<p>S is applying to 2 colleges that require pre-screening for his instrument. One school requires CD only. The other college allows DVD, CD, video or tape formats.</p>
<p>Would one assume that the DVD or video would be the best way to go as it provides audio and visual information? Are there pros/cons to the audio only vs. audiovisual formats?</p>
<p>S can make a high quality pre-screen in any of the formats, so that's not the issue. Any comments from those with prior experience would be appreciated!</p>
<p>Sorry if I am repeating a question, I searched but did not find this question posed in past threads (although, it's early and the caffeine has not kicked in yet!)</p>
<p>I don't think that it matters much, really. In a pre-screen they are looking for sound. The visual is not nearly as important with instrumentalists as it is with vocalists. The most important thing is to send in something that has excellent sound quality regardless of the format.</p>
<p>Some summer programs and maybe some schools are starting to ask for DVD's, but unless they ask specifically, don't worry about it. A solid recording will do you fine I believe. UTexas jazz studies asked for a DVD if you were not doing a live audition. That seems to make sense because they won't have a chance to ever see you before accepting you.</p>
<p>When a school insists on a DVD, there could be 2 reasons relating to audition integrity:</p>
<ul>
<li>To make sure the audition material was performed straight through in a single take with no edits. Edits in audio are easy. Edits in video are apparent. This reason for a DVD is valid.</li>
<li>To make sure the person submitting the material is the person actually performing it. I highly doubt anyone would be stupid enough to submit a performance that wasn't their own, but you never know.</li>
</ul>
<p>"I highly doubt anyone would be stupid enough to submit a performance that wasn't their own, but you never know."</p>
<p>Actually, this has happened before, at least once that I'm aware of, very famously. A Brazilian violinist faked her prelim tape for the 1990 Indianapolis International Violin Competition, submitting a copy of a commercial recording and a fake resume to support the tape. Apparently, there were some doubts about the authenticity of the tape, but the violinist was invited to compete live anyway. She did and was literally laughed off-stage as it was apparent to all that she could not have made the submitted prelim tape - and that she was not an accomplished violinist.</p>
<p>So, although I agree with Flugel that such things seem incomprehensible, it does take all types to make a world...</p>
<p>That is exactly why auditionees from out of state who do not come for a live audition must send a DVD--so the school knows you are the one making the beautiful music in one take!</p>