Practice to Setlist
Dial your rehearsal from casual jams to intentional run-throughs: time your songs, shape transitions, balance energy, and lock band dynamics so your set lands tight... and confidently.
'Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost'
You already know practice got you here - that’s true for your bandmates, too. But building a live show is different from shedding at home. It’s about timing songs, shaping a set that breathes (high-energy vs ballads), and ending on a finale that leaves the room wanting more.
“Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.”
Rehearsing together is essential. Know the parts, then know how they fit. Use rehearsal to learn each other’s tendencies, tighten dynamics, and spot mismatches before you hit a stage or studio. Often a new song just clicks—and sometimes it doesn’t. You only discover which by showing up, consistently.
“Stop getting distracted by things that have nothing to do with your goals.”
Practice isn’t only the fun tunes. Run the ones you struggle with so the weak links don’t surface under lights. Quick story: my duo learned a Melissa Etheridge cover separately, came in ready, and it clicked on the first run-through—two more passes to confirm, then straight into the set the next night. That happens when prep is intentional.
Plan for Success (Quick Exercises)
Make time, don’t ‘find’ it. If music is your future, schedule it like it is.
Lock a cadence: same day/time each week for full-band rehearsal (or solo run-throughs if you’re a solo act).
Have a plan: write a mini agenda (new song, weak tune, full run). If you’re paying for a room, don’t pay to hang out.
Time your set: track song lengths; map natural transitions and energy arcs.
Rotate the catalog: revisit rarely played songs so they stay gig-ready.
Check dynamics & roles: call out who leads cues, who covers backing parts, how endings land.
Reality check: if getting people together is already hard, address commitment now, before gigs, rehearsals, and travel stack up.
Rehearsal to ready: time your songs, map the transitions, and lock one full run-through this week.
Want a one-page Rehearsal Worksheet? Say the word and I’ll share the template.
This series, the content and any observations or suggestions made are based on my personal experience, anonymised to protect privacy. Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice - please seek professional guidance for your own situation