How to Prepare for a Cello Audition
Preparation is key to representing yourself accurately at an audition. The more time you have to prepare, the better your chances of success. Give yourself as long a runway as possible.
Organize Your Practice Time
- Block out your practice time in advance to stay consistent.
- Practice slowly and make sure your intonation, rhythm, and dynamics are solid and locked in.
- Use tools like a metronome and record yourself often. Listen back to the recordings and address any weak spots.
A violin teacher at a conservatory I attended once advised students to practice their audition repertoire until they could perform at a high level even if they were dragged out of bed at 3 a.m. to audition in the middle of a snowstorm. That level of preparation builds confidence and reliability.
Play Mock Auditions
Playing mock auditions can be incredibly helpful. It is also wise to run through the audition program for yourself while recording it. If you can’t perform successfully for a recording device, it is unlikely that the audition will go well.
- Perform for friends, family, or teachers, anyone who will make you nervous.
- Set up the mock audition as if it were the real thing. Warm up briefly, play through your program, and avoid socializing during the play-through. This will help you simulate the audition environment and build mental resilience.
Put in the Hours
I cannot stress enough how important it is to dedicate significant time to preparation. With consistent effort, you can reach a point where your technique takes over and remains steady, even under pressure. Be intentional when practicing both your technique and your audition repertoire.
Remember, you can only play as well as your current level allows. There’s no way to cram a year’s worth of improvement into a single week of practice. Ideally, master your audition repertoire weeks before the audition. At that point, you can scale back your practice hours to maintain your level rather than trying to improve at the last minute.
Two Aspects of Auditions
There are two key elements to every audition:
- What is within your control: Your preparation.
- What is out of your control: The preferences of the audition panel.
The most you can do is represent yourself accurately. Once that is achieved, walk into the audition with confidence. There are likely many qualified candidates, and the final decision often depends on factors beyond your control.
Final Thoughts
First and foremost, focus on your playing. When your technique is solid, you’ll be prepared for anything. Give yourself every possible advantage by preparing thoroughly and intentionally. Good ‘luck’!