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Singer

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Music Director

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Music Producer

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Mastering Engineer

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Guitarist

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Songwriter

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Lyricist

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Opera Singer

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Personal Manager

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Bassist

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Music Teacher

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Concertmaster

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Composer

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Director of A&R

One of the most nerve-wracking things a performer can do is audition.

Auditions are a time-tested part of working in the music business (or almost any facet of the entertainment world, as Actors and Dancers aren’t immune to the rigors of auditions either), and while they are almost universally disliked, for the moment, there is no way to get around them.

As a singer, or as someone who wants to be a professional vocalist, you’re going to be auditioning a lot and for many different kinds of things. You’ll have to try out for every show, many performance opportunities, and to get into school, which can be one of the most intimidating of all auditions, since it may have a major impact on what you do for the rest of your career.

There’s no avoiding auditions and there’s little you can do to completely rid yourself of the fear of them so the best advice I can give is to focus on what needs to be done in order for you to succeed. Don’t think about messing up or not being chosen in the end. Simply stick to the tips below and even if you don’t come out on top (you can’t win them all, you know), at least you can know in your heart you nailed it!

Don’t act as if you’re the best, just be the best.

Know Your Audience

To do exceptionally well in singing auditions, it’s crucial to understand the preferences and tastes of the audition panel or judges. Take time to explore their past choices, preferences, and artistic interests, if you can. This way, you can adjust your performance to match their expectations. With this information, you can shape your performance to align with what they prefer. This creates a performance that blends perfectly with what they’re looking for.

How do you get selected for singing auditions?

Alison Stolpa (Careers in Music Staff)

Whether or not you’ve got a good chance of being selected for a singing audition depends on what you’re auditioning for; the type of person who would get chosen to sing for the judges on The Voice may not be the type of person who would get chosen to audition for a Broadway musical, a college program in vocal performance, or a heavy metal cover band.

In general, though, if you want to get selected for singing auditions, you should:

  • Have audio/video of yourself singing (BandCamp links, a YouTube video, MP3s).
  • Know what types of auditions make sense for your goals and your talent.
  • Submit all requested materials mentioned in the submission guidelines.
  • Be able to talk about yourself in an interesting but humble manner.
  • Be able to demonstrate that you’re a team player and not a total diva.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to all communications.
  • Show up to your audition on time.

Select the Right Song

The song you pick for an audition is incredibly important. Every note and word in the song creates a picture of your feelings and who you are. It’s not only about showing off how high or low you can sing; it’s like using a musical brush to create a beautiful picture that shows your inner world. Let your emotions guide your choice of song.

Connect it with your artistic sense and start a journey where every tone and rhythm reveals a part of who you are. When the song you choose becomes a part of you, it’s more than just a performance–it becomes a true reflection of your musical character and who you want to be as an artist.

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Practice Makes Perfect

Becoming truly skilled is like a process of refining, and this refining happens through dedicated and disciplined practice. Dive into the pursuit of being excellent, spending hours to perfect every note, change in tone, and increase in volume. It’s not just about the time you spend practicing, but also how committed you are to improving.

As you work through your chosen piece, navigate the high and low points of pitch, work on the delicate aspects of your tone, and ensure that your pronunciation is clear. Each time you practicum you have taken a conscious step towards mastering your skills. All of this preparation leads to a performance that’s infused with the dedication and hard work you’ve put in.

What are the 6 types of voices?

Alison Stolpa (Careers in Music Staff)

The six different types of voices, from lowest vocal range to highest are:

  1. Bass
  2. Alto
  3. Baritone
  4. Mezzo-soprano
  5. Tenor
  6. Soprano

Alto and Bass are considered low voices. Both Mezzo-soprano and Baritone are considered medium voices. Soprano and Tenor are considered high voices.

Warm Up Properly

Exercises aren’t just a good idea, they bring your voice to life. They help your vocal cords become flexible and ready for your performance. Taking care of your voice like this is similar to an artist taking care of their tools. It ensures that when you perform on stage, your voice sounds beautiful and captivating to your audience.

How do you get an audition for singing?

Hugh McIntyre

Securing a singing audition requires a combination of active searching and smart networking. To start, you need to cast a wide net by looking for audition opportunities on various platforms like websites and local event listings. Don’t just stick to the usual places–explore both online and offline options, such as social media, casting websites, community bulletin boards, and performing arts centers. You need to be persistent in your search and leave no opportunity unexplored.

At the same time, it’s beneficial to connect with people in the music and entertainment industry. Build relationships with other musicians, vocal coaches, and industry professionals who can give you insights into upcoming auditions or suggest opportunities that match your singing style and goals.

Having a talent agent can be a huge help too. They know the industry well and can actively look for auditions for you. Agents can open doors to exclusive auditions, negotiate contracts, and handle the complex entertainment world, allowing you to focus on improving your singing rather than spending all your time looking for auditions.

Know That You’re Worthy

Among the many talented people who may be in an audition room, your unique talent is special. Remember that the stage isn’t just for others–it’s where your dreams can come true. Understand that your journey is a mix of hard work, passion, and dedication, coming together with destiny to create your own story. Even though others might be successful, your success is just as important, and the universe supports you. Believe in yourself and know you belong among the best of them.

Believe In What You’re Presenting

Beyond the words and music, there’s a deeper layer of your performance filled with feelings and meaning. When you face the judges, don’t just say the lyrics–become the feeling behind them. Breathe in the air that inspired the words, letting their emotions flow through you. By getting into the story of the song, you become a vessel of emotion, expressing the feelings that created the song. With every note, you give life to the melody. Your performance shows the heart of the song and your own feelings. It may sound frilly, but the best of the best understand this and it’s how they rise to the top.

What is the best color to wear to an audition?

Alison Stolpa (Careers in Music Staff)

Make sure to read any instructions for your audition before deciding what to wear. For example, many TV singing competition auditions will request you wear clothing without logos. For chamber music auditions, a black dress or a button-down shirt and slacks in muted colors may be appropriate.

If there is no standard style of dress for your audition and no listed instructions, choose a color that you find flattering and look/feel your best in. Jewel tones and primary colors are a good idea as they help you stand out in theatres that are often dark or, if you’re filming your audition, against the standard grey or blue photo backdrop used in many self-tape studios.

Take Your Time

In the midst of nervousness and excitement, remember that time is something you can control. From the moment you enter the audition space to the moments with the audition panel, take your time to present yourself. Act and speak calmly, without rushing or fear. Being composed shows your confidence. This unhurried way of dealing with time matches your inner rhythm with the moment’s outer melody, creating a calm feeling that affects everyone around you.

How much of a song do you sing for an audition?

Hugh McIntyre

Choosing the right part of a song for an audition is about finding a balance. Generally, this should be around one to two minutes long. This time frame gives you enough room to display your singing skills, emotions, and interpretation without overwhelming the judges with a long performance. Picking a song that naturally fits within this time frame not only makes your preparation simpler but also ensures your performance is captivating and powerful, capturing your artistic essence within the given audition time.

However, it’s crucial to follow any guidelines provided by the audition organizers. Adhering to rules about time limits or preferred music styles shows that you can adjust and act professionally. It highlights your ability to work well within the audition’s boundaries.

Showcase Emotions

Inside a musical piece, there are many feelings that aren’t said aloud, waiting for your voice to express them. When you step into the spotlight, dive into these emotions, letting them flow through you. Each note carries feelings like happiness, longing, or sadness, creating a tapestry of emotions that touches listeners deeply. Your performance’s strength isn’t just in how you sing, but in the emotions you bring out. When you sing with heart and soul, you make a strong connection with those listening, and that’s what will win you an audition.

Confidence Matters

The stage isn’t just for performing, it’s where you create a lasting impression. Feel confident, and let it show in how you stand, look, and act. When you face the judges, your posture and movements should show how much you believe in your talent. Your eyes reflect your confidence, drawing them into your musical story. Your performance not only sounds good, but also carries the message of your self-assurance.

How much should a beginner sing?

Hugh McIntyre

For those starting their singing journey, setting aside at least 30 minutes each day for practice can be a great way to build strong skills. Regular practice is important for improving your singing, and this amount of time allows you to gradually improve your vocal strength, control, and technique. But if you’re really serious about getting better, you might need to allocate more time. People who are really dedicated to singing might practice for longer periods to work on specific exercises, warm-ups, and improving particular skills.

To boost your progress, getting help from a professional vocal coach can make a big difference. A vocal coach has a lot of experience and can give you personal instruction, help you refine your techniques, and give you useful feedback tailored to your own singing journey. Working with a vocal coach helps you unlock your full potential, speed up your improvement, and make your singing even better.

Remember, as a beginner, it’s not just about how much time you spend singing, but also about the quality of your practice and the guidance you receive. When you combine consistent daily practice with the expertise of a skilled vocal coach, you’re on a path to becoming a better singer that’s both disciplined and well-guided.

Dress the Part

Before you even start singing, your appearance sets the tone for your performance. Picking the right outfit is more than just choosing clothes, it’s a deliberate choice that adds to your artistic expression.

Your attire should match the style of music you’re performing and show who you are as an artist, but it shouldn’t be too out there. Whether it’s bold and colorful or understated and elegant, your outfit introduces your essence even before you sing a note. When you step onto the stage, your attire becomes a part of your performance, adding to the depth and impact of the music you’re about to share.

Of course, be professional, and make sure that if anything is specifically stipulated in the lead-up to an audition, such as a costume or a certain color, make sure you follow that. If you don’t, you’ll be seen as unserious.

Unique Interpretation

Make your performance special by adding your own touch, making the familiar parts of the music sound unique. It’s not about changing things just to be different, but about using your artistic feelings to discover new sides of the art. As you perform, your own style mixes with the music, creating a beautiful blend that respects tradition and shows your creativity. With your interpretation, you become a leader, taking the audience on a journey that they’ll remember even after the music ends.

Control Nervousness

Nervousness can cloud your artistic vision, but you can overcome it. Before you perform, create a calming routine. Breathe deeply and find tranquility, relaxing your nerves. Imagine yourself succeeding, feeling the joy of victory. When you’re on stage, your performance reflects your inner strength. Every note and word you sing shows how you’ve conquered stage fright and are succeeding in your musical journey. You might be the best vocalist in the room, technically, but if you can’t get over your fears or nervousness, it might not matter.

Engage the Audience

Among the many faces in your audition room, remember that each pair of eyes could be captivated by your music. Create a strong connection by inviting the judges into your world and your heart. Use your gaze to welcome them into your performance, drawing them close.

Whether it’s a soft song or a powerful one, each note is a moment, touching not only the audition room but also the hearts of those watching. When you sing, you bring life to unspoken feelings in the air, creating a special connection that changes the judges from just watching to being on board with your journey to becoming a singer. Engage with them at every opportunity and they’ll have a hard time saying no.

Technical Proficiency

Show off your vocal skill by singing a wide range of notes, performing them all with precise control. Navigate through difficult pitches gracefully, like a tightrope walker, and execute runs with the skill of an experienced singer. Each vocal embellishment is another chance to show what you can do. However, don’t go overboard. Know when to hold back and when to show off. A little goes a long way!

Receive and Apply Feedback

Helpful feedback is key to becoming better at any skill, especially singing. Welcome advice just like a mentor’s guidance, with each suggestion working to improve your performance. Keep the judges’ feedback in your thoughts, reminding you of the way to advance. By incorporating their advice into your practice routine, you strengthen your skills with each rehearsal. This all leads to a performance that shows your dedication to getting better and growing. If you get the chance to audition or perform for the same people, make sure you’ve incorporated some of their advice, as they’ll notice that and appreciate that you listened.

Consistency and Perseverance

Becoming a master at singing happens gradually over time, not in single moments. Understand that success in singing auditions is a journey that changes and grows, marked by times of achievement and self-reflection. Embrace steady practice and hard work, and commitment that turns potential into skill. Every audition is a chance to learn, whether you get the gig or not. Keep this in mind and try to see the positive, no matter the outcome.

Follow-Up

After the final note, your performance’s impact stays with the judges, hopefully keeping them curious and thoughtful. After the audition, take the initiative to connect with those who were in the room. Keep the connection going through meaningful communication. Ask for their thoughts and share your gratitude for the chance to perform. If you have a teacher or agent, follow their advice to navigate this situation correctly. Craft a follow-up that’s professional and shows your commitment to improvement. With this thoughtful messaging, you leave a strong impression that extends the impact of your audition.

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