Dr. Thomas King

Audition Techniques

Lecture On Audition Techniques

Repertoire– Choose pieces which you can perform very well now.  List them on paper in the order that you want to perform them.  Don’t try to impress with difficult things and then not do as well.

Dress for Success!– Women: Nice Dress, tailored, nylons, heels, scarf? -Men: Coat and Tie, dress slacks pressed

Personality-Take Charge!– Greet all of the auditioners, if possible.  Shake hands, be personable.  Find out about them ahead of time.  Who, how many, what are their backgrounds in music?  Were they ever performers?  What are their titles in this organization? What kind of power do they have? Do any of them represent other organizations as well?  Something for which you could audition in the future- a second gig?  Another contact?

Knowns/Unknowns– The theory is 95% of all facts can be known if you take the trouble to find out. (Auditioners, location, room, acoustics, accompanist, how many pieces to offer, types of pieces, how many others will be auditioning, how soon you will find out the results, etc.). You must be ready for about 5% unknowns, things which you cannot prepare, things that change at the last minute.  Don’t worry about things you cannot change.

Resume– Give pertinent facts about yourself.  Have several copies.  Use better paper.  Include: name, address, phone, fax, e-mail, etc. Education, experience, repertoire performed, future concerts, etc.  References in music, references in general with phone and e-mails provided.  Singer, have a photo with the name on back or printed on front.  Keep resume to one page.

Body Language– Enter with confidence.  Approach people.  Don’t wait to be introduced.  Show that you are prepared. Perform right at them.  Announce your pieces strongly and give good cues to the accompanist.  Lead them and show that you are leading them.  Thank your accompanist.  They will remember that!!!  Music notebook should be well-planned: Easy page turns, xeroxed on two sides, tempo in numbers, rubati, ritards, well-marked, cadenzas written out, NO extra marks, tabs on sides of music to find easily, NAME on your notebook for easy recognition, NO glossy pages, No staples

Things to Take With You– Music, resume, list of pieces, photos, calendar, pen, water, apple, pitch pipe, etc.  No bulky stuff as you walk on stage- Elegant, Confident   —Practice your auditions often before you really have one!!—