I am trying to get into a school of music. Any tips on how to prepare and really do well on the audition?

Question

I just really want to show my skills because I am banking on this audition. This adds pressure and nervousness.

Answer 1

Practice, and don't think about the fact that you're banking (which will take away all pressure and some nervousness). Just go into it without that thought and do your best. :-)

Answer 2

My audition included some skills assessments.

We had to;

1. sight read at the piano & harmonize, then transpose the whole thing up one or two keys.

2. pass an ear training assessment (in this case the professor just walked in and had us sing the star spangled banner. He then gave us ten minutes to transcribe just the melody onto a 4 part staff. Then he played a recording of a brass quartet playing the piece and had us transcribe the bass part.We were given extra consideration if we could fill in the 2 inside parts in the time allowed.

3. pass a theory exam (for placement in theory class)

4. finally we got to actually play our audition!

all major & minor scales (including harmonic & melodic) at a fairly quick tempo. play our prepared piece, then sight read 2 excerpts.

5. the panel then asked a few questions like "who have you studied with"? & "what is in your repertoire"?

Really knowing your stuff & being relaxed and confident will get you far.

I suggest you call U of M and ask if there is a packet of what they require.

GOOD LUCK,.....or break a leg!

Answer 3

I was just visiting a university music program with my son this morning.  They handed us an audition sheet that listed everything that would be expected in audition from each type of music major (voice, strings, keyboards, winds, percussion), and in most cases it gave the title of the book that contained acceptable audition pieces.

So contact any music school and ask for theirs.

Answer 4

Definitely check out

www.getintomusicschool.com

Professor O'Kaine (the owner of the site) knows exactly how to prep a student to get into music school!

Answer 5

Is this a college audition you are talking about?  All the requirements are on their websites.  And your PRIVATE TEACHER should be the greatest source of assistance.  If you do NOT have a private teacher - you are behind EVERYONE else who does.  

ADDED - so - you are a transfer student?  You should be well-prepared from the study you already have HAD at your current college.  You have already studied, and taken other auditions - if you are this stressed about it, then I suggest you contact one of the fine teachers or agencies that sets up *dummy auditions* - you do everything in front of them, and they tell you how you need to improve.  If you cannot find or afford this, then get as many others as possible to voluntarily do this for you.  AND - record yourself, play it back and pretend that is it your COMPETITION - and really pick the recording apart!

You must admit that your original post did not tell us the whole story - so NOW I hope this advice helps you some.  Best of luck!