Audtions-Part 2

Finding Auditions
In every city and state, there are local magazines and newspapers that are used by musicians for gig listings and musician advertising. If not, determine the nearest town that does have this kind of networking and subscribe. For Actors and Musical Theatre auditions there is also Actors Equity Association (AEA) Hotline (which occasionally has openings for non-equity actors as well) and the SAG (Stage Actors Guild) Hotline.

For a singer looking for a band or combo, depending on how resourceful you are willing to be, there are a number of ways to find opportunities. Investigate all options, leave no stone unturned! Here are some of the possibilities, most of which have internet sites also:

1. Local newspapers and musician magazines classified sections
2. Music schools and music store bulletin boards
3. Enter your own classified ads and post your own posters
4. Musician referral organizations listed in music magazines, telephone directory assistance and on the Internet
5. Recording studios - musicians occasionally contact studios looking for a singer
6. Open mike nights and talent shows (sometimes clubs have Karaoke contests with many surprisingly good singers performing and industry people in the audience.)
7. Call entertainment agencies listed in the telephone book and on the Internet. Ask if any of the groups they book need a substitute or permanent lead singer. Leave your name and number with them for future reference.

Sounding Your Best
What I'm about to say may seem incredibly obvious, but I have seen countless people being auditioned violate the following "golden rules."
1) Prepare your audition pieces in the correct keys for your voice and range, and know what the key names are, in case you are asked. If necessary, it's worth hiring someone to assist you with this.
2) If it is for a musical theatre audition; have your music written in the key you want to sing in. Don't count on the accompanist transposing the music to your key. Also, make any special markings for tempo, cuts, or changes clearly in red. Keep the directions simple.
3) Know the limits of your range. It is common to be asked what the top and bottom notes of your range are. If you don't know, consult a vocal coach for assistance. Be certain and be honest.
4) Audition with songs that are well rehearsed and memorized.
5) Prior to the audition, schedule enough time to do at least 20 minutes of vocal warm-up or the amount YOU need to know you will start off sounding your best. I recommend my Deva Method Vocal Warm-ups and Cool-downs CD for an excellent guided warm-up routine.

Next month in Part 3 of this article, we'll cover preparation in more detail and how to stay unique while succeeding in auditions.

Good luck!
Jeannie Deva