Having a successful audition is about more than just luck. Schools are interested in knowing more about you and what you have to offer them. And they want to find out whether they think you’ll benefit from what they have to offer you.
Here are a few tips to make your audition more successful:
1. Think of your audition like a job interview. You have something schools think they may want, and they’ve got something you think you may want. The audition is really a time for both sides to get a better sense of what’s available and whether each side really wants to spend the next four years together.
2. Show interest and enthusiasm. And do your best to avoid sounding desperate for admission by trusting that you will land on your feet whether or not a specific school makes you an offer –– and whether or not you accept that offer. This is an important mindset to go into auditions with.
3. Show respect:
- By being on time.
- In the way you address the people you meet. Faculty should be addressed as “Professor _______. NEVER by their first names.
- In how you interact with staff and any accompanist provided by the school. Anyone you meet may be someone you’ll need to work with over the course of the next four years. They may even be asked for input about their interactions with you.
- By thanking your audition team as well as any staff who’ve gone out of their way for you. Do this at the end of your audition – as well as with a follow up email.
4. To show up as a serious candidate, be prepared:
- With the correct repertoire for the school for which you’re auditioning. This should be a no-brainer but you wouldn’t believe how many students show up at an audition prepared for a different school than the one they’re at.
- By reviewing the school’s website carefully. Don’t waste your audition team’s time by asking questions that are already answered on their website.
5. Be yourself. Schools know that students coming for auditions are often nervous. You may even want to acknowledge that right off the bat to get it out of the way. They really want to see if they think you’ll be a good fit at their school and the best way for them to find out is for you to show them who you really are.
6. Next year this time, you’ll likely be at one of the schools you audition for. When audition season feels nerve-wracking or endless, remember this.
Photo Credits: MajoringInMusic.com
Don’t Forget….
“Before your actual audition, perform your audition rep for as many people as you can convince to listen! Also, do it at different times of the day/night. The more times through in front of an audience the easier it will be when you have to do it for real”.
Stephen Campbell, Director of Admission, University of Denver Lamont School of Music
“Review the audition requirements very carefully. If you do not follow instructions for your audition, we can only assume that you will not follow instructions for the next four years of college.”
Patrick Zylka, Assistant Dean for Admission, Financial Aid and Graduate Services, Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
“Be prepared to play anything from your program, but don’t expect to play everything in its entirety. You may be asked to play sections of a piece, perhaps the exposition, and then skip to the coda. You might also give some thought to the order of presentation, in case the person running the audition asks you to choose.”
Michael Manderen, Director of Conservatory Admissions, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
“Don’t attempt pieces that are beyond you. It is better to play something simple very well rather than a difficult piece poorly. Remember dynamics and phrasing are equally as important as physical technique and speak more about your musicianship than you may think.”
Michael Kozubek, Director of Guitar Studies, Azusa Pacific University School of Music
“Contact the faculty beforehand so they can put a name with a face at audition time.”
Sam Bernstein, former Admission Coordinator, University of Denver Lamont School of Music
“Have two questions prepared about the school to which you are applying. Most young musicians are so focused on their performance that they don’t remember to show any personality that would differentiate them among other applicants. If the school gives you the chance to ask questions, you should have some prepared!”
Ryan O’Mealey, Vice-President of Enrollment, Cornish College of the Arts
Photo Credits: (top & left) Robert King Photo for CU Denver
“Start visualizing your performance going perfectly a few nights before. Also, avoid changing your plans at the last minute. If you’ve been planning on playing a concerto for your audition, don’t change to a brand new concerto the week before.”
Brittany Seits, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, USC Thornton School of Music
“Know the dress code. Looking nice never hurts. It shows you’re taking things seriously. Girls: avoid low necklines, too short hemlines, etc. that might make you or the audition judges uncomfortable or distracted. Boys: nice pants and shirt always work.”
Maren Bishop, Coordinator, Growth & Purpose for Students, Belmont University
“When you enter the audition room, smile! Shake hands, say hello, make eye contact, and let your personality show.”
Patrick Zylka, Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Services, Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
“On the audition day, keep in mind that you are not just auditioning for the music school, the music school is also auditioning for you. With this in mind, look to take advantage of opportunities to better learn about the school (and the overall university if the music school is a part of one) and what it has to offer.”
Corrie Anne Riberdy, former Conservatory Admission Coordinator, Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory
“Take your time! Adrenaline can alter our perception of time passing while in an audition, making it feel like we should hurry. Take the time you need to get situated, music organized, instrument in place — and BREATHE.”
Brian Calhoun, Director of Recruitment, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee
(If you bring your own accompanist) Have the accompanist shorten introductions, interludes, and endings. We are there to hear as much of the auditioning student as possible, not the accompanist.”
Michael Manderen, Director of Conservatory Admissions, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
“Remember it’s not life and death. An unsuccessful audition isn’t a rejection of you as a person or a musician, sometimes it’s just that the panel feels the programme isn’t right for you and your skills would be better honed on a different type of music programme.”
Katie Douglas, International Officer, The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
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