A musical audition is a unique moment when your passion, hard work and talent are put in the spotlight. But it's also a challenge, with its share of stress, adrenalin and a thousand questions swirling around in your head: "What if I miss? What if I lose my nerve?" Rest assured, you're not alone in feeling this way.

The good news is that proper preparation can turn this mix of emotions into a real asset. Because when it comes down to it, an audition isn't just about proving what you can do, it's about sharing who you are. So, whether you're a singer, an instrumentalist or both, discover our tips for approaching this moment with serenity and confidence.

First and foremost, understand the jury's expectations at the audition.

Before you dive headlong into preparing your songs, it's essential to understand the jury's expectations at the audition. An audition jury has different expectations from a concert audience. It's not just a question of seducing or entertaining, but of proving that you have the level and skills expected of you:

• Your technique. Your mastery of your instrument or voice (accuracy, rhythmic precision, articulation).

• Musicality. The jury is looking for a performance that tells a story, that reveals your musical personality.

• Adaptability. It's not uncommon for a jury to ask you to replay a passage with a different tempo, dynamics or phrased. Are you able to react quickly and adjust on demand?

• Confidence. Your attitude counts as much as your performance. A convincing performance also depends on your stage presence and your ability to handle stress. A respectful, confident attitude can make a good impression even before the first note.

To understand what is expected of you through these skills, you need to define the audition context:

• What is the main purpose of this hearing?

  • Admission to a school? The jury wants to see your potential and your ability to learn quickly.

  • Recruitment for a orchestra or ensemble? The jurors will assess your ability to integrate into a group (accuracy, sound balance, discipline).

  • Access to a competition? Technique will be important, but your originality and ability to stand out will also be decisive.

• What are the specific rules?

  • Mandatory or free repertoire? If you have a choice, select pieces that highlight your strengths.

  • Limited duration. Some long pieces will have to be shortened. Prepare key passages to highlight if the jury asks you to cut.

• What is the framework of the audition?

  • A large hall with reverberant acoustics? This will influence your playing (articulation, nuances).

  • An online audition? Make sure you have the right equipment for sound and vision capture.

How do I prepare for an audition?

1. Choose a repertoire that showcases you

Choosing the right songs is the first step. A well-thought-out repertoire can make the difference between a decent performance and a memorable audition.

If the format allows, select pieces that show different facets of your talent: virtuosity, expressiveness, and the ability to interpret subtle nuances. There's no need to choose a piece that's too complex for you to control perfectly. Choose pieces where you are sure to shine. Respect the rules of the audition, such as duration and style requirements. If you have to play a short piece, identify the passages most representative of your skills.

💡 Prepare one or two extra pieces, even if they're not initially requested. Some juries like to test your repertoire or see how you handle a program change.

2. Learn your songs with your fingertips

An audition doesn't always leave enough time to play an entire piece: it's often the decisive moments that leave their mark on the jury. Take care of the first and last notes, which will define the first impression and what the jury will remember last. Invest time in making them impeccable.

The jury may ask you to start in the middle of a piece or move straight on to another passage, so planahead for cuts. Familiarize yourself with these transitions to avoid any hesitation, and work on your sequences. If several pieces are requested, practice the order in which they are performed. Link them together without excessive pauses to maintain a fluid dynamic.

💡 Record yourself during rehearsals. This will enable you to identify areas for improvement and better appreciate your progress. With Newzik, you can archive these recordings and consult them at any time to monitor your progress and optimize your work.

→ 9 tips for learning sheet music more easily

Preparation doesn't begin a week before the audition, but well in advance. Set up a regular, progressive musical routine. Focus on short, targeted sessions of 25 minutes with breaks in between. This method (inspired by Pomodoro) helps your brain to assimilate information more effectively.

Sometimes it's best to put your instrument aside for a day. Let your mind rest. Take time for something else: a walk, a relaxing activity, or simply rest. Your brain will continue to work in the background.

3. Anticipate the unexpected

Even with impeccable preparation, the unexpected can happen. A broken string, a wrong note, a memory lapse? Don't panic. Prepare a plan B. If you forget a measure, carry on as if nothing had happened: the jury will probably not notice if you remain confident. Know your cues. Mark the key points on your scores, or build in automatic patterns to help you get back on track quickly.

And above all, remember to check your equipment before you leave: scores, instrument, accessories... Everything must be ready to avoid unnecessary distractions.

→ 6 tips for organizing your sheet music. Organization will no longer hold any secrets for you.

4. Simulate real-life conditions

To avoid unpleasant surprises, recreate the atmosphere of D-day as much as possible.

• Test your outfit. Play around with the clothes you wear: a dress or suit can alter your comfort or your movements. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in.

• Work in different rooms. This will help you adapt to different acoustics.

• Get used to an audience. Even if it's a friend or family member, play in front of someone to familiarize yourself with audience pressure.

• Take care of your arrival. From the moment you enter the hall to the moment you start playing, every detail counts. Practice walking, greeting and settling in.

Do you play an instrument? 6 tips for playing well on stage!

5. Warm up efficiently

Your body is your first instrument. Before an audition, it's essential to prepare it as much as your mind and technique. A good physical condition will help you manage stress, avoid tension and play with fluidity.

Warm-ups aren't just for athletes: they're crucial for musicians too. Playing or singing places specific demands on your body, and preparing it can help prevent injury and stiffness. Relax your shoulders, neck and wrists. If you're a pianist, concentrate on your fingers. For singers, a few gentle exercises for the jaw and diaphragm are essential.

Warm up gradually. Before tackling the most demanding pieces, start with simpler passages or scales to warm up your muscles.

6. Release tension before playing

On the big day, a few simple gestures can make all the difference in relaxing your body and approaching the stage with serenity.

• Breathe deeply. When stage fright strikes, take a few minutes to practice slow, deep breathing, such as the 4-4-6 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds). This will help calm your heart rythm and relax your muscles.

• Get moving. A brisk walk or some light stretching before going on stage can release excess stress. Singers can also do a little lip or nasal vibration to prepare their voice.

• Posture and anchoring. On stage, adopt an upright but relaxed posture, anchor your feet firmly to the floor, and take a deep breath before starting to play.

7. Project yourself into success

What if, instead of imagining what could go wrong, you focused on your success? Visualization is a simple but powerful way to reassure your mind. Close your eyes and project yourself into the audition room. Visualize every detail of the ideal audition: your confident entrance, the first notes played with confidence, the jurors' smiles. Think of the pride or satisfaction you'll feel when you play. This will help your brain associate the audition with a pleasant experience. The more you practice visualizing, the more natural and accessible this image will become on the big day.

🗣 Advice from a pro musician:

"An audition is above all an opportunity. Sometimes it's not a question of talent, it's just a question of circumstances. But even if you're not selected, you'll have met musicians, exchanged ideas with professionals... and in music, networking is essential! So always be nice, show up on time and work on your songs. Everything counts."

Marin Fauvel, professional musician

8. Tame stress

Stress is often perceived as negative, but it can become your ally if you learn to use it. Instead of saying to yourself "I'm too stressed", say to yourself "this stress shows that this audition is important to me". This changes your perception and transforms anxiety into energy. To overcome stage fright, recognize that it's part of the process. Tell yourself it's a sign that you're ready to give it your all.

9. Aim for emotion, not perfection

No one expects you to deliver a 100% perfect performance. What counts is the emotion you convey through your music. Play down mistakes. A false note or memory lapse won't spoil your performance if you carry on with confidence. Jurors prefer sincere interpretation to rigid execution. Play from the heart. Concentrate on the message you wish to convey rather than on the technical details. The emotion you share will be your greatest strength.

10. Look after your health

Your physical condition plays a direct role in your performance. In the days leading up to the audition :

• Avoid heavy or high-sugar meals just before playing. They can cause a drop in energy or increase your nervousness. Choose light, nourishing foods, such as fruit, nuts or wholegrain cereals.

• Drink enough water to avoid fatigue and promote concentration. If you sing, this will also keep your vocal cords healthy.

• Get a good night's sleep the night before your audition. A well-rested mind handles stress better and improves your powers of concentration.

♫ With the Newzikapplication, say goodbye to lost paper scores and disorganized leaves. Digitize your scorescreate personalized playlists, synchronize your pieces with clear annotations and keep everything at your fingertips, even when the unexpected happens. On the day of your audition, everything is ready on your tablet or smartphone.

👉 Test Newzik for free!