PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Please bring your pre-recorded music accompaniment tracks on a personal device that can connect to speakers via bluetooth or audio cable.
Audition Requirements
Please prepare 2 song selections:
- 60-90 seconds (or 32 bars) of a commercial music ballad
- 60-90 seconds of a commercial music uptempo song
Any genre of commercial music is acceptable, including pop, R&B, rock, country, gospel, hip-hop and dance. The song selection should demonstrate a connection to lyrics performed with proficient pitch and a strong sense of musical styling. You must sing to a pre-recorded track for both songs. Singers who regularly provide self-accompaniment with guitar accompaniment or other portable acoustic instruments can accompany themselves on 1 of the selections.
BEFORE THE AUDITION
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- Select 2 songs from Commercial Music repertoire and carefully acquire the correct sheet music and/or audio accompaniment file needed to learn and rehearse appropriately.
- Musicnotes.com and sheetmusicdirect.com are the best online sources for finding published sheet music.
- For students auditioning with an audio file, you may find pianotrax.com to be a great resource for piano instrumentals or creating custom piano tracks. YouTube.com is also a great resource for finding backing tracks.
- Schedule a time to rehearse your music prior to the audition. If possible, seek the support of singing teachers, directors or coaches.
- Memorize the material until you have full command of the music and lyrics.
IN THE AUDITION ROOM
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- The AMDA audition representative sitting behind the table in the Audition Room is called an AMDA “audition coach.” They are there to support you through the audition process and make a recommendation regarding your AMDA program of study.
- Your audition begins immediately upon your entrance to the audition room and continues until you exit.
- Upon entering the audition room, greet your audition coach and head directly to the desk to connect your phone to the speakers. Afterwards, proceed to the center of the audition room and await instructions from your audition coach.
- Be prepared to introduce yourself with your name, age, city/country of residence, and the program and campus for which you are auditioning. You will also introduce the selections you will be presenting. Please state the genre of Commercial Music you are performing, the title of the song you will be presenting, and the recording artist that popularized the song.
- After you finish your first song, take a moment to refocus, and when you are ready, proceed with your second song. Hold the last moment of your song for a beat, then restore to neutral and wait for a response from the audition coach before you leave the room, even if it is just a “thank you.”
- Be prepared to take an adjustment from your audition coach. Your coach may want to work with you on one or both of your pieces. You may also be asked questions about the songs, the music genre, or the musical stylings presented in the songs.
- Plan to articulate why you are auditioning for AMDA and why you want to pursue training in the performing arts. This is an opportunity to express your passion and your professional goals. Thank all panelist(s) (i.e. coach, pianist etc.) before exiting the audition room.
Important Tips for a Successful Audition
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- Present strong, effective posture and vocal clarity.
- Enter and leave with confidence (i.e. keep your head up, avoid looking at the floor).
- Maintain eye contact with your audition coach for the introduction/slate and feedback portions of your audition.
- For your songs, choose a specific “performance focus” above or slightly to the right or left of the audition table and audition coach.
- Do not use props or costumes other than the chair that is provided.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Please look your best but remain comfortable. Clothing and footwear should allow for natural movement and not distract from your performance. Long hair or bangs should be pulled back and away from the face. Please remove all jewelry before auditioning.