I. Set realistic goals
Look at the event and then honestly examine where you are in relation to your competitors. Every audition/competition is a chance to learn and grow as a musician. Beyond that you must determine what your goal is. My goal is to play well enough so that I won’t cry afterwards. I feel that if I play up to my own standards then I have accomplished my goals. You never know what a jury/audition panel is looking for and you will never be able to please everyone. Play the way you feel is best!
II. Create a timeline- months, weeks and days before the event
Some questions to consider before you jump in are: What are the requirements? How long will it take you to adequately prepare? Do you need to buy music, scores or recordings? Do you need to rehearse with an accompanist? Do you need to arrange travel and/or hotel accommodations?
Develop a timeline that you can stick to. It is sometimes helpful to keep a journal of goals made and achieved. In my experience I have found that I tend to wait until the last minute to arrange my travel and hotel. Learn from my costly mistakes! Get your airfare well in advance (i.e. when it’s cheaper!) and book a hotel!
III. Lessons with qualified professional(s)
If you are studying with a teacher make sure you communicate with them. If you are preparing on your own consider arranging a lesson with a professional. It is good to get multiple opinions so arrange a lesson or a few lessons with several people. I like to record lessons so that I can go back and listen to myself and hear comments again.
IV. Personal preparation
A. Practice daily with a tuner and metronome
B. Listen to recordings (if available)
C. Thoroughly learn score(s)
D. Record yourself
E. Ask family, friends to listen to you
For auditions ask other instrumentalists to listen to you. Flute auditions
include other woodwind (and maybe string!) instruments on the panel!
F. Practice visualization
Choose (and consider practicing in) clothes appropriate for the event
Learn to use relaxation techniques- breathing, stretching, yoga, et cetera
V. The day of
Be prepared for anything. As the old saying goes: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! Some things to remember:
A. Get plenty of rest the night before (but don’t experiment with sleeping pills unless you know how you will feel the next day!)
B. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are flying or going to a different elevation/climate
C. Don’t forget to eat (keeping a snack on hand is a good idea)
D. Dress in layers
E. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
F. Find out the rules of warming up before you start playing
G. If at an audition, get the list of excerpts when it becomes available
H. Don’t assume that you will be allowed to record yourself
During your performance (and yes, even an audition is a performance!) try to stay calm and remember to take your time! An audition panel won’t mind if you start an excerpt over, or you may ask the proctor if you can play it again. Remember though- only do this if you know that you will do it better the second time!
Some auditions and most competitions offer comments to performers. You may ask the coordinator/personnel manager if comments will be made available. If not, don’t press the issue. Orchestra panels are not required to offer comments and many times don’t write any down in the first round.
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