Advice on vocal auditions?

Singersmom07
Sun, 16 May 2010 20:03:50 +0000

ccharisma, each school will specify their audition requirements. The range of requirements varies greatly depend on where you want to go and if you are preparing for music ed or vocal performance. Each school will have their audition requirements posted on their web page. If next year’s aren’t there yet, check last year’s. They do not usually vary much.

You previously indicated that you do not have a private teacher. Anywhere that requires pre-screening is someplace where you will most likely be up against competition that has been studying for several years with private teachers. Try some universities where the school of music is not at the conservatory level. We looked at the University of South Carolina. Their audition was not as rigorous, only requesting one foreign language piece and the English piece could be one from musical theater. Each state most likely has a university with a similar program.

Have you studied any songs in a foreign language yet? Unlike musical theatre auditions, you do not really have to worry about over done songs. As a matter of fact the audition panelists almost expect you to be doing standard pieces as a part of your studies. As to range or other characteristics, you should select songs that show you to the best of your ability, with musicality. This really is a time to have a private teacher and you should look for one, even if you have to travel a bit to get to one. A teacher can help select songs that suit your voice and will audition well. Perhaps your choral director knows someone or is there a choir director at a nearby church that could help.

Good luck, this is a tough time even with the support of a good teacher.