First
Impressions:
Audition Tips
(Head of Brass and Percussion,
Royal Welsh College of Music Drama)
Travel Well
Avoid travelling on the day of the
audition. A night in cheap hotel or B&B is a good investment and easily
outweighs the embarrassment and cost of a missed audition due to transport
problems. Be careful to pack copies of your music to give to the panel and to
read all audition requirements with great care, packing a copy for last-minute
reference during your journey. Aim to arrive at least one hour before your
allocated time in order to acclimatise and feel relaxed. Avoid excessive
caffeine and sugar in the days leading up to the audition and take plenty of
long walks or light exercise before the big day.
Dress well
Make sure that you dress in a
way which reflects your professionalism and dedication. Wear smart clothes that
you have worn before (new clothes or shoes can often feel uncomfortable and
make you a little uncertain). Suits and ties for men always look good and long
smart casual for ladies works well too. Low or medium heels are also
recommended, as it is common to see high heels undermine efficient posture and
breathing strategies on the day of a performance or audition.
Perform well
Remember that the panel wants to discover
what you know, rather than what you don’t know. They will ask you questions
which are always intended to relax you and to discover what you are like as a
person and as a musician. Try to be open, to smile and to take time to answer
questions thoughtfully. Prepare your own questions too, as the panel want to
see your enthusiasm and to gain an understanding of your aims and long-term
goals.
Audition requirements vary greatly between colleges, with some asking
for “set works” and others offering a “free choice” of repertoire. Choose from
the “set works”, selecting pieces that you are comfortable with. It is
important to offer two pieces which contrast in style and that are of at least
Grade 8 standard. You do not necessarily need to choose pieces which are
technically demanding. It is best to select repertoire which you can play
comfortably and which shows off your musicality.
Remember that the 10-15
minutes of your audition potentially represents the first stage of your College
course, therefore the panel generally views the audition as part of the
“learning process” and as an opportunity to provide you with constructive
feedback and advice. We are looking for “learning people” who respond to advice
and constructive criticism, as opposed to a “perfect” performance on the day.
The 'S' words
Scales are the “alphabet” of music. They
build brain patterns and physical reflexes that enable us to respond
instinctively to the written suggestions of composers. Not all colleges ask for
scales in auditions, but a working knowledge of the Grade 8 scale requirements
will do you no harm. The confidence that scale preparation gives you will also
help to develop a better ability to deal with the other “S” word:
sight-reading. When looking at sight-reading, take your time and pay attention
to details of tempo (candidates usually play too fast when under pressure) and
musical moods. Details of articulation and note-lengths are commonly
overlooked, along with dynamics. Try not to focus solely upon “the notes”, but
always aim to convey the emotion and moods of the music. My peripatetic teacher
at school always said “You are allowed to make mistakes, but you are not
allowed to be boring!”
(Grant Jameson, winner of the BBC Young Brass Award 2015)
Although brief, I sincerely hope that this advice will help you to
feel more relaxed
on the big day. Remember - we want you to do well and we are
here to help,
rather than to judge you.
If
you are organised and work hard, you can achieve anything.
Good
luck!
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