How to Train Your Imagination for Better Auditions

The other day, I was working with a client preparing for a major East Coast audition. Like most musicians, she was nervous. Put yourself in her shoes and imagine playing:

• Behind a screen (rather than in front of an audience)

• Short bits out of context (instead of entire pieces)

• Alone (and not together with a section of 11 violists and 100 orchestra members)

• Short, unrelated segments, one after the other

We discussed a lot of strategies for preparation, including specifics of each excerpt, how to use self-recording, and how to play along with full orchestra recordings. And then we talked about training the imagination. Why? A strong imagination can help you make UNNATURAL audition situations feel more NATURAL and NORMAL. Here are some of the imagination techniques we worked on:

• Imagine three people who you respect, who you know won’t judge you if you make any mistakes, and imagine that they are your committee behind the screen.

• Imagine playing the excerpt with 11 of your favorite violists.

• Imagine you're playing with your favorite recording, instead of all alone.

Just like everything else, training your imagination takes practice. But the more you work on it, the stronger and more useful it becomes. I'm happy to report that it worked for my client:

"Just finished my audition. It was my best one yet! ...I hit all the objectives I wanted...got through all the excerpts. I really appreciate all of your advice, and I’m going to keep pressing forward. Working with you has really made such a huge difference in my approach and playing! Thank you!"

If you have any auditions coming up, make sure you find a time to chat with me. You can click here to find a time on my schedule that works for you.

Happy practicing,

Mick @ The Viola Pro