Are you looking for a career in the music industry? An unavoidable reality is the audition. Whether you're a fiddle player trying to get a gig with a Celtic band or a classical musician who wants to be a section player in an orchestra, there comes a time when you have to lay it all on the line, stand on that stage, and show what you can do.
Auditioning can be nerve-wracking, so here are some quick tips:
Research the company. In classical orchestral music, there are well-established audition procedures and standards. For other genres, do some research into the type of market you're seeking work in, and design your performance with that in mind.
Be prepared. Know the material cold. With preparation comes confidence, poise, and a positive attitude'all of which are going to make the experience easier on your nerves. Good preparation also shows the prospective employer that you have a good work ethic and that you've put the time into master the material.
Be aware. Different types of music'classical, pop, jazz, hip hop'require different types of auditions. Contact professional organizations for advice on auditioning.
Be cool. If you flub a lyric or make a mistake, just keep going. Chances are, if it's a minor mistake, nobody will notice. Even if it's a major screw-up, stay cool. Your reaction to a mistake says as much about you as the mistake itself.
Be yourself. You're not being judged solely on your musical abilities. If you get the job, these people will have to work with you. They want to know what kind of a person you are. So relax and have some fun.
Be persistent. Audition often. The more you do it, the more comfortable you're going to be with the process. Another tip: do mock auditions in front of your friends.
Be resilient. Getting turned down for a job is often not a reflection of your auditioning ability; there can be other forces at work. Maybe it's an image thing. Maybe you're as good as the other guitar players that auditioned, but the band leader had his heart set on somebody with a neon Mohawk. Don't worry. You'll have another chance.
Be realistic. You're going to win some and lose some. You're not going to get every job. Go to the audition well-prepared, do your best, and whatever happens happens. Consider it a part of gaining hands-on performance experience.
 For more on working in the music industry, check out culturalhrc.ca/careersinculture.