Nail your audition with these 5 essential tips

Auditions can be nerve-wracking for a variety of reasons. Not only are you expected to fully convey your full range of musicality and skill set within a very short period of time. Whether you nail the audition could also determine your career and income for the coming months or years.

With such a high level of pressure and stakes, it can be easy to get overwhelmed or make mistakes. To help you with this, we compiled some helpful tips to ensure you to nail your audition and get the gig of your dreams.

Always do your homework first

For most auditions, you will typically be given a basic list of songs and/or techniques that you will need to perform. Therefore, make sure that you know these like the back of your hand. Being completely fluent with the material will, in turn, make you stand out amongst other unprepared musicians. Additionally, one thing you should try to do is memorize and familiarize yourself with the different song sections. For instance, starting from bar 15 or any other section the auditioner requests will undoubtedly impress them.

Ultimately, this approach will go a long way towards helping you nail the audition. Here is a simple test: if you cannot visualize and hear yourself playing through the entire song in your head, then you do not know the song well enough.

Add your own unique touch to the music

Auditioners want musicians who can competently play the source material. However, it's crucial not to be a carbon copy. No one wants to see an imitation on stage. Instead, to nail your audition, inject some of your own flair and creativity into the parts that you will be playing. Add some small drum fills, guitar licks, etc., that are unique to your playing style, depending on your instrument. Be careful not to go too overboard. Ultimately, the song should remain recognizable to the artist's fans.

Practice with the backing track but also practice solo

You will sometimes receive a backing track (for example, a drumless track if you are a drummer) to practice along to. While it's important to practice with the backing track, also rehearse the entire piece using only your instrument. Auditioners often request a solo performance to check that your playing is solid and unmasked by other instruments. This is crucial if you want to nail the audition.

Be enthusiastic about the music

Auditions aren’t just a job interview; instead, they are a chance for you to meet the other musicians you will be working with. Furthermore, you may even be spending the next portion of your life with these people. Therefore, it is important that you come across as a pleasant and easy-to-work-with individual who will be a positive addition to the dynamic of the group. If you are liked by everyone else, it is much more probable that you will nail your audition.

Arrive early

Musicians have a reputation for being late to everything. Make sure that you do not do this on audition day. Not only will it create a bad first impression, but it also means less time for you to set up and tune your instrument. This will impact any other pre-audition routines that will help you nail the audition and perform your best.

These 5 tips should get you ready for any audition. Remember to take a deep breath and focus on the music instead of your nerves. Happy practicing and you'll definitely nail your audition!