Acing your audition Thoughts for success

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Acing your auditionThoughts for success
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Gather information

• Find sources of information
• Ask questions get answers be persistent
• Know the dates
• Avoid surprises
• Know why you are auditioning
• Keep this in mind

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Choose your repertoire

• Know all requirements for each school
• Usually two to three contrasting pieces
• Showcase your own skills
• Ask for advice, recommendations and help
• Learn scales, arpeggios and other technical
  exercises

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Preparation is key

• Most important thing
• Start now
• Don't burn out on pieces
• Learn slowly and correctly
• Practice all the kinds of material you need to
  perform, including sight reading/singing

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Private lessons

• Nearly essential
• Constant feedback
• Positive pressure to succeed
• Guidance on many levels
• Source of information, encouragement and strength
• It makes the difference

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Your pianist/accompanist

• You must have one
• They should be
• Easy to work with
• Available to rehearse
• Better than you
• Experienced performers
• Practice often
• Rely on your accompanist

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Practice performing

• Play your audition music for anyone who will
  listen
• Play for people who make you nervous
• Play for people who know and those who don't
• Positive visualization

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Before the audition

• If more than one hour drive, go the night before
• Get lots of sleep two nights before
• Bring copies of your music just in case
• Don't drink alcohol or sugary beverages or eat
  sugary foods the day before
• Drink lots of water
• Get directions that you understand ahead of time

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The audition day

• Time early but not too early
• Use your time
• Find your space
• Meet people and ask questions
• Eat foods that sustain and relax
• Drink lots of water

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The audition

• Look confident - Smile
• Take your time Breathe
• Stay in the moment
• Tune, if appropriate
• Play or sing when you are ready
• Pause between pieces
• Recovery counts almost as much as preparation
• Be prepared for comments and questions

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You made it!

• Relax and wait
• Usually not long
• Learn from each experience