Tips for playing in an audition

[UDELBR]

-know *every corner* of the music asked. Know what the 2nd violins are playing before your entry, what dynamic the 3rd horn has, etc. Be able to hear the 30 seconds of orchestra in your head before each excerpt's entry (assuming it's an orchestral audition...).

-play in front of people before the big day. Make it as much like the 'audition' as you can. You're practicing for your nerves, too. Ask their opinions / suggestions.

-the last several weeks before your audition: after your daily practice, record your 'audition' from top to bottom, without stopping. Listen to it later in the day (after your ears have had a chance to 'cool off'). Don't forget to make notes!

-there's something to be said for 'automatizing' performances: having things so 'hard wired' as to be infallible. If the worst happens, your automatic programming takes over and helps you through.

-sit quietly for 5 minutes each day, and picture yourself walking out on stage and playing exactly the way you'd like to sound. It's called 'positive visualization', and is a powerful thing.


Uncle "currently preparing for a concerto with his orchestra in 2 weeks" Beer

[windshieldbug]

Don't get flustered if all does not go well, or go as planned.

If it does, it is your chance to show the committee that you can recover gracefully, or react well to unanticipated situations. That WILL score points.

[Leland]

Don't care about the audition.

Well, that's what works for me -- if I care too much, I start to worry, and it becomes extremely difficult for me to think positively. If I don't give a rat's butt, I'll knock their socks off.

Audition, shmaudition -- I've got a movie to see later.

[ufoneum]

You can prescribe to any method that works for you, but I highly recommend that you purchase and read this book. It should be on any professional musicians shelf.

The Audition Process: Anxiety Management and Coping Strategies by Stuart Dunkel

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... s&n=507846

It deals with everything from anxiety to prepardness to proper diet and exercise. Also, gives you a fresh outlook on many misconceptions about your body and the way you react "under pressure." - and how you can control these.

- Pat Stuckemeyer

[Arkietuba]

I like to sike myself up during the weeks prior to the audition. I also practice to the point to where I cannot make a mistake...but that's a given (if you don't know the music, you won't do well). I like to make myself believe that I'm the best and that no one can touch me. When I go in that audition room I know I'll do well b/c "I am the best". I just don't let anyone around me know that's what I'm thinking b/c I don't wanna sound arrogant.

[TubaRay]

I like to sike myself up during the weeks prior to the audition. I also practice to the point to where I cannot make a mistake...but that's a given (if you don't know the music, you won't do well). I like to make myself believe that I'm the best and that no one can touch me. When I go in that audition room I know I'll do well b/c "I am the best". I just don't let anyone around me know that's what I'm thinking b/c I don't wanna sound arrogant.

Don't worry! None of us will tell anyone that you think you are the best. For me, if I were doing auditions, I wouldn't want to try to sike myself into anything. This might be dangerous. I'm not sure. A possible strategy might be to try to psyche myself up. If done correctly, it might work.

Just joking around....

[Tubadork]

Check this out:
http://www.uwec.edu/Mus-The/Faculty/Syl ... Report.htm

Cool,
I need to read it but it sounds like it will be good,
Bill

[hurricane_harry]

remember not to suck, thats what they told me!










Harry "hoping he won't suck tomarow at regionals" Phillips

[Charlie Goodman]

Great jorb out there.