Recorded Audition

My daughter is applying late to Tanglewood Pre-College Vocal Program. I don’t anticipate she will get in. I did not know they started in January as most programs in CA just started opening programs. I want her to try anyway for the experience of auditioning as she will need to make prescreening videos for college this fall. I was wondering if anyone had any tips? I know the repertoire requirements but I kind of need basic info. Should she introduce herself first, then the composer and finally the song? Where should she stand and does it matter. It will be recorded at her voice teacher’s home. If there are any other tips, I would appreciate it. We are neophytes to the recorded video auditions. Thank you.

My D introduces herself, the song, then the composer. She stands next to the piano so she can see the accompanist, and doesn’t usually have the accompanist in the recording. It’s not necessary to get her head to toe in the frame either. Waist up so they can see her face clearly. Look into the camera, not up at the ceiling, Use arms expressively if the song calls for it, but don’t move too much. It’s such a balance between flapping like a seagull and planting like an oak tree (this seems to the subject of debate at many master classes I’ve attended with her —My best guess is to keep it natural). Most importantly, let her enjoy herself! Do several takes and pick which she likes best later. Good luck!

Oh. And she doesn’t have to wear a gown but she should wear a semi formal dress. Not short, revealing or trendy. A color that she looks well in and not too busy a print which can look weird when on film.

Thank you so much!!! Great recommendations.

Funny you mention semi-formal dress. That was going to be my next question. What is considered semi-formal and appropriate. My daughter is tiny so I almost always have to shop junior section. Trying to find something that isn’t sparkly, lacey, cut-out, too short, too tight and too much cleavage (or all of the above) is a real challenge. What length dress would be appropriate-below the knee, mid-knee or just above the knee? Can it be sleeveless or would cap sleeves, 3/4 sleeves be appropriate ( I know strapless and spaghetti straps are out) I am presuming black which she likes to wear anyway. Where would one shop for an appropriate dress?

What exactly are the instructions for the recorded audition?

Think afternoon church wedding. My D wasn’t that small- we usually did well in the petite section of Lord and Taylor or Macys. You might have better luck in the junior section this spring as midi styles are back in fashion. And of the things you list, a little sparkle would be preferred over cleavage etc! It is opera, after all!

No instructions that I could find other than repertoire.

True lol. I did manage to find a wrap dress all black with short sleeves. The fabric looks formal, the style a bit casual but it fits well and comes to just below the knee. She is dressing it up with a stand of pearls and studs.

Agree with everything above. Dress up, hair, make-up…don’t treat this differently than if you were to do the audition in person. This is also vocal performance, so you can’t be stiff. You need to be expressive.

I would guess the most important thing is song selection. You will only get a limited range of her singing on the video…you need to pick something she does extremely well. Expect everyone else who is auditioning to have pieces they do very well also.