear communicator: Yes No
• Asked good questions: Yes No
• Listened well: Yes No
• Respectful: Yes No

Notes:

Attitude

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Positive: Yes No
• Humble: Yes No
• Confident but not arrogant: Yes No
• Coachable: Yes No

Notes:

5. Personality & Fit

Social Fit

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Got along with everyone: Yes No Mostly
• Sense of humor: _______________
• Comfortable to be around: Yes No
• Would enjoy hanging out: Yes No

Notes:

Values Alignment

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Shares our values: Yes No Unsure
• Professional standards: _______________
• Work ethic: _______________
• Commitment level: _______________

Notes:

Red Flags

Any concerns:

• Arrogance
• Negativity
• Dishonesty
• Disrespect
• Substance issues
• Unreliability indicators
• Other: _______________

Details:

6. Practical Considerations

Equipment

Rating: ___/5

Observations:

• Quality of gear: _______________
• Appropriate for needs: Yes No
• Well-maintained: Yes No
• Has backup: Yes No N/A

Notes:

Availability

Confirmed:

• Rehearsal availability: Yes No Mostly
• Show availability: Yes No Mostly
• Touring availability: Yes No N/A
• Time commitment: _______________

Notes:

Logistics

Observations:

• Transportation: _______________
• Location: _______________
• Other commitments: _______________
• Potential conflicts: _______________

Notes:

Overall Assessment

Strengths

Top 3 strengths:

Weaknesses

Top 3 concerns:

Overall Rating

Technical Skill: ___/5 Musical Fit: ___/5 Performance Ability: ___/5 Professionalism: ___/5 Personality & Fit: ___/5 Practical Considerations: ___/5

Total Score: ___/30

Average Score: ___/5

Recommendation

• Strong Yes - Excellent fit, offer immediately
• Yes - Good fit, would work well
• Maybe - Has potential but concerns
• No - Not the right fit
• Strong No - Definitely not

Reasoning:

Next Steps

• Invite to callback
• Check references
• Trial rehearsal
• Make offer
• Pass
• Other: _______________

Specific Observations

Memorable Moments

Positive:

Concerning:

Quotes

What they said:

What others said:

Gut Feeling

First impression:

Overall feeling:

Would I want to spend hours/week with this person? Yes No Unsure

Comparison Notes

How they compare to:

Other candidates:

Current/former members:

Our requirements:

Questions to Follow Up On

Need to clarify:

Observer Notes

Personal observations:

Things others might have missed:

Additional thoughts:

Using This Checklist

Before Audition

Prepare:

• Print checklist for each observer
• Review rating scale
• Assign focus areas
• Prepare questions
• Set up recording (if allowed)

During Audition

Observe:

• Take notes in real-time
• Rate each section
• Note specific examples
• Watch for red flags
• Trust your gut

After Audition

Debrief:

• Compare notes immediately
• Discuss ratings
• Share observations
• Identify consensus
• Make decision

Tips for Effective Observation

1. Assign Focus Areas

Divide observation duties:

• One person focuses on technical skill
• One person focuses on personality fit
• One person focuses on musical fit
• Everyone notes overall impression

2. Take Notes During

Don't rely on memory:

• Write as you observe
• Note specific examples
• Record timestamps if recording
• Capture quotes

3. Look Beyond Skill

Remember:

• Skill can be developed
• Attitude can't
• Fit matters most
• You'll spend hours together

4. Watch for Red Flags

Pay attention to:

• How they treat others
• How they handle feedback
• How they talk about former bands
• Subtle attitude indicators

5. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off:

• Note it
• Discuss it
• Don't ignore it
• Better safe than sorry

Key Takeaways

1. Use systematically - Don't just wing it
2. Take notes during - Don't rely on memory
3. Rate objectively - Use consistent scale
4. Look beyond skill - Fit matters most
5. Watch for red flags - Trust your gut
6. Compare notes - Get multiple perspectives
7. Document everything - For future reference

This checklist helps you observe auditions systematically and make better decisions. Use it for every audition.