What does an Audition Coach do?
As a professional musician and a college professor
responsible for granting admission and scholarships, I know first hand
the importance of the Audition. I have spent much time on "both sides
of the screen".
It's not uncommon for the audition to last mere minutes. In that very
short span of time, you may be trying to win acceptance to a professional
group, a prestigious Conservatory, a University, or perhaps an International
competition.
You may have only moments to show what you can do.
The "audition game" is purely an exercise in mental strength and concentration.
First impressions can mean the difference in winning or losing. It can
mean being awarded a scholarship worth thousands of dollars...or not.
It can mean employment....or not.
I have successfully won more than 20 auditions ("lost" more than a few, too) and I have sat on
committees for literally hundreds of them. My students, too, have had
great success at auditions:
Some have won acceptance into professional orchestras, big bands,
cruise ship gigs, Summer Festivals (Aspen, Bar Harbor, Interlochen,
Brevard), Graduate schools (The Juilliard School, Northwestern,
University of Michigan, Eastman), All-State ensembles, Honors
Youth groups (ASYO, GYSO, MAYWE, AYWS, GHP) and others.
I think I have seen and heard most
everything that can go wrong (and right, of course) at an Audition.
Don't go unprepared, mentally nor musically. There is too much at stake!
A triumphant audition is NOT a matter of chance. There are some
important things you can do to enhance your success rate. There is an
Art to the audition process. It is like no other playing experience,
and should not be treated as such. The audition is special and unique.
I can help you with deportment, confidence, presentation, what to
expect, preparation for the unexpected, mental/musical focus, and enjoyment of the process (yes, they can be fun).
No matter what your instrument, I have some tips, advice, and
observations to help you put together the "complete package" for the
committee.
Be ready to be your best!
Contact me for a coaching session. (tom@trombonelessons.com)
Please, let's do it weeks prior to the audition, if possible. There may be
some things we talk about that will demand some thought and practice on your part.
You may also want a follow-up session before the big day. That is not
uncommon. Thus, we need to allow some time.... 2-4 weeks minimum please,
unless it's an emergency:-)
We do house calls.
What is "Music Consulting", exactly?
The following questions have been posed to me recently by students, friends, colleagues, parents, and strangers. "Music
Consulting" might best be defined as my effort to give good answers:
"My son wants to study music in college and I'm scared to death. How will he eat? What are his options? Can we talk about it?"
"I'm trying to grow my Private Studio. What techniques are effective for recruiting good young players?"
"I'm burned out. Tired. Where did my love of music go? My job doesn't
seem to involve music anymore. Any advice for developing a different
perspective?"
"I've been offered scholarships to 3 different Schools of Music. Which
would be best for me? What should I be looking for in a College?"
"I don't know whether to study Music Performance or Music Education.....do you have any advice?"
"My group is trying to find more gigs. What are some effective
strategies to drum up some business? Can you recommend some avenues for
growth?"
"How can I get more from my practice sessions? I feel bored and
stagnant in my musical growth. Do you know a way for me to re-connect
with my Muse? Have you ever gone through this?" (er.....Yup. And I do indeed have some thoughts on this.)
"Our college/school/ensemble is trying to expand and attract great talent.....both
faculty and students. What are some effective means of doing this? What are some ineffective things that you've witnessed?"
"I'm having difficulty inspiring and motivating my ensemble. Do you have any ideas?"
"What makes a person WANT to practice? I can't seem to connect with my talented students. Please help."
"I play in a group that has just grown completely stale. What might we do to revitalize the music and the players?"
"Can you come listen to us at our next rehearsal?"
"I've gone and played for 4 different experts. They all tell me different things. Who's right?"
"I'm new in town and want to start working a bunch of gigs. Any advice?"
"I have an audition/performance coming up and I'm a nervous wreck! What can I do?"
"Can you listen to me play and give comments? I'm just looking for a fresh perspective."
Some Commonly Asked Questions
What makes you qualified to be a Music Consultant, Dr. Tom?
I haven't the foggiest notion, frankly. This wasn't my idea. I
know that my study of music has made me a good listener. I know that I
love to teach and I love to coach. When it helps others, I feel good
about that. My mother was a teacher as is my sister. Must be in our
genes. I believe that everyone blessed to have a musical career is able
to do so because of the support, love, encouragement, and generosity of
their teachers. Without the wonderful teachers we have had, we wouldn't
so often feel so fulfilled by music. We owe it to our teachers, I
believe, to share our experiences......each and all of us. I have had
the great fortune of having a relatively diverse career in music:
full-time job as a performer, full-time employment as a private
teacher, adjunct college professor, tenure-track Academician, college
department coordinator, full-time freelance performer, teacher in
public schools, conductor, writer of prose on music. With each of these
opportunities, I tried very hard to observe and study the very best. I
have been told by a few people that my insights and experiences have
proven to be of value to them. If that's true, I couldn't be happier.
If the knowledge gained from my missteps, mishaps and mistakes (and
those I've witnessed:-) can spare others some frustration......great!
Truthfully, I have learned much from my students, friends and
colleagues. I feel a constant need to inform my students that I have
learned more from them than they ever will from me. As stated above,
too, I think we're all obliged to share our knowledge; if only so
that we may learn collectively to create a world where our music
matters and fits well.
What made you think of this?
I didn't. A few of my friends, peers, and students thought of it
for me. After deciding to leave Academia (I needed a break for at least
a moment), I think they sensed how badly I missed the opportunity to
converse, share, teach, learn, discuss, and interact with musicians
one-on-one so frequently. I am powerfully grateful to these friends for
their insight, advice and confidence. Their perceptions were right
on target. I needed an outlet and a means to make new connections with
others that love music. What fun!
How does this work?
Come on in, let's talk. Let's share. Let's grow. Let's plan. I
will do my utmost to assist you in formulating a plan or strategy for
achieving your goals....as you define them. I'll
listen very carefully. I'll recommend what I believe to be effective
ways of pressing onward towards your musical fulfillment. If I don't
believe that I can help, I will tell you so. I will then wrack my brain
to think of someone or somewhere to refer you. We'll find some answers.
I schedule hourly consultations as if they were Private Lessons. In
fact, if it's musical application that you'd like to debate and
discuss, bring your instrument!
We'll play, listen and discuss if that's what you wish.
What will it Cost?
It's free!
Initially:-)
We'll meet for a short preview session to lay out a strategy and plan
for you. No charge. Once we're mutually satisfied that the strategy is
worth pursuing, we will discuss payment.
Dr. Tom maintains his private studio in beautiful
Powder Springs, GA
Contact Dr. Gibson to schedule a one-on-one consultation or coaching at:
tom@trombonelessons.com
Peace
