Audition Technique's Options

[Trumpet_Jen]

So bascially I've just sent my applications to music college (RNCM, RWCMD, and Birmingham) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
I often struggle with nerves and stuff, and I'm really worried that no matter how good I can play the music in the comfort and security of my practice room, when It comes to being put in front of an audition pannel, with the pressure of the day its likely I might fall to peices!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

Anyone done music college auditions? Anyone got any tips for dealing with nerves? (although thats a thread that has been discussed before!)

Thankyouu in advance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Chris H]

Good luck with your auditions! My som auditioned last year, and had the audition for his last choice conservatoire first, which was good, because he was very nervous for that one, but learnt from his mistakes. Make sure you do your research well about the conservatoires, because they will ask you questions about them. My son couldn't find out much about one of the places he applied to, and didn't have time to go to the open day. I think that was a big mistake, because he ended up not knowing sone basic facts about the course and said the wrong thing. On the other hand he knew a lot about his first choice conservatoire and the audition went very well indeed. I can't give you advice about combatting nerves while playing, though!

[Trumpet_Jen]

Thankyou!! I didnt know they would ask me questions about their course.... definatly going to check up on that... where did your son end up studying?

[briantrumpet]

As well as reading up on the courses and possible professors/tutors (Google!), I'd do an honest evaluation of where you are with your playing. Remember that conservatoires aren't looking for the 'finished product' - sure, they want to hear someone who can play, but also with the potential to develop into a fully-fledged professional. And part of that process will be working out what you need to focus on. So I wouldn't go in saying "I'm rubbish at tonguing" or similar, but if you were asked "What are your current focuses in your practice?", being able to say "At the moment I'm doing some concentrated practice on the clarity and speed of my tonguing, using especially Arban and Smith Nos. x & y" shows you're a focused learner, and one who knows how to develop your technique. The better you can analyse where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there, the better learner you'll be.

[Chris H]

He's going to Birmingham Conservatoire. He was sure he'd messed up his scales for that audition, but they were impressed with his pieces, particularly that he played one that no one else did, so it went well (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) He was also offered a scholarship at RWCMD.