Audition videos can be so useful. Unlike in-person auditions, you can do multiple takes and send the videos off anywhere.
I recently went through a phase of recording videos for different applications and the feeling of reusing those videos for multiple purposes is so good!
In order for these videos to serve us, we got to put in the work and make them look good. Now, how do we do that for you? Let’s get into it.
1. Place
This might seem obvious, but it’s really important. Audition videos in your bedroom v. a theater can make such a difference.
If you can’t get a bigger space, that’s totally fine. Audition videos give us the opportunity to get creative. Maybe your bedroom isn’t good, but you have another room in your house that’s good, or even a white wall.
You can also ask your school if you can use a space there. See if you can use it for an hour to record. You can also ask your accompanist if they have any connections to places as well. For my audition videos, I have been able to use professional spaces for free or for a reduced rate, because my accompanist had connections and were able to fit me in to these places.
I even remember one time I used my accompanist’s living room because she had recording equipment and her pianos there.
When you’re looking for spaces, anytime anyone says no, ask for recommendations of where to ask next.
This has happened to me so many times and I know that I’m not the only one. When a venue says no to you, ask them if they know of any other places that you can contact. A good space is worth the time and effort.
2. Equipment
This can be so important because the equipment takes can either have a good sound quality or a bad sound quality. This can be so important.
For me, I use my phone for the video and my podcasting equipment for the audio. It’s very handy that I podcast, but how can we do this for you?
You do not have to break the bank for some good equipment. The microphone that I use for my podcasting and also for my audition videos is very handy and not a break the bank situation.
Let’s say you can’t get recording equipment or you can’t afford recording equipment. You can ask your accompanist if they have recording equipment. I have done this before — it’s definitely worth the ask!
You can also ask if your school has recording equipment that you can use as well. Or maybe if your friends have recording equipment, or even your teacher. It never hurts to ask!
Check the guidelines and requirements of your audition for anything about the recording.
3. Professionalism inside and outside the video
Do you need to introduce yourself before the piece? Check the rules for that.
Personally, I always introduce myself and the piece because it makes it easier to use it for many purposes. If they don’t want your introduction, I can cut it out!
Make sure your dress is also concert attire. Be as professional as possible. If you were a judge, and you saw a video from someone who dressed in concert dress, v. someone in jeans and a top, which one are you going to think is more professional? Definitely the one that’s dressed in more professional clothing!
Make sure your dress is concert attire. Be as professional as possible. You are showing that you really, really care about this!
In terms of being professional outside the video: make sure that you have a few takes, but be gracious of your accompanist and the time. Be polite and gracious outside the recording as well.
For more about this and how to work with an accompanist, CLICK HERE
Recording audition videos can be fun. I encourage you to find the excitement in them!
All my best,
Eleanor
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