Rehearsal Goals Template

Rehearsals without goals are just jam sessions. This template helps you set clear, achievable goals for every rehearsal.

Why Set Rehearsal Goals?

With clear goals:

• Know what you're working toward
• Stay focused
• Measure progress
• Use time efficiently
• Feel accomplished
• Make faster progress

Without goals:

• Waste time
• Lose focus
• Can't measure progress
• Inefficient
• Feel unproductive
• Slow progress

Types of Rehearsal Goals

1. Song Goals

Examples:

• Learn new song to 80% proficiency
• Master chorus transition in "Song X"
• Polish "Song Y" to performance-ready
• Run through full setlist
• Memorize lyrics for "Song Z"

2. Skill Goals

Examples:

• Improve timing in fast sections
• Work on dynamics
• Practice harmonies
• Tighten transitions
• Improve stage presence

3. Creative Goals

Examples:

• Write new song section
• Arrange new song
• Experiment with new sound
• Develop song ideas
• Create setlist

4. Performance Goals

Examples:

• Rehearse stage movements
• Practice banter
• Work on energy
• Simulate live performance
• Practice recovery from mistakes

5. Business Goals

Examples:

• Record demos
• Plan upcoming shows
• Discuss marketing strategy
• Review finances
• Make band decisions

Goal-Setting Framework

SMART Goals

Specific: What exactly will we accomplish? Measurable: How will we know we achieved it? Achievable: Can we realistically do this in one rehearsal? Relevant: Does this align with our bigger goals? Time-bound: By when in the rehearsal?

Example: Vague Goal

"Work on new song"

Problems:

• Not specific
• Not measurable
• No time frame
• Can't tell if achieved

Example: SMART Goal

"Learn verse and chorus of 'New Song' to 70% proficiency by end of rehearsal"

Why it works:

• Specific (verse and chorus)
• Measurable (70% proficiency)
• Achievable (realistic for one rehearsal)
• Relevant (learning new material)
• Time-bound (by end of rehearsal)

Rehearsal Goals Template

Basic Information

Date: _______________ Time: _______________ to _______________ Duration: ___ hours Location: _______________

Primary Goals (Must Achieve)

Goal 1:

• What: _______________
• Success criteria: _______________
• Time allocated: ___ minutes
• Who's responsible: _______________

Goal 2:

• What: _______________
• Success criteria: _______________
• Time allocated: ___ minutes
• Who's responsible: _______________

Goal 3:

• What: _______________
• Success criteria: _______________
• Time allocated: ___ minutes
• Who's responsible: _______________

Secondary Goals (If Time Allows)

Goal 4:

• What: _______________
• Success criteria: _______________
• Time allocated: ___ minutes

Goal 5:

• What: _______________
• Success criteria: _______________
• Time allocated: ___ minutes

Stretch Goals (Bonus)

If we finish early:

Goal Examples by Rehearsal Type

Learning New Material

Primary goals:

1. Learn verse and chorus of "Song A" to 70%
2. Learn structure of "Song B"
3. Identify problem areas in "Song C"

Success criteria:

• Can play through without stopping
• Know the parts
• Identified what needs work

Polishing Existing Material

Primary goals:

1. Polish "Song X" to performance-ready
2. Tighten transitions in "Song Y"
3. Perfect ending of "Song Z"

Success criteria:

• Can perform confidently
• Transitions are smooth
• Ending is tight

Pre-Show Rehearsal

Primary goals:

1. Run through full setlist
2. Practice transitions between songs
3. Rehearse stage banter

Success criteria:

• Completed full setlist
• Smooth transitions
• Comfortable with banter

Creative/Writing Session

Primary goals:

1. Develop verse for new song
2. Experiment with bridge ideas
3. Capture 3 new song ideas

Success criteria:

• Verse structure decided
• 2-3 bridge options recorded
• Ideas documented

Problem-Solving Rehearsal

Primary goals:

1. Fix timing issue in "Song A"
2. Resolve arrangement question in "Song B"
3. Decide on setlist order

Success criteria:

• Timing issue resolved
• Arrangement decided
• Setlist finalized

Setting Goals as a Band

Before Rehearsal

1. Review where you are:

• What did we work on last time?
• What needs attention?
• What's coming up (shows, recordings)?

2. Identify priorities:

• What's most important?
• What's urgent?
• What will have biggest impact?

3. Set 3 primary goals:

• Must achieve these
• Realistic for time available
• Clear success criteria

4. Add secondary/stretch goals:

• If time allows
• Lower priority
• Bonus achievements

5. Communicate goals:

• Share with everyone
• Get buy-in
• Clarify expectations

During Rehearsal

1. Start with goals:

• Review at beginning
• Make sure everyone knows them
• Agree on approach

2. Track progress:

• Check in periodically
• Adjust if needed
• Stay focused

3. Assess achievement:

• Did we achieve each goal?
• What's left?
• What's next?

After Rehearsal

1. Evaluate:

• Did we achieve our goals?
• Why or why not?
• What helped or hindered?

2. Document:

• What we achieved
• What's remaining
• Next steps

3. Set next goals:

• Based on progress
• Based on priorities
• Based on upcoming needs

Goal-Setting Worksheet

Long-Term Goals (Next 3 Months)

What do we want to achieve?

This Month's Goals

To support long-term goals:

This Week's Goals

To support monthly goals:

Today's Rehearsal Goals

To support weekly goals:

Common Goal-Setting Mistakes

Mistake 1: Too Many Goals

Problem: Can't achieve them all

Solution: 3 primary goals maximum

Mistake 2: Vague Goals

Problem: Can't tell if achieved

Solution: Make them specific and measurable

Mistake 3: Unrealistic Goals

Problem: Set up for failure

Solution: Be realistic about time and ability

Mistake 4: No Success Criteria

Problem: Don't know when you're done

Solution: Define what "done" looks like

Mistake 5: Not Communicating Goals

Problem: Everyone has different expectations

Solution: Share goals in advance

Mistake 6: Not Evaluating

Problem: Don't learn from experience

Solution: Assess achievement after each rehearsal

Quick Goal-Setting Template

For fast goal-setting:

Today we will:

We'll know we succeeded if:

Time allocation:

• Goal 1: ___ minutes
• Goal 2: ___ minutes
• Goal 3: ___ minutes
• Buffer: ___ minutes

Key Takeaways

1. Set goals for every rehearsal - Don't wing it
2. Make them SMART - Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound
3. Limit to 3 primary goals - Focus on what matters most
4. Communicate in advance - Everyone should know the goals
5. Track progress - Check in during rehearsal
6. Evaluate achievement - Learn from each rehearsal
7. Connect to bigger goals - Each rehearsal builds toward larger objectives

Clear goals transform rehearsals from jam sessions into productive work sessions. Set goals for your next rehearsal today.