Tomorrow I am heading up to Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY to audition for their classical music program. It is my first of a tour of auditions I will be completing from now until March. Since it is my first audition I didn't exactly know what to expect, so I did some research. Auditions are so unpredictable, that should basically be the mantra for all people auditioning. I once read an article in Opera News, one opera's most famous and popular magazines about auditioning from the perspective of the auditioner. I think that is a very good point of view to take into consideration, and it also provides a rare look at what the person behind the table is thinking. Let's face it, how often do we actually get to talk to the person we are auditioning for? If we want information, we are most likely going to get it from someone in a similar situation ie: another person auditioning. This article stressed a couple of key things: what you sing, how you look, and how you act.
1. What you Sing: this is crucial because you must pick repertoire that is suitable for you. Do not try and show off by singing something that is beyond your ability. Pick music that highlights your strengths and downplays your weaknesses but that is not over your head. Choosing the right cocktail of songs and arias is critical to success in an audition.
2. How you Look: how you look is actually crucial. Think about it, it's like you are applying for a job. Therefore, one must appear professional. Just like with the music you chose, the outfit is also very important. You must accentuate the good parts of your body, but by no means should you appear too sexy or dare I say it vulgar. Women's dresses should be to her knee at least, definitely no shorter, and they should also not be too low cut. No one will take you seriously dressed like that. Now, if you are auditioning for the role of a seductress, maybe highlight your assets and look sensual without looking vulgar. Also, neutral dark tones are ideal. Black is fine as well as dark greys, blues, deep reds etc. Your hair must be pulled back from your face. Minimal jewelry, nothing too showy or distracting. And natural makeup to again highlight your best features. You have to be a car salesman selling yourself, but keep it tasteful of course.
3. How you Act: this is incredibly important as well, because you really never know who is watching or listening. Being rude to someone you think is insignificant could definitely get back to the audition committee. No one wants to hire a diva, so be courteous and kind to everyone you meet, including your fellow singers vying for a part. I heard once of a directer going out with the other people auditioning pretending to audition himself to see their attitudes towards him, each other, and everyone helping in the audition process. When in front of the panel, be yourself. Don't be too nice or too cheery, they will know you are faking it. Also, don't get cocky. Stay humble and centered during the entire audition process.
I also found another blog called the College Audition Blog, which definitely peaked my interest seeing as I am about to begin this long grueling but ultimately critical process. This one post featured incredibly famous opera singer Anna Ntrebko. Since she is one of the most famous opera singers in the world currently, this article focuses on how that exactly happened for her.
1. Bachelor's Degree
2. Graduate School
3. A. Performance Certificate/ Artist program
B. Doctorate
C. Audition for YAP
4. The Young Artist Programs:
A. pay-to sing
B. non-union YAP
C. Union YAP
5. Competitions
6. YAP to small roles
7. small roles to Agent
8. full career
That is the most perfect bare broken down list of how an opera career happens. However, each career would be different to dissect. As I have researched different opera singers this year, since many of them did rise to fame and did have full blossoming careers, in many ways, their career paths did resemble that list. Of course there is adversity hidden in between each number, and even people who seamlessly rise to the top face some challenges along the way: it may be racism, it may be over exposure, it may be confidence.
This path reminded me a lot of Janai Brugger's current path; she was very lucky to rise to the top so easily. She did everything right, and things just did seem to fall in line for her, which is amazing. However, we must all remember this is what the ideal looks like, not necessarily a reality. For example, my voice teacher Maggie had a completely different career trajectory. I will post more about her story later, but it helped remind me sometimes where we want to go isn't where we are meant to go.
So as I fly up to Rochester I will be thinking of all of these things. I will try to keep in mind it's not always easy, everyone's not always going to like me, but to be kind, have fun, and be myself at all costs. This is just the first step of many on hopefully a long path. Wish me luck!
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