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Seven Steps To A Successful Audition
by: Marco Kasel
I have been a musician since the tender age of 7 and in my career I've
passed a larger number of auditions all of which have taught me something.
These days, however, as the owner of a talent agency, I seem to be learning
a disproportioned amount more about these same auditions. There is something
to be said about looking at an issue from different perspectives.
In this article, I want to shed some light on what an audition process looks
like from the point of view of the "auditioner" rather than the "auditionee".
I'll give you seven tips that hopefully provide some help.
I should mention that my company, Oceanbound Entertainment Inc., hires
musicians, bands, and variety acts for placement on cruise ships and thus
the auditions I'll talk about will mostly relate to cruise line
entertainment auditions.
Let me quickly outline the various types of auditions you can encounter when
applying for a job on a cruise ship.
The most obvious type would be the live audition, where you go to the
audition location in person and play what's asked of you.
You may also be asked to record your audition on videotape and mail it to
the company. This is very similar to the first category since you'd play
almost exactly the same music.
And finally, you may be asked to submit a recording of your band or your
solo act to the company. This audition differs from the previous two in that
you don't have to perform music that the company provides, but rather your
own repertoire.
There are several problems that keep arising in regards to these different
types of auditions that have led me to compile the following tips.
1. Get the details on the job description
This is one of the most important steps. If you know exactly what it is that
the employer is looking for, you won't waste time, money, and energy
presenting the wrong package. There is no point in submitting a tape of your
local blues band if the employer is looking for a cover band that plays all
kinds of musical styles. Similarly, there is no point in applying as a
clarinet player if the job description clearly indicates that woodwind
players have to play saxophone, flute and clarinet.
Also, if sight-reading is the main focus of the job you're applying for,
there is no point in hoping you'll slip by simply because you can improvise
like Charlie Parker.
2. Be flexible enough to present what's actually needed
Let's assume that you got all the details on the job description and you
realize that you don't exactly fit that description. It is probably wiser
for you to take some time to try to fit the description, rather than trying
anyway, hoping it'll pass somehow. Try to make changes to your line-up, add
some repertoire or start a completely new project that’s geared to the job
in question.
3. Audition only when you feel that you have a good chance of passing
Often musicians apply for a job they are not qualified for. Now, you could
argue that that's what auditions are for, and people couldn't possibly know
in every case whether they are qualified or not. I agree, all I'm saying is
that if the job description mentions that strong sight-reading skills are
required for example, musicians should ask themselves how good their
sight-reading skills really are and be honest about it.
Being dishonest about what your skills really are can hurt you in more ways
than one. Let's assume for a minute that you slip through the cracks and you
end up in an orchestra but you can't cut the gig. First and foremost, you'll
be humiliated in front of other musicians, you'll feel uncomfortable, you
may actually feel guilty for not being able to do the job, and you will get
fired on top of it, which will most likely kill your career before it's
begun. (This happens all too often...)
So if you are unsure about whether you are qualified or not, ask questions.
Call the agency you are about to audition for and ask specific questions
that will help you get a good picture of the job you're about to apply for.
With that knowledge you can always postpone the audition and work on the
skills that you may feel you're lacking.
4. Put some time and effort into preparing your best possible package
This applies to bands, small ensembles, and solo entertainers. Often artists
get turned down, not because they are bad entertainers, but because they
didn't supply a package that's appealing, that can be viewed quickly and
that presents exactly what was asked for in the beginning. Often this
happens because the artist already has some demo laying around that could
kind of qualify but not really, and instead of modifying it or recording a
new one that fits the specifications, they send it in anyway.
Usually, demo packages include the recording itself, which should present
the exact repertoire you're planning to play on the gig, a short resume of
each member, and a list of your repertoire.
You won't impress people with fancy DVD animations or 12-page resumes, but
rather with short examples of the repertoire that's asked of you, played
with energy and skill.
5. Try to impress with your playing, not with your resume
I would say 7 people out of 10 probably fall under this category. Simply
put, a masters degree from the best school in the country won't get you a
gig if you can't play, yet all too often do people try to sway the decision
in their favor by mailing in overly long resumes stating all the famous
people they've played with. You're doing yourself a disservice if you hype
yourself up with your resume and you can't back it up later during the
audition.
6. If you fail, accept the criticism and use it to prepare better for your
next audition
All the practicing in the world may sometimes not be enough to pass an
audition. If that's the case, accept the reasons that you're given by the
jury, and go home and practice those specific things. If they aren't
forthcoming with specific reasons, ask questions. I think it's only fair
that a jury tells you what your weaknesses are if they turn you down.
I'll spare you the details of all the things we've heard from people that
have been rejected. Just watch "American Idol", and you'll get a good idea
of what we go through sometimes.
7. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
This step ties in with step #3. Keep in mind that the ideal candidate for a
job is not always the best musician. Other qualities like, honesty, work
ethic, respect for others and inter-communication skills, amongst others are
qualities that you're being judged on. Weaknesses you've been trying to hide
prior to the audition will come out during the audition and will speak
volumes about your character. Would you hire a dishonest person?
Those are my "7 Steps to a successful audition". I hope that some of you
will find this information helpful. Please visit my website for more
information on the subject of "Music on Cruise Ships". Contact me if you
have questions or if you'd like to audition.
Good luck
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