Parents - please consider NOT doing this...

I know we all sit around at auditions. I know we all meet up with people we’ve seen at other auditions and chat. But does there really have to be (loud) conversations about the schools your kids got into and (even worse) criticisms of other programs?

The kids are on pins and needles. Many of them can hear you. While my D was waiting for her turn to audition at a well known conservatory, a mom was having a loud conversation with someone she obviously knew. And she was blatantly bad mouthing a state school MT program because their academics weren’t rigorous and how could anyone let their child audition there? (the conservatory she was sitting in wasn’t necessarily known for it’s stellar academics).

My D was happy that she got into the state school that this mom was referring to. She auditioned for the program back in the Fall. It was her first acceptance and the school still might be in the running even though she has been admitted into more “prestigious” MT programs since then.

D was furious listening to this mom. I was proud of how she handled it…she went to find a practice room and sang out her frustration. After her audition, while we were driving home, she said, “mom, you know how sometimes people talk that the other auditioners might be snarky or stuck up during auditions? I haven’t found that at all. The students I’ve auditioned with at every school have been wonderful. I wish parents wouldn’t be allowed to wait in the same room, though.” Out of the mouth of babes.

Glad to hear that your D is more mature and intelligent that that mom at the audition!

It’s a good idea to bring a crossword or a good book.

And headphones…bring headphones.

I think the thing to remember - is ALL of these schools have great programs. Just as every kid is unique, every program is unique too. Some kids may want/need smaller, city, conservatory, big university, etc. It’s disappointing to get a no - but it doesn’t mean the program is bad, just as it doesn’t mean the kids don’t have talent, it just wasn’t a right fit. There are so many stories out there about people being heartbroken at certain nos, but then ending up much better off in the long run. Just trust, lean on those who have been through this before and those going through it now - everyone will make it through this, and great things are to come.

Hang in there (including parents, believe me - I KNOW this is stressful), be kind and remember just because it’s not a right fit - doesn’t mean that it’s bad.