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I want to highlight the accomplishments of three of my singers in high school: Emma G., Craig S., and Zach B. Last Saturday, both Emma and Craig made an All-State Choir and Zach came in as a first alternate. This is an incredible achievement. The All-State singers are the "best of the best" from area high school choirs, and every vocalist that makes a State choir is a great musician.
I call the All-State process the Olympics of Singing because the length of the process is similar to the Olympics. Like most Olympian athletes, All-State singers start preparing for this one audition months in advance (the three singers I've listed have taken year-round voice lessons since their freshman year). They have spent evenings after school in rehearsals trying to master every millisecond of the music. And at the end, they get one chance to show their talent. All that hard work is boiled down to a four minute audition, and just like the Olympics, a small, seemingly insignificant mistake can cost you a medal. And cruelly, a huge element of luck plays a role: judging singers is very subjective, and you have no control over who hears you and whether they like your voice. That these singers made it through four auditions, ranking in the top of their voice type along their way is a testament to these singers' stamina, musicality and fortitude. It is an achievement and experience they will never forget, and the lessons they learned from the process will serve them through their lives, regardless of whether they go into music as a career or not A great singer doesn't just learn how to sing pitches correctly. If that is all I do a voice teacher, than I have failed my student. A great singer learns many skills, all of which translate into any career field. The ability to work well with others; to be musical and communicate well, an incredible work-ethic and single-minded focus on a goal, and a willingness to accept and learn from tough criticism. Later in the month, Craig will start his college audition tour. Emma and Zach are both sophomores (!) who have two more years to impress choir directors across Texas with their beautiful voices and musicals. And I've got several more fine young singers who I am confident will be joining them in All-State next year. It's a good day to be a voice teacher! DWS Everyone knows how important a first impression is, and how difficult it is to overcome a bad one. The same rule follows for singing competitions and auditions; most panelists know within fifteen seconds if they will seriously consider you for a role or entrance into their music school. It doesn't seem fair; you work for years to develop an amazing voice and people judge you based on the first page of music you sing! But there are ways to take advantage of how panelists subconsciously think to give yourself a little leg-up.
1) Always, ALWAYS sing your best song first. Don't overthink it. Don't try to be clever and pick one song because you heard a certain panelist likes/hates a certain composer or show...do what you do best because that may be the only chance you get. This is especially important for music school auditions, in which you may sing one song. That doesn't mean you can't tailor your first choice selection to a specific audition. If you are auditioning for a comedic role, a funny up-tempo number would probably help. But if you sing the pants off of that dramatic song, go for it. Remember - don't overthink it. Make a good impression first, THEN worry about the callback and show the director why you are perfect for their production. 2) Dress to Impress. Our culture has gotten more and more casual, but don't show up in jeans and a shirt for your audition. Unless you are auditioning for your high school musical after school, this is a JOB INTERVIEW. Not only will you look good for the judges, but the added self-confidence from feeling good about your appearance will probably enhance your singing. 3) If you are submitting a taped audition, please review the recording to check on the camera angle, lighting and overall physical demeanor. The last thing you want is a recorded audition in which you are lopsided or lighting makes you look pale. 4) Practice Your Introduction. The first words you speak (My name is so-and-so, and I will singing...) should be practiced so that you display confidence and you do not stumble over words. Why would you practice a song for months only to have it ruined by a poor introduction? 5) Practice Your Acting, especially your entrance. Most audition songs will start with a piano introduction before the vocal line enters. Instead of standing around awkwardly for your entrance (and believe me, nothing kills an audition more than awkwardness), have some sort of acting bit that sets the mood for your song. Are you worried, sad, ecstatic etc...? Show that off physically before you do it vocally! DWS |
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