Teaching Moment: Preparing for Audition Day

Objective: How to create a plan to maintain unwavering resolve and confidence in the face of nerves and challenges on audition day. This plan must emphasize the importance of preparation, determination, and visualization in navigating audition day successfully.

Assignment:

Your audition day is five weeks away: write a weekly plan for preparation for each of these five weeks as well as for the day of the audition. Then write a text to yourself that you will read just before you enter the audition room.

Example:

Weekly Preparation Plan:

Week 1:
· Focus on repertoire selection. Choose pieces that showcase your strengths and abilities.
· Begin daily practice sessions, focusing on technical exercises and polishing difficult passages.
· Research the audition venue and familiarize yourself with the campus layout.

Week 2:
· Refine musical interpretation and expression in your chosen pieces.
· Schedule a rehearsal session with your accompanist to ensure synchronization.
· Practice audition etiquette, including bowing and introductions.

Week 3:
· Continue daily practice sessions, paying attention to dynamics and phrasing.
· Record mock auditions to simulate performance conditions and identify areas for improvement.
· Review and finalize paperwork required for the audition day.

Week 4:
· Fine-tune performances through consistent practice and feedback from mentors or peers.
· Focus on mental preparation techniques such as visualization and positive affirmations.
· Confirm logistical details such as transportation and accommodation for audition day.

Week 5 (Audition Week):
· Maintain regular practice routines but prioritize rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.
· Attend a dress rehearsal with your accompanist to ensure seamless performance.
· Pack audition essentials, including sheet music, water, and any required paperwork.

Audition Day:
· Arrive on campus early to allow time for warm-up and familiarization with the venue.
· Review your preparation and remind yourself of your hard work and dedication.
· Take deep breaths to calm nerves and focus on the task at hand.

Text to Myself:

"Dear [Your Name],

As you stand on the threshold of this audition room, remember the journey that brought you here. You've poured your heart and soul into your music, and today is your chance to shine. Trust in your preparation, embrace the music within you, and let your passion guide you. You are ready for this moment, and you have everything it takes to succeed. Walk into that room with confidence, knowing that you are capable of greatness. Believe in yourself, your music teachers believe in you, your family believes in you, this audition panel is soon going to believe in you: In fact, the world will believe in you too.

With love and determination,
[Your Name]"

Navigating Audition Day: Crafting Your Path to Success

From _____________(Music Teacher’s Name )to ____________(Name of School)Music Student’s Parents

I still remember my own college audition day—how the early morning air felt electric, and how my heart pounded as I walked into the performance hall. Those nerves were real, but so was my determination. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that this intense blend of anticipation and excitement is a universal experience for every musician on audition day.

I’ve seen that same mixture of hope and jitters in our students. Each time they step on stage, they carry weeks—often months—of practice, passion, and preparation. As parents, you play a crucial role in helping them harness those nerves and transform them into a powerful performance. That’s why I’m excited to share a new article at Accoladi.com titled Navigating Audition Day: Crafting Your Path to Success. This piece delves deeper into the strategies and mindset that can make all the difference when it’s time to audition.

Below is a quick glimpse of what you’ll find in this article, along with an assignment to help your child prepare:

Five-Week Preparation Plan

Week 1

• Repertoire Selection: Help your child choose pieces that truly highlight their strengths.
• Daily Practice Routine: Encourage them to set aside consistent practice time, especially focusing on challenging sections.

Week 2

• Musical Refinement & Accompanist Rehearsal: Have your child deepen their interpretation of each piece and schedule a session with an accompanist.
• Positive Reinforcement: Share supportive words after each session to boost confidence.

Week 3

• Mock Audition: Invite a small group of friends to act as a judging panel and record the performance for private review.
• Paperwork & Requirements: Confirm all audition forms are complete and review guidelines together.

Week 4

• Peer/Teacher Feedback: Encourage performance for music-savvy friends or teachers with feedback on dynamics and phrasing.
• Positive Affirmations: Create a list of encouraging statements and have your child memorize at least two.

Week 5

• Balanced Practice & Rest: Encourage rest and discourage over-practicing.
• Deep Breathing & Encouragement: Emphasize calm, confidence, and reassurance.

On Audition Day

• Arrive Early: Allow time to warm up and mentally prepare.
• Deep Breathing & Encouragement: Reassure them of their preparation and pride in their journey.

Prepared Text

Write your child a short note they can read before stepping into the audition room:

Dear ___________ (Child’s Name),

Somehow from the first day you started music I knew this day would come. I’ve watched you grow through every ensemble, every practice session, and every All-State audition, and each step has shaped you into the strong, courageous, and passionate person you are today. The music friends you’ve made along the way have also been part of this incredible journey, helping you become the performer standing outside that audition room right now. As you walk in, know that the panel will be moved by your presence and your talent. Your family is bursting with pride—take a deep breath, smile, and trust in all the hard work you’ve put in. You’ve got this!

This is a text from me that maybe you can share as the day starts:

Dear ___________ (Student’s Name),

From the moment you first walked into my classroom, I knew you had that special spark—true star quality. Today is your day to shine: You’re prepared, so stand tall, speak with authority, and perform with passion. Yes, create the kind of musical moments in your audition that they’ll remember for years to come. Everyone in __________________[Ensemble Name] is cheering you on in spirit, and so am I. Now go and make this day count!

___________________ (Director’s Name)

Parent-Child Discussion

The following is a discussion point that you may want to bring up when picking your child up from an after-school rehearsal, while sharing a large order of McDonald’s fries, or after your favorite TV program:

Topic: Turning Nerves into Positive Energy

• Talk with your child about how nerves can be a sign of caring deeply about something.
• Brainstorm simple breathing or visualization techniques they can use when the jitters strike. (This could create some funny family moments.)

I encourage you to visit Accoladi.com to read the full article. There, you’ll find additional insights on maintaining resolve, practical tips for day-of preparation, and even more personal anecdotes to help guide your family through this exciting milestone. Whether your child is preparing for their very first audition or they’re a seasoned performer, this article will help them feel ready to step onto the stage with confidence.

Let’s work together to ensure your child walks away from their audition day with their heads held high and hearts full of pride—just as I did all those years ago. If you have any questions or need extra support, I’m here to help.

Warmly,
______________________ [Your Name]
Music Teacher and Proud Audition Veteran