Audition Day

Auditions can be one of the most stressful performing situations that musicians experience.

I know for me there always seemed that there was so much at stake, that the outcome could make or break a career. They can be devastating…all that work and possibly over in a few minutes.

But, as a player who has been in numerous auditions, many successful and many not, I know that audition skills can be learnt.

Also being a regular audition panel member has given me valuable insights into the process.

So, whether you are a player who has had trouble getting through the first round of professional auditions, been one who has just missed out on getting that elusive trial or a younger player wanting audition experience now is the time to hone your audition skills.

Here are my top 10 audition tips:

• Keep the audition in perspective. Life will go on whatever happens but also commit! Clear as much time as possible before the audition to practise.

• Put a focus on self-care (physical, emotional and mental) in the weeks leading up to the audition to keep your stress levels at a manageable level. Monitor negative self-talk and keep it in check.

• Preparation is the key! Record yourself often and listen back for the basics, perhaps one at a time.

• What are the panel listening for? Rhythm, notes (technique), sound and colours, dynamics, intonation, range of dynamics, use of vibrato, hearing what markings are on the page (remember players from all sections of the orchestra will be on the panel), articulation, phrasing, obvious knowledge of the excerpt, character and convincing musicality.

• Make sure you are using practice techniques which give you the confidence to nail each excerpt “first time”. Know how to recover mentally if you make a mistake.

• Listen to multiple recordings and be familiar with the whole work.

• Identify what aspect of playing each excerpt is testing and include in your warmup each day. What playing strengths can you showcase in each excerpt?

• Have a plan for practising all the excerpts.

• Develop a pre-performance routine so you can make the shift from the practice room to performing, stay centered, keep your inner critic at bay and “go for it”.

• If performance anxiety is an issue for you, seek help.

• Do multiple mock auditions under different challenging conditions. Be organized and book in friends, colleagues, teachers, family etc way ahead of time. Don’t wait until the excerpts are “perfect”. Record mocks so you can learn what is working for you under pressure and what isn’t.

• Use visualization and mental rehearsal – often left out of preparation but essential.

Good luck, be kind to yourself whatever happens, enjoy and learn from the process!