Saving Yourself from Yourself:
An Audition Day Checklist for You and Your Brain
By NAfME Member Doreen Fryling, Ed.D.
Whether this is your first audition or your hundredth, you are probably a little nervous (or even terrified) about it. And you have probably already heard most of the obvious stuff about how to get ready for your audition:
- prepare your music way in advance
- work with a teacher you trust
- know the context of your piece
- know the specific requirements of what you are supposed to prepare for your audition
- get a good night’s sleep
- make sure you eat something healthy beforehand
- wear something nicer than you normally do
So, take it a step further and prepare yourself mentally. On the day of your audition, print out this checklist and bring it along with your music. Read it once (or a thousand times) before your audition.
Read past articles by Doreen Fryling:
- Practicing Choral Music: 10 Ideas for the Singer Who Doesn’t Think They Can Practice on Their Own
- Keeping the Boys Singing: How You Can Make a Difference
About the author:
NAfME member Doreen Fryling, Ed.D. is a 2016 Grammy Music Educator semifinalist, and had a student in our 2015 All-National Honor Choir. She is in her twentieth year as a public school music educator. She currently teaches IB Music and chorus classes at South Side High School in Rockville Centre, NY, and has previously taught K-5 general music and middle school chorus. She frequently serves as a cooperating teacher for student teachers. Doreen is a founding member of the eVoco Voice Collective, works as a professional chorister in NYC, and also maintains an active schedule as a collaborative pianist. She recently earned a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Teaching from Hofstra University. Doreen shares her love of music making with her husband, David, and their two children.
Did this blog spur new ideas for your music program? Share them on Amplify! Interested in reprinting this article? Please review the reprint guidelines.
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) provides a number of forums for the sharing of information and opinion, including blogs and postings on our website, articles and columns in our magazines and journals, and postings to our Amplify member portal. Unless specifically noted, the views expressed in these media do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Association, its officers, or its employees.
Catherina Hurlburt, Communications Manager, March 14, 2016. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
