Part 3: The Audition Day and Outcomes
Welcome back to THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AUDITIONS FOR SINGERS. This is the final instalment, and it’s all about the day of the audition and how to handle the outcomes.
On the Day of the Audition
Plan how early you’d like to arrive at the audition. Factor in time for a short vocal warm-up to ensure you’re vocally prepared. It should go without saying, but be courteous and show the panel that you’re someone they would want to work with. Your aim is not only to perform well but to be seen as a potential asset to the company or school. You’re lovely, let them see that.
Nerves are Normal!
Nerves are perfectly normal and a sign of being a healthy human being! We all get nerves. It’s ok. It is worth knowing how nerves affect you. I encourage anyone who’s auditioning to perform their songs before hand in front of their family/friends or strangers at an open mic’ or karaoke night, whichever feels more comfortable. This can help you get used to singing in front of others. And it will also help you understand how you get nervous. Some people get nervous the day before, some on the day, some just a few minutes before singing. Most peoples nerves decrease as they perform. Knowledge is power. Learn what helps you e.g. some breathing or grounding exercises, meditation, or even some physical exercise can help manage nerves. Everyone gets nervous so it’s good to have a strategy.
ON THE DAY
‘Own the room‘
When you enter the audition room. Take a few deep, grounding breaths, and acknowledge your surroundings. Visualise the room pulsing with positive vibes. Stand up straight, make sincere eye contact, and let your authenticity shine through. By being at ease with where you are, you naturally hold a presence that can draw in. It’s your job to make the panel feel comfortable. Feel your inner ‘queen’ or ‘God’ or ‘Goddess’ come to the fore. Feel the strength in your bones. Know that you are worthy and that you deserve to be there.
Set your own goals
It’s a great idea to have your own goals within the audition process so afterwards, irrelevant of the outcome, you can consider if you met your own person goals e.g. did I do my best in the circumstances I found myself in? Did I stay present in the song? Did I feel the floor beneath my feet? Did I simply ‘do my thing’?
The final decision is out of your hands and dependant on many things outside of your control. E.g. who else is auditioning, what the judges are looking for. You can only do you.
The Audition as Your Job
I like to think of auditions as the job. This can radically shift your perspective and approach. As singers, our ultimate ambition is to perform, to share our art with an audience. Consider the audition your stage, the panel your audience, and this moment as your performance. Seize this moment and savour the experience.
Every audition is an opportunity to do what you love, to learn from the experience, and to grow as a performer. It becomes less about the judgment of the panel and more about the joy of the performance, the expression of your craft, and the celebration of your artistic journey.
By adopting the mindset that the audition is the job, you not only elevate your performance but also affirm your identity as an artist. Each audition is a unique performance, an occasion to showcase your artistry, and to take pride in your vocation. Let this belief in the audition as a professional endeavour infuse your preparation, your presence in the room, and your reflection afterwards. Regardless of the outcome, if you approach each audition with this level of dedication, you are fulfilling your role as a performer and thus, succeeding in the job of the day.
As we conclude this essential guide, remember that every audition is a stepping stone in your artistic journey. Whether it’s a triumphant moment or a learning experience, it propels you forward. Carry the knowledge and confidence from each audition into the next, and continue to shine as the unique artist you are.
