School’s out — but not for much longer! It’s that time of year when college students begin gearing up to return to campus. With the chaos of “dorm stuff” strewn across the house, internships and part-time jobs ending, and hot summer days dwindling, you probably haven’t been too diligent about practicing your instrument. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’ve been in the same boat myself. Every. Single. Year.
Luckily, playing an instrument is a lot like riding a bike; you might slip out of shape, but you’ll never forget how to play. Set aside some daily practice time over the next few weeks and make some noise using these handy tips for nailing a college music audition!
- Study the Audition Requirements
- Practice the Required Repertoire
- Know Your Scales
- Prepare Supplemental Materials
- Ask for Feedback (& Assistance!)
- Audition Day
Study the Audition Requirements
Preparation is key when auditioning for your college’s wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, or marching band. Whether you’re a music major vying for the coveted first-chair seating placement or a nonmajor looking to secure a seat for yourself, there’s no audition you can be too prepared for.
To prep effectively, you must know the ensemble’s requirements and expectations. These can vary depending on your school, but here are some universally applicable things to consider as you research:
- Are you eligible to participate in the ensemble?
- When does the ensemble meet, and does it fit into your schedule?
- When and where do the auditions take place?
If you can’t locate the answers to these questions or are having trouble getting your hands on the materials, then don’t hesitate to contact the director, program coordinator, or other point of contact. It never hurts to ask!
Practice the Required Repertoire
When you only have a few lines of music to prove yourself with, there’s no such thing as “doing too much” as long as you’re mindful of how the excerpt fits into the piece. As you learn the material, be sure that you’re demonstrating an understanding of the piece’s larger theme. Are you considering the piece’s historical context, including the composer’s voice? Does your playing style reflect your intended role in the ensemble at the point of the excerpt? Are you playing each dynamic marking as written? You’re headed for success as long as your performance highlights your attention to detail and ensemble awareness!
Know Your Scales
We know you’ve heard it a billion times before, but you must know your scales! Knowing at least one octave of each major scale makes for a solid skill set, but it’s even better to play two octaves. Ideally, you should be able to play any three major scales asked of you, but your school will tell you beforehand whether you get to choose which scales you play.
However, it’s still essential that you know your scales regardless of the school’s audition requirements. Many ensembles at the college level use scale-based exercises for warm-ups, and sometimes, they’ll ask different sections of the ensemble to play specific scale degrees. Prevent stress down the line and familiarize yourself with those tricky scales now!
Prepare Supplemental Materials
Some music programs will ask that you perform an excerpt of your choice on the day of your audition. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique skills as a musician, so choose a piece you feel confident performing! If it’s been a while since you’ve played your selection, then take some time to refine it. Try listening to a handful of high-quality recordings, paying close attention to each performer’s playing style. Every player is bound to interpret the same piece differently, but you’ll find similarities between each recording, from dynamics to articulation. Write notes in your music as you listen, and then try to incorporate those stylistic elements yourself, ensuring you’re displaying your personality and musical range while still playing what’s written.
Ask for Feedback (& Assistance!)
We recommend scheduling a lesson call with a trusted instructor. It can be a virtual or in-person session with someone like a past teacher or a current private instructor, so long as you trust them to be honest. It’s incredibly beneficial to play for another musician who can call out any errors or areas needing improvement before you’re in front of judges!
Audition Day
You’ll probably feel nervous on the day of your audition, but that’s okay! If you can help it, it’s best not to obsess over things out of your control. Being well-prepared is the best way to prevent bouts of anxiety. Of course, there’s always a chance that things don’t work in your favor; perhaps you don’t get the seating placement you want, or maybe you don’t get a spot in the ensemble due to lack of space. Just remember that the time and effort you spent readying yourself for the audition was not wasted, and you’re a better musician because of it. Plus, you gained audition experience, meaning future auditions will feel less nerve-racking. Try to think of the experience as a practice run rather than a fruitless effort — you never know what the future holds!
Break a Leg!
Students, we hope we’ve equipped you with the advice and resources needed to nail your upcoming auditions. If you have a concern we didn’t address here, then please call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. They’re happy to help you find the right gear to suit your needs.