Audition Day: How to prepare for your audition
It's about that time again for applications and auditions! Although this article will mainly focus on the preparation for college auditions, you will also be able to take some of these tips with you for other types of music-related auditions. Good luck!
Be prepared!
The first and most obvious step is the perpetration for the big day. About 3-6 months before the actual audition, you should be completely comfortable with your repertoire; make sure can play every section of every piece correctly and clearly. Go through and play your entire repertoire list, back to back, a few weeks before your audition; this will ensure that you have the metal stamina and finger dexterity to get through your program. (And you'll feel much less nervous knowing that you can do it!)
Try to have a few performances (or at least play for family and friends) so you get used to others hearing you play; this will help with performance anxiety that you may experience on your big day.
Get enough sleep.
Make sure you can get to bed early the night before your audition. A good night's sleep is essential to a successful performance! Diet is also equally important; try to eat a healthy breakfast the morning of. Fuel your body with good energy! If possible, strive to avoid sugar and caffeine, as this can cause you to get shaky hands later on. (Don't want that!!)
Arriving to the venue with plenty of time
A day or two before the audition, double check where you are going and answer the following: How far are you driving? How long will it take? What time do I have to leave? What is the traffic/parking going to be like? After figuring out these answers, everything else is easy. Get to the venue way ahead of your audition time; this will allow you to get accustomed to the place, calm down, warm your hands, and will keep you calm.
Dress appropriately
Wear suitable performance clothes. Be sure that you can move and play comfortably in them. Remember, first impressions are important! You want to present yourself in the best light; your hair should be neat and your clothing professional. Girls, if you are not completely comfortable in heels, please don't wear them; no one likes to see you stumble your way to the piano and plop down in the seat.
Bring your sheet music
Even if you have all of your repertoire memorized, you should never (NEVER!) come to an audition, lesson, performance or rehearsal without your music scores. It is better to be safe than sorry - you never know when you may need them!
Have your pieces' order memorized
This will eliminate fear of not knowing which is coming next! Some teachers (or whoever is sitting in your audition) will let you pick which section you would like to start with. Take advantage of this beautiful opportunity! Start with the most technically simple one - this will allow you to kind of "warm up" and feel out the piano.
