As a singer, you are invariably going to have to undertake the grim old task of auditioning before you can secure any work doing what you love, or, grab that position fronting the dream band! Auditions just come with the territory, and, whilst it is stressful when you get on the road to earning a living and turning a hobby into a career it will also be the most rewarding thing you can imagine!
Now, not everyone has the audition process down pat... so, I thought I would put a few key pointers together to help you out and take you beyond just the singing lessons... that's how good I am to you :) So, here goes:
i) Arrive for the Audition prepared!
As obvious as this sounds I bet you would be amazingly surprised by how many auditionees just don't think about the little things... that can potentially and ultimately make HUGE difference! Treat the audition like an interview. Research the band or company you are auditioning for. Find out about the role (how many times have we seen it on X-Factor where the singer doesn't even know who half the judging panel is! Very embarrassing!!). It's all very well knowing your audition piece inside out and back to front, but if it doesn't relate to the applied for role/position then it's a waste of time. Be able to chat about what they do and things you like about that they are doing. After all you went along to the audition because you liked what they are doing, right? If not, then save yourself the bus fare :)
ii) Be Aware of what is Expected from you and what you’re Committing To!
Be prepared to put in the hours... many of which may be upaid. Check to see how often you will be required for rehearsals, etc. Some productions will require a lot more time than you think.There's nothing worse than overselling and under delivering. And, if you start to become unrelaible because you have bitten off more than you can chew, or, expected to be doing less, you will quickly gain a reputation as unreliable, which in turn will quite possibly affect future potential roles. So, when you accept a position / role, be ready to put in the hours to memorise lines, learn songs, and put in several hours of rehearsal time that are necessary to make the your performance the best it can be!
iii) Challenging yourself
It's easy to fall into the repetition of performing auditions and audition pieces that aren't stretching you anymore or helping increase your vocal ability. Sometimes trying something different can be the next step to finding a new inspiration for your singing and show you new techniques to help you improve for other auditions. Push yourself to try new things, perhaps this means you get a vocal coach to help you expand your abilities, or maybe it just means you spend a little extra time singing in other genres you are not as comfortable in to help you improve.
A lot of people will be able to turn up and sing the songs OK, but make sure you keep asking yourself, how can I make my audition better. If you are consistently going out of your way to improve your voice and your repertoire, you are headed in the right direction and will be getting yourself noticed for all the right reasons.
And, that's your lot! Hope that helps and provides some food for thought. In fact, talking of food.......
TTFN
Good tips, also worth remembering to arrive in plenty of time as well :) Or, at the very least on time!
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