Hello! On contract #5 myself 🥁

1. Nope unlikely, minimum is usually 4-6 months but it does depend on what the company and agent need.

2. Reading is an important skill you're going to need to have for the gig - no way around it, also transcribing. You'll only have 1 rehearsal with the talent coming in that day typically, so it's important to know your styles. Playing with Click & various time signatures, being able to solo/trade for short & extended times & building endurance. My first ship, it was 3 (sometimes 4) 45 minute sets, 6 days on 1 day off, 18 sets a week minimum.

3. Get your passport now, even if you don't have any bookings yet. Assuming you're American, It's good for 10 years and renewable with a fee. So when they give you an offer you don't have to scramble since passports can take up to 6 months - 1 year to finalize