<p>On the UMich website, it says this:
"Prepare two 16-bar selections. Both songs must be memorized, and one should be written before 1965. Auditionees will present one song only. The faculty panel will determine which one will be presented. "</p>
<p>So here is my problem: I have a ballad and an uptempo, and I love my uptempo. I think both of my songs are great, but if I only get a chance to perform one piece, it’s my uptempo that is the strongest and the best representation of my style as a performer. You may be wondering why I’m disliking my ballad - I’m just not at all a fan of singing ballads, and my ballad is pre-1965, so it’s just…eh, it doesn’t do anything for me. I’d be deeply upset if I had to perform the ballad alone. So, since it doesn’t say anything about contrasting or even that there should be a ballad, would it be alright to change my other song to a different uptempo? I would definitely bring the ballad in case they asked for a ballad. I just don’t want to get stuck performing it. It’s a side of me as a performer I’d like to show, but not my main shtick that I want to show. </p>
<p>Help! </p>
<p>My audition is soon, like, in nine days. And don’t worry, I already know and have practiced and performed all my songs. I’m prepared. I’m just choosing. :)</p>
<p>Wow, sassystage…can’t really give you a ton of advice…just a couple of stories “from the road”. My d auditioned at UMich in November. She was asked to sing both of her songs, and they also did some vocalizing with her. Her friend, who also auditioned that day, was asked to sing one of her songs…but they asked her (friend) which song she’d prefer to sing. You’re right – their site doesn’t say anything about contrasting…but my kiddo sort of thought that was implied. They are VERY strict about their 16 bar limit however, so whatever you choose, count measures carefully!</p>
<p>She was at another audition, and one of the other students there had decided to change one of his pieces about a week before the audition. He, too had worked on it prior…but nerves got to him in the audition room, and he messed up his piece. </p>
<p>My kiddo is sick to death of her audition pieces…but she has prepared them well, and can sing them in her sleep (on some of those big travel weekends, that’s been a big plus You said that the ballad shows a side of you as a performer, but not the main thing you’d like to show. Well…one thing (I think) they’re looking for in those little rooms is versatility…so it’s nice to be able to show more than one “facet”…</p>
<p>Hopefully someone who really knows what’s best can chime in here (have you talked to your private voice teacher about this quandary?). I’ve just got anecdotes…</p>
<p>You know, I figured I should just get over it and leave the ballad. And yes, I’m a versatile performer, but I hate ballads, just as a person. Even as an audience member. Always have. But I’ll just stick with my original plan. Thanks :)</p>
<p>Just an update: He asked for my uptempo. Yay! I offered both the uptempo and the ballad - this thread is representative of a brief pre-audition stress induced freak out - and he picked the uptempo! It went very well, or at least, I thought it did and had a GREAT time. UMich’s audition day was very well scheduled, fun, and chill. Loved it. Just a note: when UMich says that they have a nurturing and supportive family atmosphere, they mean it. I auditioned on campus and saw students and teachers walking around and they all seemed so happy. The faculty and the students had an amazing relationship, it was obvious. It was a just lovely noncompetitive atmosphere, I could go on, but it would go on forever. Just the feeling I had while walking around campus was enough for me to say “THIS is the best MT school in the world”, not to mention that whole amazing training, great flexibility, world renown, and exceptional faculty thing too. Overall, fantastic day - and he picked the song I wanted to sing, yahoo! :)</p>
<p>Sassystage I am so happy for you!! What you describe is the same feeling we got when my daughter auditioned two years ago! She is now a sophomore and has never been happier! She loves her classmates and her professors…I will keep good thoughts for you in this process, so glad you had a great day! Best of all things for you! :)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! It really was an amazing and well-run day. I had a great time. Hopefully all the rest of my many many auditions will be similarly great. :)</p>
<p>My audition is coming up this weekend and I was wondering if the piano piece that we are asked to sight read is from classical rep. and if it was particularly difficult . I have studied piano for a few years, so I am not too worried, but if anyone has any insight that would be wonderful!</p>
<p>First of all, just remember that it truly is just a placement audition and it doesn’t factor into admissions decisions. Every year they have students of completely varying degrees of piano experience. It’s only used to give them a slight idea of what piano class to place you in after acceptance. And it’s an extremely easy basic piece, not really a song as much as a few chords. Definitely not from classical rep. I took one year of piano class at my school and knew next to nothing, but I survived the piano piece just fine. You’ll be great! But don’t worry about that, focus on your monologues and songs. :)</p>
<p>So glad to hear that the piano audition isn’t too hard. I’m a junior, and took piano for two years when I was in middle school, and have been trying to brush up on skills so I can have a good audition. Knowing that that part is just for placement is really helpful. Thank you so much!</p>
You said that the ballad shows a side of you as a performer, but not the main thing you’d like to show. Well…one thing (I think) they’re looking for in those little rooms is versatility…so it’s nice to be able to show more than one “facet”…</p>