Rehearsal Agenda Template

Productive rehearsals don't happen by accident. This template helps you plan and run focused, efficient rehearsals that maximize your time together.

Why Rehearsal Agendas Matter

With an Agenda:

• Clear focus and direction
• Time used efficiently
• Everyone knows what to expect
• Progress is measurable
• Energy stays high
• Goals are achieved

Without an Agenda:

• Wasted time and energy
• Unclear priorities
• People feel frustrated
• Progress is slow
• Energy drains
• Goals are missed

Rehearsal Planning Principles

1. Start with Goals

What do you want to accomplish?

• Learn new songs
• Tighten existing songs
• Work on specific sections
• Prepare for upcoming show
• Write/arrange new material
• Address specific issues

2. Prioritize Ruthlessly

High Priority:

• Upcoming show material
• Problem areas
• New material that needs work
• Time-sensitive items

Lower Priority:

• Songs you know well
• Future show material
• Nice-to-have improvements
• Experimental ideas

3. Allocate Time Realistically

Common Mistake: Trying to do too much

Better Approach:

• 3-4 focused goals per rehearsal
• Buffer time between items
• Break time included
• End on time

4. Mix It Up

Vary the Energy:

• Start with warm-up
• Mix challenging and easy
• Include fun elements
• End on high note

Standard Rehearsal Agenda Template

Band Name Rehearsal Agenda

Date: _______________ Time: _______________ to _______________ Location: _______________

Attendees:

• Member 1
• Member 2
• Member 3
• Member 4

Goals for Today:

Setup & Warm-Up (15 minutes)

Time: : - :

Activities:

• Load in and set up gear
• Sound check
• Quick warm-up jam or exercise

Notes:

Check-In & Agenda Review (5 minutes)

Time: : - :

Activities:

• Quick personal check-ins
• Review agenda and goals
• Any urgent items to address

Notes:

Block 1: Primary Focus (45 minutes)

Time: : - :

Goal: _______________

Songs/Items:

1. _______________ (15 min)
2. _______________ (15 min)
3. _______________ (15 min)

Approach:

• Run through
• Section work
• Slow practice
• Full tempo
• Record for review

Success Criteria:

Notes:

Break (10 minutes)

Time: : - :

Activities:

• Bathroom, water, snacks
• Informal chat
• Reset energy

Block 2: Secondary Focus (30 minutes)

Time: : - :

Goal: _______________

Songs/Items:

1. _______________ (15 min)
2. _______________ (15 min)

Approach:

• Run through
• Section work
• Arrangement discussion
• Creative exploration

Success Criteria:

Notes:

Block 3: Tertiary Focus (20 minutes)

Time: : - :

Goal: _______________

Songs/Items:

1. _______________ (10 min)
2. _______________ (10 min)

Approach:

• Quick run-through
• Polish and refine
• Performance practice

Success Criteria:

Notes:

Full Set Run (Optional) (30 minutes)

Time: : - :

Purpose:

• Show preparation
• Stamina building
• Transitions practice
• Performance energy

Notes:

Wrap-Up & Planning (10 minutes)

Time: : - :

Review:

• What did we accomplish?
• What went well?
• What needs more work?

Next Rehearsal:

• Date: _______________
• Time: _______________
• Focus: _______________
• Prep needed: _______________

Action Items:

Tear Down (10 minutes)

Time: : - :

Activities:

• Pack up gear
• Clean up space
• Load out

Specialized Rehearsal Templates

Template 1: Show Preparation Rehearsal

Focus: Preparing for upcoming performance

Structure:

1. Warm-Up (10 min)
2. Problem Songs (40 min) - Songs that need work
3. Break (10 min)
4. Full Set Run (60 min) - As if performing
5. Debrief (10 min) - Notes and adjustments
6. Encore/Backup Songs (20 min) - If time allows

Total: 2.5 hours

Template 2: New Material Rehearsal

Focus: Learning new songs or writing

Structure:

1. Warm-Up (10 min)
2. Song 1 Learning (30 min) - Break down, learn parts
3. Song 2 Learning (30 min) - Break down, learn parts
4. Break (10 min)
5. Run-Throughs (20 min) - Play what you've learned
6. Creative Time (20 min) - Experiment, write
7. Wrap-Up (10 min) - Assign homework

Total: 2 hours

Template 3: Maintenance Rehearsal

Focus: Keeping existing material sharp

Structure:

1. Warm-Up (15 min)
2. Setlist Run (60 min) - Run through full set
3. Break (10 min)
4. Problem Areas (30 min) - Address issues from run
5. New Ideas (15 min) - Try something new
6. Wrap-Up (10 min)

Total: 2 hours

Template 4: Creative/Writing Rehearsal

Focus: Songwriting and experimentation

Structure:

1. Warm-Up Jam (15 min) - Get creative juices flowing
2. Idea Sharing (15 min) - Share ideas brought in
3. Idea Development 1 (30 min) - Work on first idea
4. Break (10 min)
5. Idea Development 2 (30 min) - Work on second idea
6. Recording/Documentation (15 min) - Capture what you created
7. Wrap-Up (15 min) - Next steps

Total: 2 hours

Time Management Tips

Start and End on Time

Why It Matters:

• Respects everyone's time
• Sets professional tone
• Maintains energy
• Builds good habits

How:

• Set clear start/end times
• Start even if someone's late
• Give 5-minute warning before end
• Stop when time is up

Use a Timer

Benefits:

• Keeps you on track
• Prevents over-focusing on one thing
• Creates urgency and focus
• Makes time visible

How:

• Set timer for each block
• Visible to everyone
• 5-minute warning
• Move on when time's up

Build in Buffer Time

Why:

• Things take longer than expected
• Allows for flexibility
• Reduces stress
• Accommodates discussion

How:

• Add 5-10 minutes between blocks
• Don't schedule every minute
• Use buffer for overruns or breaks
• Better to finish early than run late

Take Real Breaks

Why:

• Maintains energy and focus
• Prevents burnout
• Allows informal connection
• Improves productivity

How:

• Schedule breaks every 45-60 minutes
• 10-15 minutes minimum
• Actually stop playing
• Encourage people to step away

Maximizing Rehearsal Productivity

Before Rehearsal

Band Leader:

• Create and share agenda 24 hours ahead
• Confirm attendance
• Prepare any materials needed
• Arrive early to set up

All Members:

• Review agenda
• Practice parts individually
• Prepare any questions or ideas
• Arrive on time, ready to play

During Rehearsal

Stay Focused:

• Minimize phone use
• Limit side conversations
• Stay on agenda
• Address issues efficiently

Communicate Clearly:

• Speak up about problems
• Ask questions
• Give specific feedback
• Stay constructive

Be Efficient:

• Don't over-discuss
• Make decisions and move on
• Use recording to review later
• Save social time for breaks

After Rehearsal

Immediately:

• Document what was accomplished
• Note what needs work
• Assign any homework
• Schedule next rehearsal

Before Next Rehearsal:

• Practice assigned parts
• Review recordings if made
• Prepare questions or ideas
• Review next agenda

Common Rehearsal Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: Running Over Time

Causes:

• Too ambitious agenda
• Poor time management
• Too much discussion
• Lack of focus

Solutions:

• Reduce agenda items
• Use timer
• Limit discussion time
• Assign timekeeper

Problem 2: Wasting Time

Causes:

• No agenda
• Side conversations
• Tuning/technical issues
• Indecision

Solutions:

• Always have agenda
• Set focus expectations
• Tune before rehearsal
• Make decisions quickly

Problem 3: Low Energy

Causes:

• Too long without breaks
• Boring material
• Lack of variety
• Poor time of day

Solutions:

• Schedule breaks
• Mix challenging and fun
• Vary activities
• Find better time

Problem 4: Unproductive Conflict

Causes:

• Creative differences
• Frustration
• Poor communication
• Personality clashes

Solutions:

• Address issues directly
• Take breaks when heated
• Focus on solutions
• Revisit band agreements

Problem 5: People Unprepared

Causes:

• Unclear expectations
• Lack of accountability
• Too much new material
• Life circumstances

Solutions:

• Set clear prep expectations
• Address directly
• Reduce new material load
• Check in on circumstances

Rehearsal Agenda Checklist

Planning Phase

• Set date, time, location
• Confirm attendance
• Identify goals for rehearsal
• Prioritize songs/items
• Allocate time realistically
• Create agenda
• Share agenda 24 hours ahead
• Prepare any materials needed

During Rehearsal

• Start on time
• Review agenda and goals
• Use timer for time blocks
• Take scheduled breaks
• Stay focused on agenda
• Document progress and issues
• End on time
• Plan next rehearsal

After Rehearsal

• Share notes with band
• Assign homework/action items
• Update song status
• Schedule next rehearsal
• Individual practice as needed

Sample Rehearsal Agendas

Example 1: Pre-Show Rehearsal

Goal: Prepare for show in 2 weeks

Agenda:

• Warm-Up (10 min)
• Problem Songs (45 min) - 3 songs that need work
• Break (10 min)
• Full Set Run (60 min) - As if performing
• Debrief (15 min) - Notes and adjustments
• Wrap-Up (10 min)

Total: 2.5 hours

Example 2: Learning New Material

Goal: Learn 2 new songs

Agenda:

• Warm-Up (10 min)
• "Song A" Learning (40 min) - Break down, learn parts
• Break (10 min)
• "Song B" Learning (40 min) - Break down, learn parts
• Run-Throughs (15 min) - Both songs
• Wrap-Up (5 min) - Homework assigned

Total: 2 hours

Example 3: Maintenance Rehearsal

Goal: Keep setlist sharp

Agenda:

• Warm-Up (15 min)
• Setlist Run (60 min) - Full set
• Break (10 min)
• Problem Areas (25 min) - Address issues
• Wrap-Up (10 min)

Total: 2 hours

Key Takeaways

1. Always have an agenda - Even a simple one
2. Set clear goals - Know what you want to accomplish
3. Manage time actively - Use timers and stay on track
4. Take real breaks - Maintain energy and focus
5. Start and end on time - Respect everyone's time
6. Come prepared - Individual practice matters
7. Document and follow up - Track progress and assign homework

Productive rehearsals are the foundation of a successful band. Use these templates to make the most of your time together and achieve your goals efficiently.