How To Nail An Audition

By: Renée Landry

(Professional Singer-Songwriter & SHS Vocal Coach)

 

Odds are if you’re a musician, more specifically a vocalist, at some point in your career you’re going to be faced with the dreaded word “audition.” Auditions can be stressful, and nerve wracking, but they don’t have to be! With the right tips and steps you’ll be able to roll through any audition with the knowledge and confidence you need to nail the part.

 

STEP 1 – CONFIDENCE

 

You need to walk into any audition with professionalism and confidence. Even if you’re shaking on the inside, FAKE IT! Being a performer or artist is all about the acting. You need to come across cool, collected, and like you’re ready to impress. Remember, the judges are on your side, so blow them away. They want you to do well. Introduce yourself; comfortably answer any questions they may have with the confidence that will shine through your entire performance. Most of all don’t focus on the other’s auditioning. You need to focus on YOU giving a good performance, and you will.

 

Step 2 – PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

 

You need to walk into your audition knowing your song inside and out, and you’ll be better performer for it. First – NEVER show up to an audition with the lyrics or still needing to read the lyrics. That’s a big NO. Not only does it look unprofessional, and like you didn’t take the time to prepare, but it can hold you back on giving a great performance, and can also hinder the judges from connecting to your song. Memorize your lyrics and rehearse your song over, and over, and over, and over. Have you never sung with pianist before? Hire one to practice with. In most auditions, you will not sing with a backing track, and will be accompanied by an instrument, most often a piano. This is an important tip for any vocalist. Steer away from backing tracks – this is not karaoke. Most respected professionals perform with instrumentalists, bands, orchestras etc. Not only are real live instruments more authentic, but they also put on a killer show! There are 3 main stages to practicing:

 

• Self-Rehearsal – It’s as simple as it sounds. You need to practice on your own, listen to the song, sing the song, and go over any notes and lyrics until you are 100% confident with it.
• Vocal Coach – Rehearse with your vocal coach. They can help you perfect the song by going over any melody or timing issues, and can help you to bring the song to life! They will give you their honest opinion, and get you fully prepared. Don’t have a vocal coach? It might be time to hire one. This will not only better prepare for you audition, but will develop and strengthen your voice as well.
• Simulation Rehearsal – Get a few friends together, and perform the song for them. Make sure they are honest, and aren’t afraid to give their opinion. You also have to be open to criticism. Honesty will help ensure you smooth out the kinks in your performance before you get in front of the judges.

 

Step 3 – BEFORE THE AUDITION

 

Everyone always focuses on the audition itself, but your steps before the audition are just as important. Make sure you take care of yourself the day before your audition. Drink lots of water, tea, eat healthy, and most importantly get a good nights rest. Remember it’s important to eat the morning of the audition. Sometimes the nerves can get the best of us, but filling your belly with nourishing food will help give you the strength and energy you need. Just remember to watch for certain foods like dairy that may cause phlegm, or caffeine that may cause dryness in the throat. Before your audition, warm up your voice! Go through your vocal warm ups, and sing through your song to ensure your voice is fully ready to go. Now that you’re warmed up, take deep breaths, and imagine yourself doing a great job, and you will!

 

Step 4 – THE PERFECT SONG  

 

The song you choose for your audition can make or break you. The first step in choosing a song is to know the details of your audition. Is there a pre-selected song list? How many bars or minutes? Is it with accompaniment or not? What instruments are accompanying? Is it a full band? Who are the judges (avoid singing a song they originally sung)? Knowing these details ahead of time will help to ensure you’re prepared, and will steer you in the right direction for your song choice. When choosing an audition song you want to pick a song that shows of your voice, but is also appropriate for the audition setting. Being talented is half of it, you want to stand out, and you want the panel of judges to enjoy it. The first thing to keep in mind is to not always pick the #1 hits, or any signature songs that are attached to a big star. For example: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Judy Garland, or any Adele/Celine Dion song. Those are big shoes to fill. Listeners will automatically have a high standard for those songs, and will draw comparisons between you and the artist. It’s very rare you hear a singer perform a Celine Dion song the way she can. It’s best to avoid it all together. Another thing to avoid is picking a song that is over sung at auditions. After hearing the same song 10 times in a row, judges can get bored. You want to be distinctive. This can easily be avoided by searching popular audition songs on Google.

 

This doesn’t mean you can never sing a well-known song. If you do choose to go with a more popular song, make a better impression by getting creative and making the song your own. Think of ways you can change up the song in terms of feeling, rhythm, melody etc. If it’s normally a happy song, try singing it with more of a sad feel. If it’s normally a slow song, try singing it more up-beat. Some of the most stand out auditions on shows like X-Factor or American Idol, have been from performers who took a beloved song, and put a whole new spin on it. When choosing your song, NEVER try to exceed your vocal range. Choose a song that shows of the color & strength in your voice. Keep in mind you want to pick something you feel comfortable with. Nerves can come into play and sometimes throw of the best of vocalists. An audition is not the time to try new things, or to try and hit that big note. You need to sing the song solid, 100% every time. You want to make sure you’re singing the song in the key that is suitable to YOUR VOICE. Most importantly, you want to make sure you connect to the song. You need to be able to pull your judges into the performance, and won’t be able to do so if you don’t have that emotional connection. It should be style appropriate, age appropriate, with relatable lyrics. No judge wants to see a 7 year old sing “Dirrty” by Christina Aguilera. Finally – know the history of the song! Never walk into an audition not knowing what the song is about, the background, the composers, or the artist. You never know what questions will be asked. It helps to look prepared, but also helps you form a deeper connection to your piece.

 

Step 4 – WHERE TO CUT

 

Most auditions will allow you to perform anywhere from 16/32 bars to a minute. Make sure you cut your audition song in an effective section of the song. You want it to be a smooth transition, and to make sense. If there’s a part of the song you are struggling with, maybe avoid reaching that section during your audition. You want to choose a part of the song that really showcases your strengths, and makes you look good. Bring your sheet music for the pianist, and or instrumental accompaniment, if requested, and make sure you clearly mark where they are to begin and end. Keep in mind you still want to have the whole song prepared, just in case.

 

Step 5 – DRESS THE PART

 

At any audition, you need to dress to impress. Never show up in ripped jeans and a t-shirt (unless this is specifically required). However, you also don’t need to show up in a floor length ball gown either. Look fashionable, put together, and presentable. Keep in mind you also want to wear something that you’re comfortable in. By looking up the details of the audition beforehand, you can also find out if in addition to music, you will have to do any dancing (if you are auditioning for a musical production). In this case you may need to bring some athletic wear with you. The bottom line is if you look good, you’ll feel good, and look more respectable to the judges.

 

Step 6 – FINAL TIPS

 

Now that you’re ready to audition, here are some extra tips to take with you!

Body Language – How you carry yourself during your song is very important. You want to perform it, but not over do it by running all over the audition room. However, you also don’t want to stand there frozen like a statue, starring at the wall. You need to move with purpose. Create natural movements, gestures, and facial expressions, which allow you to feel and express the song. You want to draw the judges in, and bring the song to life.

 

Don’t Apologize – If you mess up, or forget the lyrics, DO NOT apologize. This ties into if there are any technical issues – the show must go on. Take a deep breath, compose yourself, and carry on. This not only shows that you’re a professional, but demonstrates that you can work under pressure, and get yourself back on track.

 

Know Yourself – Going into any audition you have to know yourself as an artist. What is your style? What is your image? What is your vocal range? What are your strengths and weakness’? Even small details such as knowing what your voice does when you’re nervous, can help make you a stronger performer.

 

Don’t Imitate – There’s already one Adele, or Katy Perry. Never try to imitate another artist. It’s okay to take something from each of your influences, but judges want to see what’s unique about you! What makes you stand out form the crowd? What do you have to offer? Interpret songs differently and show of the strength, style, and colour of your voice, as well as your personality.

 

Create A Repertoire – Having a repertoire of song on hand at all times will ensure you are prepared for any audition that comes up, even if it’s last minute. Choose songs in different styles, tempos, feels, languages, eras, and you will always be ready to go!

 

Feedback – At the end of any audition, you can always ask the judges for feedback (they may or may not give it to you). Whether you got the part or not, notes from the judges can help you to grow into a better vocalist and performer. Take feedback with a grain of salt, and don’t obsess about it. You don’t want to walk away from an audition constantly thinking about every detail, or beating yourself. As soon as you walk away from the audition, it’s on to the next one. Remember, not getting the audition is not the end of the world. There will always more auditions in your future. Keep your head up, remain professional, and success will find you.

Happy auditioning!