How to Prepare for a Singing Audition
The vocal audition process can be a nerve-racking experience, even for famous singers who have already auditioned countless times.
Due to this stress, it is easy for some best practices to slip through the cracks.
That is why we are here to give you the best tips and mindset to tackle your vocal audition and ensure that it is a success.
Being properly prepared can make a world of difference in how smoothly your audition experience goes.
So, let's get into it.
Table of Contents:
- Sing Something that Compliments Your Voice
- Maintain a Healthy Singing Voice
- Know the Auditions Requirements
- Believe in Yourself
- Engage Your Audience
- Dress Appropriately
- Thank the Judges for Their Time
- Bonus: 4 Virtual Audition Tips
Sing Something that Compliments Your Voice
During your actual audition, you need to sing a song that you know and are comfortable with.
You should not pick audition material that is an experimental piece or something new song.
Instead, choose an audition piece you’re well-versed in singing. Also, make sure it's well within your range.
Now, that doesn't mean you should pick an easy song.
You still want to highlight your talents and vocal performance to wow the judges.
Just don't set yourself up for potential failure.
Maintain a Healthy Singing Voice
As a vocalist, your voice is your instrument.
Musicians take care of their instruments by keeping them in cases and undergoing routine maintenance.
You need to apply the same principles to your vocal cords.
Remember to take care of your instrument, or it won’t work properly.
You should even consider what foods and drinks to consume before singing.
Some things you can do to keep your voice healthy are deep breathing vocal exercises, drink plenty of water, sing from your diaphragm, and incorporate vocal relaxation techniques.
Know the Audition Requirements
Before you worry about anything else, you have to know detailed information about what to expect on audition day.
What talents and vibe are the audition panel looking for? What is the next step after the audition performance? Should you have two songs prepared or one?
These are questions you should be able to answer.
It's critical that you understand the objectives of the musical audition and what purpose it serves in the greater scheme.
Do they emphasize the musical skills, vocal, singing skills, styles, or the characteristics and the individual voice of the singer?
If you're not sure, it won't hurt to reach out.
Asking ahead of time does not make you look bad. Rather, it gives you more time to accurately prepare for the audition performance.
Believe in Yourself
It's kind of cliché, but if you don't believe in yourself, who will?
You have to believe in yourself and your vocal skills.
This self-confidence and positive affirmations should be constant and acquired through intensive practice and preparation.
The music industry will eat you up if you don't believe in yourself. Doing your best will provide you with the confidence that you need.
This is the "it" factor. Move on the stage like you own it.
Captivating body language and appropriate facial expressions can elevate your stage presence and will mean a lot to your success.
Engage Your Audience
When you get to your audition space, be your natural self. Let your personality come out.
To leave a positive impression you won't try to be someone you aren't, but you don't want to appear robotic and boring.
Before you start singing, you want to capture and keep the judge’s attention in a friendly and respectful way.
Once you are ready to audition, the judges have probably already seen countless performers, so you need to do something to wake them up.
The easiest thing to do is smile and make eye contact with each judge. Utilize your space and let yourself feel the music while performing your audition piece.
The best type of singing is passionate singing. If you care about what you're singing and want to make a lasting impression, passion is the way to go.
A simple way to do this is to think about the lyrics and what emotion the songwriter intended to elicit.
Just be careful not to overdo it or get cocky. Always stay professional and respectful the entire time while having fun.
Dress Appropriately
Always be sure your attire is in synergy with your song and the type of audition you are participating in.
Don't wear hard rock attire if you're singing a ballad.
Sometimes, flashy colors may be disadvantageous to you, depending on your performance. Other times, they are just what you need.
Basically, what we are saying is to use discretion and fully understand the audition requirements, as we mentioned above.
More often than not, you want the judges to remember your performance, not your clothes. After all, it is a singing audition, not a fashion show.
Base your attire on what you're auditioning for, and if you aren't sure what to wear, soft colors are best.
If there's an established and preferred dress code, follow it. Don't try to stand out by breaking the rules.
Thank the Judges for Their Time
Part of leaving a good impression on judges is thanking them for their time.
Be sure you're remembered as someone who is friendly, appreciates the opportunity, and is easy to work with.
Kindness and gratitude will get you far and help you stick out in a crowd.
And if you're lucky enough to get constructive criticism on the spot, make sure to put your ego to the side and consider their suggestions.
Bonus: 4 Virtual Audition Tips
We live in a day and age where if something can shift to a virtual space, it likely will. Vocal auditions are certainly no exception.
If you're interested in a vocal competition or a music school and need to submit a vocal recording as your audition, follow the tips below.
1. Audio Quality
You don't need your recording to be in a professionally sound-treated room but try to eliminate outside noise and distractions as much as possible.
The last thing you want to do is submit a video where you can hear a fire truck siren or a loud dog barking in the background.
2. Make Sure You're Framed Well
Your vocal techniques won't matter much if your head is out of the frame.
If the camera is too close or far away, your performance will feel cramped or distant.
Set up your camera so that everyone watching can see your face. If you are also playing an instrument, make sure it's also in the shot.
Do a few quick trials and take a look at the framing before you commit to recording a full performance with your current setup.
It's better to spend a little time upfront perfecting your shot than nailing a great audition only to realize that the top of your head was out of frame the entire time.
3. Consider Your Lighting
When filming your audition, the first thing you need to think about is your lighting.
The judges and the audience need to see you clearly. If you can, take advantage of any natural light you have.
If you don't have any natural light, LED ring lights are available at most big box stores now.
These lights are cheap, and if you’re going to be regularly recording your performances and uploading them online, they add a professional quality to your videos.
4. Use a Good Backdrop
Your choice of backdrop is entirely up to you, but think of it as a way to market yourself as a performer and express your personality.
Some singers put music-related objects behind them or a string of lights on the wall to make it seem like an event.
You can also decorate according to the event, school, competition, or musical you are auditioning for.
Look into the audition songs and see if you get any ideas from the lyrics.
Little things like that can really help you stand out. Try to avoid a messy background or recording in a random room like your bathroom.
Start Your Career at an Accredited Music College
When it comes to a successful audition, all of the above are important.
Remember, practice makes perfect.
So if you have a few bad auditions, don't let them discourage you. It's just preparation for future auditions.
Are you looking to get a competitive edge?
Do you want to learn the best singing techniques and how to improve your vocal abilities?
Do you want to receive hands-on vocal education from industry-leading instructors?
If so, you need to check out the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media.
AIMM offers two exceptional singing programs, including:
- Music and Technology Associate Degree: Voice Concentration (if you have any interest in learning how to track, mix, and master music - this is ABSOLUTELY the program for you)
- Performance Certificate in Vocals
These programs are guaranteed to elevate your singing skills and help you stand out from the crowd. Not to mention all of the networking opportunities and industry connections you'll make.
Put yourself in an immersive music atmosphere where music and singing will always be your number one focus.
If you're a passionate vocalist and this opportunity sounds amazing to you, click below to discover how AIMM can benefit your singing career today.
