Dr. Thomas King

AIMS Audition (also general) Example Sheet

At your AIMS audition be ready to offer the following:

Name, Address, Vox, Fax, Cell, E-mail, web site list of general repertoire (10 to 15 pieces)-  list of repertoire for today-no more than 4 to 5 pieces (perhaps 2 arias, various languages [Mozart], Lieder 1 or 2, 1 lighter song in English [Broadway])-  approximate range low to high,  Education, schools, voice professors, private coaches, etc.  Years of each experience: stage experience, opera companies, concerts with orchestra, recitals, musicals  Goals: short term (to be accomplished at AIMS) and long term (1 to 5 years)  How did you find out about AIMS?    Did any of your friends or colleagues attend AIMS?     List 2 or 3 who might want to attend in the future:

RATING SHEET for an AUDITION

EXAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE AIMS AUDITIONER!!! Read these categories and analyze yourself as an auditioner would. How do you rate yourself? What can you improve before the next audition?

Voice type and approximate age (real and also maturity of sound) amateur, undergraduate, graduate, young professional, professional

Soprano, light lyric, up to C easily; fuller tone, full lyric; upper extension easy

Tenor, robust, Italian, top pinched, but has possibilities; lyric sound, smooth legato

Mezzo, light, flexible; is she a soprano?, easy top; has that mezzo “flair on stage”

Bass, true serious bass, stature, demeanor, low notes, easy 

Tone quality — Mid range weak, breathy, strong, full Upper range brilliant, almost too bright, ringing  Lower range full, warm, luscious

Breath Control — Solid, secure, in charge of long phrases, Often runs out at ends of phrases,  Looks in distress at times,  Tension shows on high notes only

Languages — (Singing in each)  Crisp diction, vowels correct and even and pure,  Any specific errors (umlauts, ch, flipped or rolled r’s, ah too dark, ah usually flat)

Musicianship — Phrasing: Always with style, planned and logical, Square, Too romantic for baroque  Tempo: Lets the music breathe, Too fast, rushed, Any wrong notes?  Cadenzas: stylish, brilliant, innovative, clever  Ornaments: non-existent, stylish for the era of the piece

Stage Presence — Slumps, Chin too high, Leans forward, Smooth gestures, meaningful, tasteful, Moods lacking, all alike, Sways on stage, Very self-assured,  A bit self-conscious, Has “it” on stage, Loves to sing,  “Sells” every piece  Posture  Gestures  Dramatic moods  Movement  Self-assurance  True “performer”

Fluency in languages (for speaking) — 1 to 4 (4 = best)

Financial backing for the program — Self, Parents, Has money raiser ideas,  Church,  Clubs,  Scholarships,  Bank loan,  Financial needs

RATE YOURSELF BEFORE AND AFTER EACH AUDITION. BE HONEST. BE FAIR TO YOURSELF. EVERYONE HAS POSITIVE TRAITS TO OFFER. LIST THOSE FIRST. THEN LIST IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED.  

Good Luck. Good Hunting. Good for you!