How to Prepare for a Singing Audition

Whether you are a solo artist or part of a group, as an individual you must prepare yourself to the best of your ability when going in to any audition. If you go into the audition unprepared, you may risk the chance of loosing out on an opportunity or damaging your reputation. It could also break your self-confidence. Prepare well, and you will do well.

Helpful Hint #1: "Choose the Right Song"

In order to "wow" the panel that is holding the audition, the song must be a perfect fit for you and the venue in which you are auditioning for. For example, if you are auditioning for a Broadway musical, choose a song from that musical that best suits your voice. If you are entering a contest, see if there is a particular style or genre that they are looking for or that the judges have expertise in. It should be a song that you are able to do without any difficulty that showcases your vocal range, agility and style.

Helpful Hint #2: "Finding the Right Accompaniment"

Before you make your final decision on the song, you need to find out if there is sheet music and/or an instrumental track on CD available for it in the key that is most comfortable for you. How do you confirm that the song you have chosen has accompaniment sheet music or instrumental tracks? You can usually find sheet music or Karaoke CDs (instrumental tracks) either at your nearest music store or online. There are some sites online that allow you to download free sheet music, and others that have cheap karaoke downloads for individual songs. Try shopping around for the individual song's accompaniment before purchasing a whole book of sheet music or full CD for just one song.

Helpful Hint #3: "Consider Singing Lessons or Vocal Coach"

If you have the means to, take singing lessons or hire a vocal coach. For some who may not have the means or are looking for a cheaper alternative, there are some vocal instructors or coaches who have online instructional materials that you can purchase once and review at your own convenience and pace. Make sure you take the time to do some research before choosing a vocal coach. For help with making the right choice, review the article "How to Choose the Right Vocal Coach". If you can find an experienced, skillful vocal coach, they can train you to sing comfortably with emotion, expand your range, teach you how to command the stage and help you reach your full potential.

Helpful Hint #4: "Rehearse!, Rehearse!, Rehearse!"

Once you have your vocals, choreography and stage presence down pat, it's time to rehearse. Practice makes perfect! Prior to the audition, rehearse every other day for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The week of the audition, practice every day for 30 minutes, except the day before. Save your voice & practice the morning of. If you have a vocal warm up CD, warm up before singing your song each time you practice. If you have a vocal coach, try to schedule a session with them the week of the audition or the day of the audition. If you have a good vocal coach and you are singing correctly and comfortably, your voice should not get hoarse or tired from rehearsing. If you are having problems, feeling uncomfortable, or as if you are straining your voice, don't continue practicing. If you are straining and continue to sing, you will risk the chance of loosing your voice or damaging your vocal chords. Contact your vocal coach or check online for advice with vocal straining.

Helpful Hint #5: "Look the Part"

When entering the audition room, the first thing the panel will observe is your appearance & how you carry yourself. Your hair & make up, clothing, shoes and accessories, should fit the style of your song or the role that you are auditioning for. If you are trying out for a part in a musical, dress the same as the character who sings the song. If you are entering a Country Music singing contest, dress as a professional Country singer would. Dressing professionallygives the impression that you are a professional, even if you are not. Look may not be everything to some, but if the panel has two finalists to choose from that are great vocalists and only one is dressed appropriately for the part or genre that they are singing for, well... you know the answer to that one.

Helpful Hint #6: "Expect the Unexpected"

This hint is definitely one that you should take note of, write it down! No matter what kind of accompaniment you have, always be prepared to sing your song A Cappella.

Whether you have sheet music, a karaoke CD or are planning to do a song A Cappella, you need be ready for anything. There are many things that could happen that will cause you to have to sing your song A Cappella. The panel could ask you to sing the song A Cappella. They may not have an accompanist or your accompanist may not show up. The panel may not have a CD player or the CD player could malfunction. In any case, or if you are planning to sing A Cappella, memorize your first note and carry a pitch pipe with you just in case anything out of the ordinary occurs.

If you have sheet music, try to practice with your own accompanist several times before going into the audition and ask if they can play for you at the audition. Some auditions may have a set accompanist for everyone, however if they allow you to have your own you will be more comfortable and know what to expect. If you are planning to bring a CD, bring 3 copies. This is just in case one is scratched, gets broken or lost. Sometimes they require you to hand your CD in to someone before going inside the audition room. It's always good to have a back up just in case it gets misplaced.

Helpful Hint #7: "Relax, You Can Do It!"

Hopefully, before you walk into the audition room, you will have followed all the hints above. If you have, it's time to relax. You are well prepared & have nothing to worry about. All your preparation & hard work is done. Now it's time to show the panel how hard you've worked & convince them that you are the person that they are looking for. Keep eye contact with the panel as you converse with them and while you perform your song. Speak clearly at a well-heard volume when answering any questions. Last, but not least, enjoy yourself! Sing with confidence and with all your heart & soul!

If you have a passion for singing and want to succeed, prepare in advance for every audition. Being well prepared for your first audition will create an excellent foundation for your singing career. The solidity of your foundation depends on how well you build it.