Entrance to a band

[kaligleean]

I'm mainly a classical pianist but have been wanting to join or start a pop or jazz group.  I mainly play from from sheet music.  I heard some things you have to know are playing from lead sheets/ chord charts but what do I need to know to be in the pop or jazz category?

[jimbo320]

What do you need to know in the classical category?

[Bob]

Scales.  Chords -- traids, sevenths, extended are nice too.

Ability to keep a steady beat with a group.

Ability to improvise a little, and stay with a group.

Ability to prep music or make something up from a leadsheet.

Ability to hear a line and know what the pitches are and what harmonies go (or could go) with it.

Ability to transpose in case a vocalist wants to change the key on the spot.

[jimbo320]

Why not just do your own thing like Rick Wakeman or John Evans?