The band you are playing with will be highly experienced musicians who are there to support you and your performance.ĭemonstrate your ability to play in the jazz idiom, but also remember to express your own voice at the same time. In general, be prepared (have all your necessary equipment in check, transcription sheets/arrangements, turn up on time!) so that your audition is guaranteed to run smoothly.
They don't need someone who plays everything absolutely right, they need students who are able to learn and develop from their mistakes. If you make a mistake, don't-stop and repeat the piece.
All of us get nervous before and during an audition and all of us make mistakes during this process. Remember that you have worked really hard over the past weeks or months. If they stop you it doesn't mean that you are doing something wrong!Ĭoncentrate but also smile! Don't think about any mistake you make while you are playing. Be positive and try any suggestions they could propose while you are playing. Accept all the advice the panel give you about your playing. Have at least one question ready to ask the panel, even if you know the answer! You want them to see that you’re interested.īe open minded. You want to impress them not only with your playing, but also with your preparation.ĭon't over-rehearse by playing too much with the pianist, save it for when you get into the audition room (this is particularly true for brass players!)ĭo your homework! Make sure you know a little about the college and the city you're applying for because you might be asked about it! Make enough copies of the music you will play and give them to the teachers. Avoid a case with 20 pairs of mallets you are not going to use! If you’re a percussionist, just bring to the audition the sticks you will need. Complete a simple list of things you have to check before playing a piece, such as the right tempo (sing a few bars in your head before you start playing), the character of the piece and the dynamics.ĭress smart but be comfortable. All the hard work has been done throughout the previous weeks/months and so sometimes the best thing to do is just relax your mind.īe ready before you play. The day before the audition, maybe you could do something that takes your mind off it completely, such as going to the cinema or taking a walk.
Remember your audience will be sympathetic! People who play the same instrument as you are the most understanding audience you'll ever have because they know the difficulties involved in playing the instrument. This way, when the adrenaline and nerves kick in, your heart rate shouldn't return to much more than normal and hopefully won't affect your performance too much!ĭon't be intimidated! Everyone who arrives at music college is an individual who may have different strengths and weaknesses ultimately they're looking for your potential. Perhaps breathe very slowly before your audition to artificially lower your heart rate. Try to remember that everyone wants you to do well! Take a few deep breaths before playing an excerpt or a piece.