How to Select the Perfect Audition Repertoire for Musicians

Do Your Research on the Audition Requirements

The first step is to thoroughly research the audition requirements for the specific opportunity you are preparing for. Audition details can vary widely depending on factors like:

• The instrument you play (e.g. violin, tuba, saxophone, piano, cello, harp, etc.)
• The group or ensemble you are auditioning for (orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band, etc.)
• The school or institution if it is an academic audition
• The conducting staff’s preferences

Here are some tips for researching audition requirements:

• Look for repertoire suggestions or requirements on the official audition call outlining what they expect you to prepare. This is your best guide. For more on how to discover the best music teachers in San Diego for all ages and levels, visit this link.
  o For example, a university music program may provide a detailed audition repertoire list with composer names, piece titles, and duration requirements.
• Compare requirements from multiple sources if possible.
  o Check the ensemble’s website, reach out to the conductor and current musicians, and consult your private teacher.
  o Look for common requirements across sources or any discrepancies to address.
• Take note of any duration requirements. Many auditions have a time limit, such as 10 minutes of total repertoire.
  o Time yourself playing potential repertoire to ensure you can play all pieces comfortably within the time limit.
• Look for specifics on musical style, composers, technical skills, etc.
  o For example, an audition may require a classical concerto, Baroque piece, and demonstration of scales or etudes.
• Research the judges’ preferences, if possible, to cater selections to their tastes.
  o For example, the lead judge may be well-known for preferring impressionistic French composers versus Romantic-era pieces.

Thorough research from official and knowledgeable sources will provide the details you need to select an appropriate repertoire that aligns with the audition goals. Some key sources to utilize include:

• The audition call or requirements outlined by the organization
• The ensemble or school’s website
• Outreach to conductors, musicians, and teachers
• Music journals or forums that publish relevant insider tips

For more tips on how to pick the perfect audition repertoire for your instrument, you can read this Medium article.

Pick Repertoire Within Your Technical Abilities

Once you have a clear sense of the audition repertoire requirements, the next step is to critically assess your own technical skills on your instrument. Be honest with yourself about your current level of technique and musicality. Then select audition pieces that fall within your wheelhouse – not beyond it.

When reviewing potential repertoire choices, ask yourself these key questions:

• Can I play this piece consistently with excellent tone quality, intonation, articulation, and rhythm?
• Are the tempo, rhythmic complexity, and technical demands at a level I can execute cleanly and confidently?
• Does this piece highlight and showcase my technical strengths rather than weaknesses?
• Is there sufficient time to polish any challenging passages to performance level before the audition?

It can be tempting to pick a piece with sections slightly outside your technical comfort zone, thinking you can rise to the challenge. However, taking on repertoire you have to struggle through or can’t quite perfect will likely backfire on audition day when nerves strike. Stick to pieces firmly within your abilities for the best success.

Here are some additional tips for selecting repertoire at your technical level:

• Record yourself playing potential pieces all the way through at the target tempo. Listen back critically to identify any problem spots.
• Have your teacher assess and confirm selections are at your skill level. They may catch tricky passages you overlooked. For more on how to choose the right piano teacher for your skill level and goals, read this article.
• Avoid pieces demanding brand-new techniques you haven’t mastered yet. Now is not the time to learn double tonguing or high altissimo register.
• Be wary of long passages requiring continuous use of your weakest skill area. For example, pick a piece with a short exposed high note section if your upper register control needs work.
• Cross references the audition judges’ bios to avoid pieces in styles they may be hypercritical of.
• Set a realistic polish schedule to ensure you can fix any minor issues and feel confident by audition day. Don’t overestimate your practice time.

If you select the appropriate repertoire for your skills today, you can relax knowing the pieces are under control and simply focus on showcasing your musicianship at its best. For more professional advice, you can refer to this LinkedIn article.

Choose Music that Highlights Your Strengths

The audition is your opportunity to show the judging panel your musical talents in the best possible light. So, when building your repertoire list, select pieces that highlight and demonstrate your strongest abilities as a player.

Really take time to identify the musical skills you excel at right now. Consider areas like:

• Tone quality (warm, rich tone)
• Technical precision (clean articulation, fast/exact fingering)
• Expressiveness (lyrical phrasing, dynamic contrast, musicality)
• Range (comfort in high or low register)
• Style/Genre (classical, jazz, contemporary, etc.)

Then with the requirements in mind, look for repertoire selections where you can leverage and emphasize those strengths.

Here are some more examples:

• If you have great control of subtle dynamic changes, pick a piece that goes from soft (piano) to loud (forte) to exhibit that control.
• If you play with a lot of vibrato and expression, select a piece that will let those expressive elements shine.
• If you have impressive finger dexterity, choose a piece with quick scalar runs or trills to showcase your technical aplomb.
• If the low register is comfortable for you, pick a piece that exploits the rich tones of lower notes.
• If you excel at jazz or contemporary styles, focus on showcasing swing, groove, improvisation, or other idiomatic qualities.

Review the audition requirements and make sure your selections demonstrate your abilities within the expected style or genre. For example, don’t pick a jazz standard if a classical sonata is required.

Seeking out a repertoire that highlights your best attributes will make your audition performance all the more impressive. Judges will instantly be able to recognize and appreciate the abilities you most pride yourself on. For a detailed guide, you can check out this Quora post.

Demonstrate a Range of Musical Styles

While you want to pick a repertoire that shows off specific strengths, it’s also important to demonstrate versatility as a musician. Preparing pieces in a variety of musical styles exhibits the scope of your abilities. For more tips on blending musical diversity, check out this article on the history and evolution of the bassoon.

Aim to represent different style periods and genres throughout your selections. For example:

• Baroque – Pick a piece by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, etc. known for contrapuntal lines.
• Classical – Select a melancholic Mozart concerto or charming Haydn symphony movement.
• Romantic – Showcase emotion through a Brahms Hungarian Dance or lyrical Chopin nocturne.
• Modern – Incorporate a 20th-century piece with unusual harmonies and rhythms.
• Jazz/Contemporary – Add a swing, blues, or funk chart to highlight modern styles.