Auditions

“A performance that demonstrates every virtuoso skill at your command without pay.”

Auditions can be a frightening time for young musicians, especially your first! Like everything else in performance, the more you do the easier it will become. The more information you have regarding the audition the easier it will be. Call the University and ask them what is to be expected at the audition. They will give you a complete schedule on how the audition will be run and what you will be expected to play.
Audition checklist
· Choose material that displays your skills, range and versatility.
· Master your material—your preparation will enhance your confidence.
· Talk to and watch other performers/musicians. Learn from their experiences.
· Don’t be afraid to call the university/company in advance to find out what the audition will be like.
· Consider an audition as a performance—auditions require as much preparation and energy as the real thing.
· Develop techniques to handle audition "nerves"—many performers/musicians use relaxation and warm-up exercises.
· Ignore mistakes—if you make an error, just continue and don’t get flustered.
· Be yourself—people who give auditions want to find out who you are beyond your performance piece.
· Develop resiliency—if you did your best, but didn’t get the position, add the audition to your list of learning experiences.
· Be persistent—go to as many auditions as you can to build your performance skills.

Having gained the musical knowledge and prepared the content for your audition is there anything else I can do? What about the other aspects of human interaction and job hunting?
Are you prepared? Being a fully employed musician is more than just the ability to play well. Your creativity and attention to detail must include communication and people skills.
First impressions do count!
There is no such thing as a second impression and human nature is such that when you walk into the room for your audition an opinion is already being formed. You can’t afford not to project the right message. Projecting a strong image is no longer an option in business and is no longer seen as superficial. Your personal presentation is an integral part of the total package you will provide. Differentiating yourself from your competitors with your presence is the challenge and in a business where there are many musicians at the same virtuoso level as yourself it is essential as you perform for auditions. Ninety percent of all people will form an opinion of you within the first 10 – 40 seconds of meeting you – before you even play a note.
So, how do we ensure that we get the best, favourable hearing that we can?
1. Dress for the occasion.
Do not over-dress (white tie and tails – unless you have just come from a performance with the Berlin Philharmonic or the London Symphony) and do not under-dress (arrive in torn jeans and grubby tee shirt which still has the fish & chips from your lunch on it).
Think customer first. Match their style of dress when you meet with them, when appropriate show respect and look like you fit into their world.
Dress smartly yet comfortable as befitting a professional. Whether you are wearing a more formal business suit or a relaxed casual outfit, maintain an image of professionalism.
Always be neat, tidy and appropriate.
2. Become aware of your nervous gestures and eliminate them
Avoid rapid, jerky movements because you will appear nervous and edgy.
Make sure that your words and actions are saying the same thing.
Practice in front of a mirror on how you hold your instrument when not playing and talking to the audience or people holding an audition.
Do not assume and speedily rush into answers. Think of the question before you make a response. 3. Arrive early for your audition.
Anything could happen on our way to the audition site, traffic hold-up, accident, bad weather causing slow driving etc… Arrive early so that you can become familiar with where you are to go and become comfortable in the surroundings you will be performing. Some people on front of you may not show up and you could find yourself rushed. This is definitely not something you want to happen. If you have an accompanist then ensure that they too are there in good time. Remember that it is you who are auditioning and not the accompanist.

The preparation having all been done what can you do on the day itself?
· Walk straight and confidently onto the stage. Announce yourself clearly and concisely, omitting ‘ummm’ and ‘ahhhh’. Practice how you stand in front of a mirror.
· Strong start and strong finish. The way you begin leaves a strong impression so start strong, do not hesitate when beginning and remember to blow through and lift the last note.
· If you make a mistake do not stop. Do not mutter, sigh or make comments.
· When you have finished stand comfortable and confident. Make eye contact with the judges. This sends a good message and will help boost your own confidence. And that is "As I See it!"

Coming next: NERVES - How to perform with them!

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