If you were able to land a music audition: Congrats! You’re halfway through the battle. Whether it’s an audition for a music college, conservator program, a job, or a gig you really want: a music audition is a big deal! You’ll want to start practicing and preparing to ensure you hear that you got the gig or you were accepted! The word audition might scare you at first, but there’s no need to panic.
Here are five expert tips to help you ace your audition:
1. Start rehearsing early
Once you book your music audition, it’s time to get to work. The first thing you’ll want to do is look at your audition requirements and choose pieces that will suffice these requirements.
Pick the pieces you want to perform at least three months before the audition so you can start practicing. These pieces should expertly show off your qualities and talents. One thing to keep in mind is audition committees often like to hear a range of music. Always choose pieces within your comfort zone, but don’t be afraid to branch out. Especially if you’re starting at least three months in advance.
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2. Perfect your daily routine
If you were able to book an audition, music is something that you’re most likely passionate about. It’s a big part of your life, and you’re ready to take it to the next step. To ensure you put your best foot forward on the day of your audition, you’ll want to create a daily routine that helps you hone in on your talents and make time for the things you’re most passionate about.
A daily routine is something you do every day that feeds your passion. Maybe, you like to practice after you get off work or finish school. If you’re an early riser, you can start practicing after you have your cup of coffee. However, your routine isn’t just about practice. It’s about setting your intentions, calming your soul, and finding inner peace from within. It’s about enjoying the simple pleasures and allowing yourself to relax into a routine that works for you. You’ll get better at the things you love to do, once you find a way to make them part of your everyday routine.
Before the audition, you’ll want to have a routine to help you relax. Take a bubble bath, drink some tea, and set out everything you need for the morning. When you wake up, have a great breakfast and give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed on the day of the audition.
3. Come prepared and ready to perform
The best thing you can do for yourself before an audition is to prepare, rehearse, and get ready. When you come prepared, you come with confidence. You’ll be setting yourself up for success the minute you walk through the door.
Make sure you’re getting in enough practice before the big day! Consider scheduling a recital for your friends, family, or local retirement home. Go over sections of your piece you’re struggling with, and practice in front of friends. The more you perform, the more prepared you’ll feel. It’s okay to feel fearful or nervous. Allow those emotions to turn into passion, so you can put your heart out on the stage and show everyone what you’re made of.
4. Always remember: Anything can happen
When you walk into the audition, whatever happens, was meant to happen. Don’t be too rough on yourself if it doesn’t go the way you thought. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be ready to perform. Don’t be surprised if the committee asks you to start with a different piece than the one you originally intended. Someone on the committee may interrupt you during your song or ask you a question you weren’t ready for. These are all things you can’t predict, but you can have a good attitude about them. Just be ready for the unexpected and try your best when it arrives.
5. Accepting rejection
Rejection happens more often than you’ll want it to. Acceptance isn’t always promised, no matter how great you do. Learning to deal with rejection is an invaluable skill that can help you get back up again and get ready for the next audition. Always have a positive mindset. Your time will come soon.
Music auditions are an exciting venture that everyone in the music industry goes through at least once. After you audition, you’ll need to wait to hear back for the results. Don’t be afraid to continue to look for new opportunities, gigs, or jobs during the wait. This way, you can continue to grow your auditioning skills, learn more about yourself as a musician, and grow as an individual.