Auditioning for music schools
by Sarah Sloan
All music schools, classical and musical theatre alike, require auditions, video as well as live, in addition to the application process. Since so many kids are preparing their recordings now in anticipation of Dec 1st deadlines, here are some thoughts taken from a 2007 NATS Symposium on applying and auditioning for music schools. The panelists came from the SF Conservatory and San Jose State.
Have a lesson. Know who the voice teachers are and arrange for a private lesson with the ones who interest you a month or two prior to auditioning. Most will charge a fee (sometimes $100 or more) but this should be the most important part of visiting campuses and getting to know schools. Your voice teacher is the most important part of vocal education.
Applications: Even in music school spelling and grammar still count, as do maintaining at least an A/B average. Of course, the most important thing is how well you sing. But most applicants should know that it's the music department, not admissions, that reads the essays.
Video auditioning. This is meant to pre-screen applicants. Put your best foot forward and hire a professional studio. Many local schools and churches have recording facilities. If you make it past the first cut, subsequent auditions must be live unless you're an international student.
Repertoire: For classical singers, audition repertoire should include one English and one Italian (preferably from '24 Italian Songs and Arias') but sing what you love. Frequently you will be asked to recite a poem to hear your speaking voice. For musical theatre prepare one contemporary song and one “legit” or pre-1960 or 70. In almost all instances, auditors prefer to hear easy pieces and will frown upon rep that appears too ambitious. Think: “Less is More.”
Live Auditions: Sing the same pieces used on the recording. Many schools allow you to bring your own pianist or you may have five minutes or so before hand to practice with the provided accompanist.
Clothing and presentation is important. Women should wear knee length skirts or longer. Dark solid colors are best. Men should wear shirt and tie or jacket with no tie. For both genders hair must be kept out of the face. Acting and expression are just as important as vocal talent so make sure you have made some choices.
Rejections are frequently based on beautiful but undeveloped voices, intonation issues and musical mistakes. The biggest consensus among the panelists were to sing easy pieces, dress conservatively and above all, sing with the voice you have. For at the end of the day what really stands out to auditors is individual uniqueness.