<p>It is often said both on this forum as well as on school websites that those who audition live stand a better chance of success at school auditions. I was just wondering about this, because at least where I come from most people would rather send CDs or DVDs, not only to cut down on travel costs but also because they feel like it reduces the risk of being out of the running altogether due to nerves during the audition. Is the advantage from direct interaction with the faculty really generally worth the risk from possibly playing badly because of nerves or fatigue or both?</p>
<p>Personally I feel that it is good to do as many live auditions as possible, simply because in the end this is the only route to a performing job and you might as well get used to the pain and anxiety =p But I was just wondering if perhaps as an overall strategy it would be wiser to send tapes to some schools and show up in person at others, so that you hedge your bets a little.</p>
<p>Bratsche: Here are some things to consider regarding going or not going for in-person auditions. I know the situation only from the voice performance perspective, but some of my thinking may apply. For some vocal performance students, it may be difficult to get a recording that reflects the true quality of their voices. Also, in the world of voice performance particularly, I can’t help but think that the “total performance,” not just voice quality, plays into the evaluation of the audition. Further, I would think that students demonstrating enough to interest to make the investment in coming to the audition might have a leg up on those who don’t. </p>
<p>Think about it this way. The students and their parents have already invested so much in the musical training. Applying to music school means that you are willing to invest hundreds, really thousands of dollars more. One way of thinking about it, if you possibly can afford the money, is that the $3000 or $4000 more that you spend on auditions may make a considerable difference in how the rest of your investment plays out. One next to last thought – I think there’s an expression that 80% of success is just showing up. And then the last thought, my daughter was rejected from one school on the basis of pre-audition recordings. However because she had visited the school and had practice lessons, a simple email to one of the professors who had heard her reversed the situation and she was allowed to audition in person. She was subsequently accepted with handsome scholarships. Good luck. And enjoy those trips that you decide to take.</p>
<p>The common wisdom is to audition on-site. In formulating a strategy, you’d have to weigh competitiveness, financial, and associated other factors. Rhetorical questions as food for thought: Do you target your reaches or your safeties for the recorded submissions? In the case of an MM, are you potentially losing a shot at a fellowship or TA/GA stipend spot by not being there live? </p>
<p>Hard choices, and it’s often the case where finances dictate the strategy.</p>