If your goal – like many a musician – is to go professional and join a symphony orchestra, there’s one thing you’ll need to perfect: an outstanding audition. The journey from the practice room to the performance hall is paved with dedication, skill, and some performance-based prep, too. Knowing how to prepare for an orchestra audition can make all the difference in finally landing your chair – whether you’re a violinist, violist, or cellist.
Here’s your ultimate guide to mastering the audition process and stepping onto the stage with confidence.
The Basics: How to Prepare for An Orchestra Audition
No matter how skilled you are, you’ll need to prepare to audition to achieve your goal. The competition is fierce, but you can set yourself apart with the right preparation.
1. Select Your Orchestra Audition Pieces
Wondering how to audition for an orchestra? One of the most important aspects of preparation is selecting the right audition pieces. Your repertoire should showcase both technical precision and musical expression. However, many orchestras require standard excerpts. Brush up on the pieces you’ll be expected to know, which is likely determined by your instrument.
Familiarize yourself with the pieces by listening to recordings of professional symphony orchestras – and, if possible, recordings of the orchestra you hope to join! Your listening sessions can give you important insight into phrasing, tempo, and interpretation – in turn, helping you refine your performance.
2. Brush Up on Your Basics
To maximize your chances of winning an audition, go back to the basics. Focus on elements like dynamics, bow control, and intonation. If possible, consult a teacher or mentor who can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your technique – and inform your selection and interpretation if you do get to choose your own audition piece.
3. Demonstrate Your Dedication: Practice, Practice, Practice!
It’s one of the only orchestra audition tips that can’t be overstated. You’ve got to practice! Preparing for an orchestra audition requires serious devotion – and preparing for your audition could require several hours a day of focused commitment. Remember: simply playing through your pieces isn’t enough.
Instead, run the gamut. Focus on deliberate and slow repetitions during practice sessions to help build muscle memory and accuracy. From there, simulate actual audition conditions during your practice sessions. These mock auditions – meaning playing straight through, full out – will prepare you mentally and physically for the audition experience.
Recording yourself is a great way to analyze any weaknesses in technique, allowing you to make targeted improvements. Remember: the more you familiarize yourself with the audition process, the more confident you’ll feel when the moment arrives.
Beyond the Music: 4 Pre-Orchestra Audition Tips
Preparation extends beyond practicing your music. The days leading up to your audition require strategic mental and physical preparation to ensure peak performance.
1. Commit to a Confident Mindset
Confidence is a crucial aspect of a successful audition. Confidence is about more than stage presence – it’s also a crucial component of feeling your best. Visualizing success can be a powerful tool in moments of doubt or performance anxiety.
One of the most straightforward orchestra tips? Make a habit of imagining yourself performing flawlessly, impressing the audition committee, and securing your place in the orchestra. Deep breathing exercises can help control nerves leading up to your audition and on the day of, and maintaining a positive mindset will reinforce your belief in your abilities.
2. Prep Physically
Long hours of practice and nerves can bring their wear and tear. To take care of your body, ensure you get plenty of rest, eat and drink, and take breaks to stretch to remain limber and ready to perform.
In other words, don’t exhaust yourself during practice! A little self-care can go a long way and ensure you show up refreshed and ready to perform.
3. Dress the Part: Know What to Wear to an Orchestra Audition
First impressions matter, and while your outfit won’t determine the outcome, dressing professionally conveys confidence and respect for the process. Traditional orchestra etiquette suggests wearing all black for a polished and classic look.
For men, wearing a suit can also be a suitable option, depending on the dress code. Keep accessories minimal and opt for comfort. Your attire should allow for ease of movement while maintaining an elegant and professional appearance.
4. Invest in the Right Tools
Ensure you’ve got your instrument, bow, and any accessories you need to care for it (rosin!). Remember: your bow is your voice, and having the right one can significantly impact your performance.
Preparing for Orchestra Audition Day: Your Moment to Shine
The day of your audition has arrived, and it’s time to put your preparation into action. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind for the day of your audition!
1. Avoid Overplaying
Yes – practice is important. However, you’ll want to reserve your energy for your audition! Now is the time to trust in yourself and to know that your preparation will pay off. Instead of running your piece countless times in the hours ahead, take it easy. On the day of your orchestra audition, stick to a light warm-up to prevent fatigue and keep your hands relaxed.
2. Arrive Early
Arriving early allows you to check in, find the warm-up rooms, and get comfortable in the space.
Punctuality isn’t just about being professional. If there’s one surefire way to add stress to your audition, it’s arriving late! In many cases, you will have an audition slot. Plan to arrive an hour to thirty minutes prior. Be sure to plan for potential traffic, weather, or other delays when determining your arrival time, and allow for plenty of padding.
3. Practice a Little Self Care
In order to perform your best, you need to feel your best. Make a point of staying hydrated. If you find that caffeine makes you sweat or shake, be sure to limit yourself. And don’t forget: practicing deep breathing, journaling, visualization, or another pre-performance ritual can help keep stage fright in check.
4. Take Your Moment to Shine Bright
Once you step into the audition room, take a moment to center yourself. A deep breath before you begin can set the tone for a confident performance and ensure you have a strong stage presence.
During your performance, trust in your muscle memory. Focus on playing the notes correctly while bringing out the piece’s emotion, dynamics, and phrasing. Playing as if you are already part of the orchestra can make a compelling impression on the personnel manager and audition committee. Confidence and musicality are just as important as technical skill!
After the Audition: The Next Steps
Whether you are admitted to the orchestra or gain valuable experience, every audition is a stepping stone.
If you are selected, congratulations! If not, use the feedback to refine your playing and keep pushing forward. The audition process is a journey, and persistence is key to achieving success. Remember: the competition is stiff, but you always have the capability to improve and achieve your goals.
Ready to Make Your Mark? Get Audition-Ready with CodaBow
Having the right equipment is crucial to any successful audition. Ensure you have what you need to play at your best — a great bow.
Elevate your performance with CodaBow’s premium violin, viola, and cello bow collections. Whether auditioning or performing, our innovative carbon fiber bows provide the control and expression you need to captivate an audience. It’s easier than ever to find your perfect fit when you craft your own custom bow with our Chroma collection.
Request an at-home trial today and take the next step toward your standing ovation!
Stay Connected