How to Get Better at Auditioning When You Can’t Audition
If you want to take an orchestra audition, you need a strong enough resume to get past the screening round. But to earn a great resume, you need to take and win auditions.
To a lot of young musicians, this seems like a catch-22: ”How am I supposed to get better at auditions if I'm never invited?”
If you feel like you're stuck in a cycle of submitting resumes, only to never get invited to auditions, you are not alone.
The good news is that there are ways to improve your audition skills and increase your chances of success even if your resume doesn’t make the cut.
First, keep seeking out experiences that will improve your skills AND look good on a resume. In addition to listing any music degrees and your teachers, here are some things that look good on a resume:
Participation in important master classes
Leadership positions in community orchestras
Competitions
Festivals
Making it onto sub lists for local orchestras and training orchestras such as the New World Symphony, or Chicago Civic
All of these things can show a resume screening committee that you’re a serious candidate.
Mock Auditions
Meanwhile, it’s never too early to get better at the skill of auditioning. One of the best ways to do this is to gather a group of friends and hold mock auditions for each other. Not only will this help you practice under pressure, but the feedback will probably be helpful. Just be sure to keep it friendly, and don't let the competition get too fierce!
Seek a Coach
Another solution is to seek out audition feedback from experienced musicians and teachers. Orchestra auditions are really different from other musical goals. Ideally, you’ll work with several audition experts in your life, at least one of whom should play your instrument. Finding an audition expert can put you years ahead of where you would have been without their help.
Join a Program
There are several group programs out there that provide an immersive, comprehensive look at the auditioning process. My own Audition Accelerator program is one of these, but it’s not the only one. These types of programs can put you in touch with experts and like-minded colleagues, all working towards the same goals. My program includes regular mock auditions, expert feedback, and (my favorite part) an Audition Simulator experience that lets you “test drive” what it feels like to take a real audition.
If all of this seems like a lot of work, you’re right–it is. But getting invited to and improving your auditions is a marathon, not a sprint.
Keep practicing, stay positive, and remember to enjoy the music-making process, even through the resume round. After all, isn't that why we became musicians in the first place?
Happy practicing,
Chris @ Honesty Pill
P.S. If you're looking to take your audition game to the next level, check out my 16-week Audition Accelerator course.
Whether you're an aspiring professional or a seasoned musician, this program is designed to help you maintain a constant evolution of musical preparedness. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and walk into your next audition or performance with confidence.
Click HERE to learn more and start your journey towards audition success.
