Auditions are a regular part of most musicians’ lives. Natural talent is important, but so too is how well you audition, whether you are a student trying out for a school show, a professional looking for your next gig, or want a recording opportunity. There’s always room for improvement at the next audition, and it takes planning, focus, and strategy to do so. No matter what instrument you play, or if you’re a singer. For any skill level, the tips below can help you ace the next audition.
1. Choose the Audition Piece Wisely
Your music choice matters. Make sure you pick an audition piece that showcases your skills well. Select a song that matches your abilities, not just one that looks great on paper.
If you are a singer, for example, select a piece that is within your vocal range. That is, opposed to one that pushes you to strain for high notes that you cannot consistently reach, as your voice might break on the big day.
For pianists, select a fairly challenging piece that demonstrates clean technique, timing, and control, while guitarists would do well to select a piece that shows what you’re best at, such as rhythm accuracy and fingerstyle.
2. Practice Under Pressure
When you look back on the last audition, it might not have gone as well as you hoped because of the pressure you felt. It’s not because of a lack of talent. Stress can affect how you play or sing.
Your hands might tense up on the instrument, or your voice could quaver mid-vocal, affecting the performance. You could lose focus, too.
Meanwhile, you may have felt you gave a great performance in practice. So, how can you extend that confidence to improve your next audition? The key is playing for a teacher, friend, or family member, helping you prepare to be in front of a panel of people soon. Try playing or singing in different rooms, too, as auditions rarely happen in the same place you practice.
3. Invest in Lessons
Private music lessons are a great way to improve your audition performance. Choose an experienced instructor who understands auditions and can catch habits you might have missed, helping you correct them.
Private lessons are valuable for guidance, constructive feedback, and a structured approach to mastering the audition material. With Nashville piano lessons, you don’t even have to leave home for the one-on-one guidance. Lessons are tailored to your skill level, goals, and the audition piece. With support like this, you’ll be more confident and ready for the next audition.
But this tip isn’t only for pianists. Vocalists, guitarists, and string players all can benefit from private instruction. Lessons help you perform better under pressure, especially with the insights of a professional teacher.
Conclusion
Every audition helps you become a better musician. By preparing well, choosing the right material, and taking lessons, you have a better chance of performing at your highest level. Improvement takes time, patience, and effort, but it’s well worth it when you go after the opportunities you want.
Featured image: Photo by Miguel Cuenca: https://www.pexels.com/photo/classical-piano-in-room-19541583/