1. Dress for the occasion. (No jeans, sneakers, flip-flops)

2. Be rested. Have a good night’s sleep the night before.

3. Have someone else drive you to the audition if you live an hour or more away. For pianists or any instrumentalists, gripping the steering wheel for an extended period prior to    performing is not advisable. Keep your hands warm and supple.

4. Be armed with questions for your interview. (scholarships)

5. Know as much as possible about the music faculty/department.

6. Have a mock audition in your private teacher’s studio. Video the session. Critique your verbal communication, physical presence and musical performance (including technique).

7. Play what you have prepared.  If you do not normally practice arpeggios, don’t attempt them at the audition!

8. Be ready to play 2-3 contrasting works.  One of those may be your own composition or improvisation.

9. Bring a repertoire list of upper-intermediate and advanced works you have studied.  Indicate which works were memorized and  performed in recital, festival, competition or audition.

10. (for Pianists) Bring a list of accompaniments and chamber works you have performed.  Include solo vocal & instrumental, sacred choral, Broadway, etc.

11.  Make eye contact during your audition and in the interview. First impressions are important.

12. Be prepared to talk about your goals, dreams, and even your 5 and 10 year plans.