Auditions

As musicians, we are some of the only people in the world (actors also come to mind) who gain employment based on very short "interviews". Anyone who has gone through music school will know what a psychological trip the audition process is. In my life, I have taken about 10 auditions, mostly for regional employment, and have been a nervous wreck for every single one. Since this past May, I have applied for 4, been invited to participate in some capacity for all of them, and not won a single one.

Preparing for an audition can be a scary, daunting task. In the back of my mind, I always have that little speck of doubt that says "There are going to be hundreds of people who have practiced these more, play these better, perform better under pressure than you". It has taken me a while to realize that none of the people that will show up at the audition will play like me. I've done live auditions and submitted CDs which I have been very proud of, but didn't make it through to subsequent rounds. What to make of all this?

When taking an audition, I think it is key to remember that the committee listening to you has a very specific idea of what they are looking for. In this respect, I think 2nd bassoon auditions (or any 2nd audition, really) are the most terrifying because you have to be the kind of sound that blends with the whole woodwind section and makes the principal shine. So, prepare your excerpts and your concerto. Do only what you can. At the end of the day, my experience and the experience of my colleagues has shown me that it is really about 80% sound and 20% technique that committees look for. It is an ever increasingly competitive market out there--but represent you to the fullest. It's all you can do.