By I had an audition for associate musical director at Central earlier this month and had some interesting thoughts on the audition process i wanted to share.
It’s actually pretty unusual for an MD to have to audition- mostly jobs are through recommendation and the assumption is that you know what you’re doing already. Its also not unusual for the MD to not be the best in the room at playing their instrument, strangely. The skill set is often more multitasker with incredible attention to detail / diplomat / counsellor tbh.
Anyway, I didn’t get the job. Why? Because my sightreading was poor and I also wasn’t a very good fit for the role. They specified exceptional piano skills in the criteria as ESSENTIAL. My piano skills are fine, but they are in no way exemplary.
So why would apply for a job that I knew I was underqualified for?
1) Had I got it, I would’ve been getting paid to train on keys under the amazing Wendy Gadian, I would’ve improved (pianowise) immensely, and I would’ve had a really good grounding in all the traditional MT repetoire that I’m not so familiar with.
2) There is plentiful depressing research to suggest that women only apply for positions when they are overqualified, and men will apply if they meet 80% of the criteria. I made a decision last year to take this on board and apply for everything like an average white male. It’s generally working out pretty well. My point? be brave, and realise you may as well take a punt.
3)Auditions are hugely informative and often really fun. Don’t stake your future happiness on getting the part / job, but turn up, be open, and see what you can learn and also what you can give. I had a massively enjoyable time- I got to lead a group of super able singers in workshop on one of my favourite songs, offer stylistic guidance and praise their exemplary efforts.
4)I also got to duet with the aforementioned amazing Wendy G, whilst she accompanied my (pretty shabby) sightreading. When the F else do you get to do that?, got to see the book and play a couple of the songs from the Jerry Springer musical, which were GREAT, and meet with representatives from the school, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, and the great P Bateman.
5) TOTAL FOCUS! we all do mindfullness and bloody yoga all the time to try and quieten our mind, focus on one thing at once, stop the chatter. On stage, and in auditions like these, moments of stress and anxiety when you hope for optimal performance, I guarantee you you;re not thinking about whether you left the washing on. You are 100% focused and in the room, which is not to be sniffed at.
To sum up, everytime you do an audition you get better at it. The worst that can happen is that you’ll feel stupid for a bit, which in it’s own way is kind of a rush. You’ll meet people that you woudn’t under any other circumstances, and although you may not be right for this part, they know you now, and often call you in for something else after.