In this article, I offer tips for musicians attending auditions, emphasizing the importance of being oneself and giving it their all. It suggests focusing on playability, charisma, and presence, being spontaneous, and not trying to impress too much. The article also highlights the importance of dedication, determination, and connections in the music industry. I also share my personal experience of breaking into the industry, including the challenges and opportunities I faced.
Are you ready? So grab a cup of coffee and let’s go.
As a musician, I know how nerve-wracking it can be to attend an important audition, especially when it’s your dream job. However, I’ve learned over the years that being yourself is the key to success in any audition. No matter what kind of audition you may face, remember that you are unique and special, and there’s no need to try to be somebody else.
First and foremost, always do your very best and give it your all. If this job is meant for you, you will get it no matter what. Keep in mind that in many cases, the best musician in the world won’t get the gig because it’s more than just how well you play. Playability, charisma, and presence are all important factors that come into play during an audition. So don’t just focus on your technical abilities, but also on how you present yourself as a musician.
Another important tip is to be spontaneous. The more spontaneous you are, the less likely you’ll be to get nervous and maybe fail. Don’t be intimidated by other great musicians you may end up seeing during your audition because what really matters is you. Remember that less is more, and don’t try to show how good you are by playing several notes, etc.
I’ve seen top musicians lose the audition because they couldn’t play what they were asked for or what was expected of them. If you’re asked to do something specific, then do it. Otherwise, don’t try to impress too much because it may hurt you in the end.
Even if you don’t get that audition, it will help you in the future by giving you more experience. And who knows, sometimes you may receive a call in the future when the time is right. Dedication and determination are key to becoming a successful musician, and attending auditions is just one step in the journey.
Finally, finding auditions is all about connections and communication. You could be referred to an artist by a friend or music tutor, or you can try to find information online. Some websites may help connect you with an artist or their management looking for musicians, so it’s worth checking them out. Just be careful when choosing websites, and do your research before applying.
In conclusion, attending an audition can be a nerve-wracking experience, but if you remember to be yourself, give it your all, and stay spontaneous, you’ll have a better chance of success. And if it doesn’t work out this time, remember that every audition is a learning experience that will help you in the future. Keep practicing, stay dedicated, and keep chasing your dreams!
Breaking into any creative industry can be challenging, and the music industry is no exception. When starting out as a bass player, I played countless small gigs where I would make little money, sometimes even paying to play. However, one particular gig helped me to gain valuable experience and learn songs on the spot. It was a live karaoke gig where a band, consisting of myself and three others, played alongside the audience as they sang their favorite songs. We had to play any song the audience chose, even if it wasn’t on our list. Despite the low pay, this gig provided me with an opportunity to hone my skills and learn new songs quickly.
However, the pressure to find a more stable job from my family began to weigh heavily on me. I felt desperate, considering even moving to another country to find work. I lost hope, even losing my phone with all of my contacts. I prayed for a sign, but it seemed like nothing was happening.
Then, one day, I decided to check my old voicemail one last time. To my surprise, I had a message from an old friend who had become a music manager for a new artist hired by Sony Music Entertainment. He had been trying to reach me for a while, but no one had my new number. He invited me to audition for the artist and handed me a CD with the full rehearsal, as the previous bassist had left or been fired. It was a lot of information to learn, but I spent the entire night and morning learning it all. The artist would have a concert in a week, so my initial role would be to fill in for the former bass player in that concert. Despite only having three rehearsals and the uncertainty if I would be a permanent member of the band, I gave it my all. I impressed the artist and was offered a permanent position as the bassist. I stayed with the artist for the next five years, touring big concerts and meeting amazing people.