(Practice, Gigs, Money — and More)
Forming a new band or bringing in new members is always exciting. It’s full of potential — new music, new energy, new opportunities. But if you don’t set clear expectations up front, that excitement can quickly turn to tension or burnout.
Many bands fall apart not because of musical differences, but because of misunderstandings around commitment, rehearsals, money, and goals.
If you want your band to thrive — whether it’s a weekend cover group or an original touring act — you need to have these conversations early and clearly.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to setting expectations with new bandmates to give your project the best chance of success.
Why Setting Expectations Matters
When you bring musicians together, everyone brings different:
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Backgrounds
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Priorities
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Schedules
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Financial situations
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Definitions of “success”
Without clear communication, assumptions take over — and assumptions are dangerous in bands.
Setting expectations helps you:
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Avoid drama and resentment
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Save time by aligning from day one
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Keep everyone motivated and committed
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Build trust and professionalism
1. Practice Expectations
Rehearsals are where your band becomes a band. But how often you meet — and how you approach it — needs to be agreed upon.
Key questions to discuss:
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How often will we rehearse? Weekly? Bi-weekly? More?
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How long will rehearsals last? 2 hours? 3?
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Where will we rehearse? Who is responsible for booking space or providing a location?
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How prepared should members be? Should they learn their parts before rehearsal, or will learning happen together?
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What is the expectation for attendance? Are occasional misses okay? How much notice is required if someone can’t make it?
Why this matters:
Bands fall apart fast when one member constantly cancels or shows up unprepared. Agree on a baseline so everyone knows what’s expected.
Pro Tip:
Write your practice expectations down — even informally — and share them with the group.
2. Gigging Expectations
This is one of the biggest potential sources of conflict. Not every musician defines “active gigging” the same way.
Key questions to discuss:
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How often do we want to gig? Once a month? Every weekend? A couple of times a year?
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What types of gigs are we targeting? Bars, weddings, festivals, tours?
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Are we willing to travel for shows? How far? How often?
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Are members okay with last-minute opportunities? Or do they need more advance notice?
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Who is responsible for booking shows? Will there be a dedicated band manager? A shared effort?
Why this matters:
Gigging requires time, energy, and sometimes travel. If one member is only in it for casual bar gigs and another wants to pursue full-time touring, conflict is inevitable.
Pro Tip:
Revisit this conversation regularly. A band’s gigging goals can change over time — keep everyone on the same page.
3. Money Expectations
Money can quickly sour even the best musical chemistry if not addressed openly.
Key topics to cover:
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How will gig money be split? Even split? More for members providing equipment/transportation?
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Who covers rehearsal space fees? If you rent a studio, is it split equally?
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Are there other shared expenses? Website hosting, marketing, recording costs, photography, video, merch production, gear upgrades, etc.
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How will those expenses be handled? Shared equally? Voted on before spending? Paid by the band fund?
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Is there a band fund? If so, how is it managed and who controls it?
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How is merchandise revenue handled? Who pays upfront? How are profits divided?
Why this matters:
Avoiding the money conversation is a guaranteed way to cause resentment later. Transparency upfront builds trust.
Pro Tip:
Consider having a basic shared budget or Google Sheet where income and expenses are logged and visible to all members.
4. Time Commitment & Priorities
Even if everyone is aligned on practice, gigs, and money, time commitment can still cause friction.
Questions to align on:
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How important is this band to each member? Primary project? Side project?
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How much time can each member realistically dedicate per week or month?
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What level of priority will this band have over other personal and professional commitments?
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Are members currently involved in other bands or projects? Will that impact scheduling or focus?
Why this matters:
Bands break up when one member is “all in” and another can’t commit at the same level. Clear understanding here prevents surprises.
5. Creative Direction & Decision-Making
Even if all logistical expectations are aligned, creative differences can derail a project if not addressed.
Things to discuss:
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Who will lead songwriting? Collaborative or single writer?
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Who has input on arrangements, setlists, and covers?
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Is the band democratic, or will someone have final say?
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Are all members free to suggest material?
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How will disagreements be handled? Majority vote? Band leader’s decision? Table until consensus?
Why this matters:
Creative tension is inevitable — and healthy when managed well. Clarify your band’s decision-making structure early to avoid bigger problems later.
Final Thoughts
Setting expectations may feel awkward at first — but it’s one of the best things you can do for your band.
A clear conversation about practice, gigs, money, time commitment, and creative direction will save you months of frustration and wasted effort.
Put it in writing. Even a simple email summarizing what everyone agreed to can help tremendously.
Revisit the conversation often. As your band evolves, so should your expectations.
And most importantly: communicate openly and with respect. Bands thrive when members feel heard, valued, and aligned.
Ready to meet musicians who share your commitment and vision? Start building your next band on BandMix.
Need more tips for managing your band? Check out the BandMix blog for more helpful guides.
Set clear expectations — and watch your band thrive.
