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Any reader looking at auditioning for college music programs right now knows that they are looking at a changed scenario due to COVID.
Before this cycle what was normal was you would (ideally) go to the school and do a live audition — but this year that is not the way it will be. Most, if not all, schools have shifted to versions of a hybrid audition scenario. You are still required to perform an audition to be considered for a music major, but recorded auditions and virtual interviews will take the place of a live audition and interview for the 2020-21 admission year.
In the case of ASU and horn, what we require is for the prospective student to submit recordings of their main selections, and we have an additional Zoom interview scheduled where I hear you sight-read, etc.
Officially what we are looking for in a recording is “The recorded audition will be evaluated for technical and musical proficiency.” To more specific suggestions, it is critical that the recording/video reflect your very best playing, and it must be made with care. You want the recording to stand out for the right reasons! Things that will help:
- Use as good a space as you can for the recording, visually and acoustically
- No need to dress up, but don’t look too casual
- Find a place with a relatively neutral background for the video, to focus attention on you and your playing
- Listen to it critically, and have others listen critically
- Allow plenty of time to redo the entire recording several times
- Missed notes held to a minimum! We have to assume this was your best take
The other element, which will be new for everyone, is the virtual Interview. In the interview you should be prepared to
- Discuss your recorded audition
- Perform short excerpts of audition materials that you submitted in the recorded audition
- Play scales at the request of the horn professor
- Sight-Read on your instrument
- Ask any questions about the horn studio
This system of a recording and an interview is (in my opinion) vastly superior to an all Zoom live audition, as with the recording you have the opportunity to present a more complete picture of your playing in terms of dynamics, articulations, and phrasing than is possible in Zoom, allowing us to then learn more about you and your playing in the virtual interview.
The overall good news is that for college auditions the potential you demonstrate is the most critical element, so none of the above factors is a true deal breaker. But still, those that give the best impression will be the ones that show the most potential. Good luck!
I would also mention that in spite of everything, I think this is a great time to be starting study, as by the time you graduate the job market should be sorting out again in a post-COVID era.
It would still be a good idea though to attend a program that will not weigh you down with a great deal of debt. In regard to that, my final point is that if you are still looking for schools, consider Arizona State! We have a strong (and affordable) brass program worth your time to check out. More general info may be found here.
