Undergraduate Audition Advice
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WHAT TO PERFORM:
• Contact the School of Music for specific information regarding you instrument or voice.
• Choose music that is appropriate. Get advice. Your band director or private teacher will help.
• Perform two selections of a contrasting nature. It may also be two sections of the same piece.
Make sure one selection highlights your musicianship and the other your technique.
• Don’t change your mind about your selections right before the audition!
WHAT TO DO:
• Present a professional image. You only get one chance to make a first impression!
• Plan what you will say, do, and perform.
• Show confidence.
• Dress for the occasion. Men: wear coat and a tie. Women: wear professional outfits (e.g., knee-
length dresses or slacks and a nice blouse or sweater.)
• Be on time. Give yourself plenty of time to find your way around, relax, and warm up.
• Make sure your equipment is working properly and that you have everything you need.
• Always bring extra copies of your music. Make sure they are clean and unfolded.
• Maintain a positive appearance even if the audition does not go well.
WHAT TO SAY:
• Introduce yourself.
• Look people in the eyes.
• Tell the committee what you will perform. Correctly pronounce both the title and the composer.
• Ask questions before you play only if the answer will directly affect your performance; if not, wait
until after you have performed.
• Thank the committee when you are finished.
WHAT NOT TO PERFORM:
• Old band, choir, or orchestra music.
• Warm-up or method exercises.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
• Do not wear shorts, jeans, ball caps, etc.
• Do not make excuses or apologies for anything!
• Do not draw attention to performance problems. (The committee may not notice!)
WHAT NOT TO SAY:
• “I have not warmed up.”
• “I haven’t had a chance to practice.” (Then why are you there?)
• “I didn’t know” or “Nobody told me…” (It is your job to find out.)
• “I just got this instrument.”
• “What should I play?”
• “Do you have an instrument I can use?”
• “I didn’t bring my music.”