Tips for Audition or Competition Preparation

by Jamey Mann

As a student progresses, they will inevitably want to try competitions and eventually college auditions. With this comes added responsibility that goes beyond just practicing for their weekly lesson or student recital.

It is important for teachers to guide students through their first experiences with these processes. However, I try to make it clear that this will become their primary responsibility since it is part of being a self-sufficient musician. The student needs to be taught to be aware of their schedule, timeline, and requirements to participate in these activities. Teachers are responsible for supporting and teaching but ultimately the student is in control of their schedule and preparation.

How to prepare for an audition or a competition?

The following is a list of tips to help students prepare for future auditions and competitions.

Consistent practice

Before committing to competition/audition it is important to make sure that you have time to practice consistently. It is easy to overextend yourself and find yourself rushing to get practice. This can often lead to a poor experience due to the added stress of having to cram the work in.

Don’t Burnout

Be aware of your timeline and make sure you have time to learn the necessary music comfortably. You might be working on the music selection for a long time. It takes time to learn the music then once you have learned it must be maintained by consistent practice. Working on this music for extended periods of time can lead to burnout. Being aware of your timeline means you can have time to work on new music and styles to keep your practice routine fresh and productive while preparing.

Organize

Make sure music is organized with page turns planned out and all necessary copies for judges and teachers. Being organized will also aid in overall stage presence, which is considered in auditions and competitions.

Perform

The audition/competition should not be the first time you are performing your music selection. Even before the music is fully learned, you should take every opportunity to perform for an audience. Your teacher is a good start; however, family, friends, or strangers is even better. Try to get out of your comfort zone as soon as possible so that you can inoculate yourself to the stress you will feel when it truly matters.

Memorize

Although it may not be necessary to memorize your music, learn it so well that it is memorized. Memorizing your music will give an extra boost of confidence that will be noticed and recognized positively while on stage.

Follow directions

The most important thing is paying attention to every detail and requirement asked of you before the audition/competition. Every audition/competition that you do will be different. You must pay attention to the type of music that is required, the length of the music, and the set piece that might be required of all participants to perform. In addition, there might be a certain dress code, copies of music for judges, and deadlines to meet. It is always devastating for a student to begin working toward something only to find out they cannot participate due to missing a deadline.

Ask questions

Unfortunately, it can often be confusing to start the process of auditioning or preparing for a competition. Do not hesitate to email the organizers, admissions, or music department with questions to clarify things.

Once a student has a few of these experiences under their belt it does become easier. The habits they develop preparing for auditions/competitions will be with them for when it is time to apply for jobs and anything else they may encounter.  

Taking the next step

Preparing for auditions and competitions is more than just learning notes on a page; it’s about developing the discipline, organization, and confidence that will serve you throughout your musical career and beyond. 

At Catoctin School of Music, we’re committed to supporting our students through every step of this journey, from their first performance at our Friday Open Mic to preparing for college auditions and professional competitions. Remember that your teacher is there to guide you, but taking ownership of your preparation is what transforms a student into a true artist. The skills you develop, time management, attention to detail, and perseverance, will benefit you in music and in every aspect of your life.