Hi everyone!!! Here we are…it’s audition season! I’m so excited but very nervous and any advice about the audition process would be greatly appreciated. I’m 17F, from Southern NY and seeking a BM in Classical Vocal Performance (Soprano). So far, I’ve gotten live auditions from five schools.
1/17 NYU Steinhardt
1/24 University of Michigan SMTD
2/7 or 2/21 Eastman School of Music
3/1-3/5 Mannes School of Music
3/6 Indiana University
My main concern is sight-reading and music theory. My parents would also be grateful for any advice regarding travel arrangements. Really, just any clue about what to expect would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much everyone, I’ll be sure to keep you updated on what happens and where I end up! (Still waiting to hear back from Northwestern, UMiami (Frost), and SUNY Purchase.)
While most schools will test sight reading/aural skills and music theory, don’t stress about it at this point. Admissions decisions will largely be based on the strength of your audition itself, and most schools will have entry level classes as part of your core curriculum once admitted. If you feel inclined, review some of the AP theory, and know key signatures, time signatures/note values… I posted a little blurb in the audition tips thread as well. Good luck!
Well…at work trying hard not to work…so I’ll comment here particular to VP.
As @songbirdmama says above, don’t sweat the sight reading/theory tests as a VP candidate. Most schools make it clear that the tests are for class placement purposes only. If you are nervous during the sight reading…be a good sport about it and show that you are coachable by trying hard. It may even be done by students so it can be fun. I don’t believe it’s done by the audition panel…but maybe some schools do that. For my D it was always separate. Here are a few other hints/tips (imho) for VP.
1.) They are looking for potential not perfection. You should be able to do the basic repertoire in the required languages. However don’t push or distort your voice to sound older, larger, better etc. Ignore others you hear (maybe they have had more training…but they may not have more potential). Just sing as yourself. They will want to hear “your sound”. So be as honest and authentic as possible.
2.) Be organized with a cheerful disposition NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS! Smile! You are “on stage”. It is not uncommon for an accompanist at one or two of your auditions to take things too slow or too fast. You will have a very short time to interact with the accompanist. Make absolutely sure your music is organized and try your best to communicate any details like tempo. In most cases, the accompanists are busy students who may or may not fully absorb your comments…as they are doing this for hours. In other words, it’s not as big a deal to them as you. Be a good sport about it! No matter what happens sing as best you can with a positive attitude. If the accompanist screws up…smile and work to get back on and don’t let it throw you…just keep singing with a positive attitude. Don’t roll your eyes or show a bad attitude towards the accompanist. The teachers WILL know who screwed up and will NOT hold it against you. You may win points for being cool and professional in a difficult situation. And if the accompanist messes up for you, they are probably messing up for others. If it is truly bad (which it won’t be) the faculty will intervene (not you). In most cases, they will be able the hear what they want through any errors. Trust in this.
3.) The panel WANTS you to do well! They are on your side. They know you are nervous. In many cases for VP, they will overlook small nervous errors. Still start with your best piece and try to relax into it…by understanding they do want to hear you and want you to do well.
4.) Be coachable. If they ask you to do anything or try anything…do so with enthusiasm. It’s a positive when they work with you. In many cases, they will not for VP. But if they do, do NOT take it as a negative. Any chance to interact with faculty is all good. Even if the result of your effort is less than stellar, your attempt and positive attitude is what will matter. Most panels for VP ask very little. The auditions can be surprisingly short. This is normal.
Remember that a teacher is looking for someone to work with for 4 years. Talent matters…but attitude can matter just as much. Would you want to work for 4 years with a talented, arrogant, messy student or a talented, positive, organized student? If you pass the pre-screens, the talented portion has already been determined. Talented enough for the school. Don’t overlook the other personal aspects.
You may want to consider a mini-humidifier for the dry hotel rooms to keep your vocal cords moist. Bring along some herbal tea IF you have used to drinking it.
And…dress stylish but appropriate. There’s nothing wrong with a little personality through color or a stylish cut as long as it’s not too short, tight or reveling (thus distracting). In other words be sure you have a nice fit to your outfit. Hair, jewelry and make-up should be neat and not distracting. Low to mid-level closed-toe heels. Clothing/appearance is (unfortunately) important for classical VP.
Good luck!!
Wow, thank you so much!! This was so encouraging and helpful. I read it aloud to my mom and saved it on my phone so I can read it whenever I get nervous. I’m the oldest child and my parents have no experience in music so I’m extremely grateful to everyone on here that is willing to share their advice.
@Elegie17 it is definitely an exciting time!!
D is a freshman in classical vocal program at SUNY Purchase. She auditioned at NYU, Indiana and Ball State. Every audition we had snow or ice so plan to get there a day early just in case.
We obviously were not there for the actual audition but her what she would say happened.
Most people have not had experience sight reading so try your best but don’t stress it.
During one of her auditions the accompanist played the wrong music. She just kept going and I think that professionalism was a big plus in getting an offer at that school.
Be prepared to be interrupted and asked to try something different or move onto another song. SUNY Purchase videotaped the audition for later review in decisions.
Dress is important for vocal majors. We saw a variety of outfits. She wore a classly black jump suit (yes it had pants!). Overall accepted well in that outfit but we also saw alot of formal black dresses. She had on heels that were open toed. She had basic earrings and a simple necklace. I do have to say she has a very short shaved head but that did not seem to be an issue at any school she auditioned for. Other schools may not be a accepting so if you have a fad hairstyle just be aware. D decided if that was the deciding factor she didn’t want to go to that school anyhow.
We brought a humidifier (as mentioned above) - important to be hydrated well.
Arrive early for your audition as one of the schools someone didn’t show up and they just called people in early. Also at NYU the room got moved and we had to find it on another floor. Arriving early helped relieve the stress of that.
All the schools had a warm up room were she could get her vocal cords ready right before the audition.
Good luck!! Review the audition thread here and maybe the “journey” threads to see what others have gone through. You’ve got an awesome list of schools there and will have a great experience. One suggestion, for Eastman — we stay in (and love) the Hilton Strathallan. Convenient free parking, great neighborhood, and they let my S practice in a conference room the night before his audition.
Also — NYU is short, 20 minutes in and out. Eastman can take most of the day, but it will be a fun day. Not sure about the others.
Sending lots of positive audition vibes to you AND your mom! Go
Get ‘Em!