Top 10 Audition Tips!

It can be easy to forget the obvious things when preparing for an audition! Here we share some of our top tips for a successful audition!

1. Listen to recordings!

When preparing any piece, a good place to start is by listening to a recording. I would suggest listening to several different recordings to get a broader understanding.

2. Look at the score!

It’s always a good idea to have a look at the full score or piano part when learning repertoire. It will give you an idea of context and might influence how you approach a particular section.

3. Take it to a teacher!

A second pair of ears can always pick up something new, especially if they are more experienced than yourself.

4. Repertoire choice!

If you have the opportunity to pick your own pieces, make sure you pick pieces you love playing. It sounds silly but if you enjoy what you’re playing you’ll radiate happiness and please the panel.

5. Performance practice!

Before an audition it is helpful to do a dummy run beforehand. This will give you an idea of stamina, concentration and performance anxiety. Perhaps try making it even harder too by running up a flight of stairs to simulate how nervous you could feel.

6. Be comfortable!

Everyone likes to look nice for an audition but it’s even more important that you are comfortable whilst performing. Auditions need to feel as normal as possible and comfy clothes make you feel like you.

7. Calm Breathing!

It is normal to get a little apprehensive before an audition- don’t worry that means you care! Try doing some simple breathing exercises, this will help you to focus and will bring you heartrate down.

8. Gloves!

No one likes performing with cold hands, for most people it slows them down. So always keep a pair of gloves with you, at the very least it’s one less thing to worry about on the day.

9. Bananas!

Keep your body properly fuelled in the run up to any kind of performance. If you are properly nourished your mind will focus more effectively. We recommend plenty bananas- they give you lots of energy and vitamins.

10. Believe in yourself!

You’ve put all the hard work in and done the practice so be confident in yourself. At the end of the day the panel always want to hear you play well and they wouldn’t be there if they didn’t enjoy it. Go in there and give it all you’ve got with the reassurance that you’ve given it you all!