College Audition Do's and Don'ts

[@kiaraeijo]

Something that helps me calm down before I perform is thinking about happy thoughts and about people who have inspired me :)

[@miaaida5187]

I remember watching this video when it came out to ease my nerves about a summer program audition and I'm watching it now for my collegiate audition. It never fails.

[@ThatViolaKid]

You're so sweet! I'm so happy that it's been helpful for you! Did you get into the program?

[@dakota8147]

lol when those whispers came in.

[@ThatViolaKid]

hehehe

[@Ouistiti_de_l_Espace]

Gooooosh, this is just hooooorible ! 😭

[@talulahsafir]

I know this may sound like an exaggeration but it's not at all. You are my inspiration. I started when I was 12 as well and I constantly deal with sec and guessing myself because I think I started too late or I'm not good enough and I look at all the people who have made it in music who all started at such younger ages than me and I want to quit. But then I found you and everything changed. Thank you so much for all you do because without you I don't even know if I'd have the grit to keep persisting. You taught me that music doesn't come from age or even talent by itself. It comes from how hard you work and how badly you want it. Thank you

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Talulah M. =)))) Keep pushing homie! You GOT DIS :D

[@talulahsafir]

+ThatViolaKid I hope!!

[@obrienastro]

My audition is in like 9 months and I'm already so scared!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Charles O'Brien Awww don't be scared!!!!

[@obrienastro]

Thanks! Thankfully I have like 9 months to prepare!

[@AustinBreathesAnime]

IT'S BEEN 9 MONTHS HOW DID IT GO

[@ingridayarza]

ジザースすばかす I wanna know too!!!!

[@guerrero4982]

OI HOW DID IT GO

[@gabrielgenerally2242]

I'm auditing for musical theatre so no Juliard for me lol but I'm super focused on having a great audition that they have never heard before.

[@ThatViolaKid]

I'm so happy to hear that! Shoot for the stars!!!

[@sukaiei7846]

Thank you so much for this!! I'm going into my senior year of high school looking into auditioning for a music college in memory of my mother who really advocated my musical development. Knowing these tips now gives me more confidence!

[@ThatViolaKid]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@ThatViolaKid]

Because I missed uploading last Sunday---I have an extra video coming out in a few days to make it up to you ;)

[@dominikablackrose1364]

Hi, :), Do you know of any Acting schools/ Acadamys that I can audition for? Can I audition as an actress at Juilliard? I want to be an actress on the big screen.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Sabrina Vallejo There is a drama division at Juilliard! You can find out more by visiting Juilliard.edu

[@dominikablackrose1364]

OK, thanks, :)

[@shermanngjazz]

I'm doing piano auditions for colleges, this video is what I need thanks Drew!!!!

[@arielpostmus]

I have watched this so many times, and it's so so so helpful!! it's such a de-stresser for me THANK YOU

[@ThatViolaKid]

Oh wow! You humble me greatly! I'm so glad that this video has proven useful to you!

[@miaumiau679]

Thank you very much Drew! I love your advise and even though I won't be auditioning , I'll enter a competition in a few months

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Coco _ Awesome! Well, I'm glad the video was able to help you!!! Thanks so much for watching! Good luck!! :D

[@nonchanyuzu7308]

I just came back from my Eastman auditions and I'm glad my do and don't points matched yours :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+nonchan yuzu Hahahaha yeahhhh, I think I'm a bit late to the game with this video :(

[@nonchanyuzu7308]

+ThatViolaKid most auditions are held during the last week of February ~ first week of March so I don't think you're late ;)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+nonchan yuzu Thanks for the vote of confidence :)

[@madilynthomas8767]

+nonchan yuzu did u get in????

[@SnapAudition]

Great tips. We recently talked with Nikki Abissi, a Julliard trombone grad, on our podcast.

[@elisabethkomprs8808]

Even though I'm just a 6th grade violist, I hope I can use this in the years to come!!! Thnx

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Elisabeth Komprs My pleasure!!!

[@youzhang5018]

Update?

[@alolinesion9566]

This video really helped me out. I have to send in a video audition due to my busy schedule and being unable to go to a live audition, and you helped by telling me to put every ounce of feeling into what I'm playing. It has given me confidence that even though my audition is taped, it'll still be a great audition! :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+alolinesion I'm sooo glad to hear that! Go for it!!!

[@lttl2128]

This helps with monologues so much! Thanks, man!

[@SpicyGelato98]

How convenient! I have one in a few days! Thanks. 😊

[@ThatViolaKid]

+TwizlerzRus You're welcome!!!

[@freebirdforever2674]

Dude, you give AWESOME advice. Major respect.

[@forkfour4634]

You are going to be really big one day and I'm proud to be here since the beginning on KZbin as well as Instagram and Facebook. You are a wonderful player keep up the good work =D!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Forkfour Awww you just made my entire week! Thank you for all of your support! You make all the difference!!!

[@forkfour4634]

+ThatViolaKid

[@IsaiahHoltBass]

This is will be super helpful soon when my audition year comes! Thanks!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Isaiah Holt Yayy! You're welcome!

[@savjontamlin4987]

I just wanted to say thanks for the video you did on vibrato now after a couple of weeks of practicing I can finally do it.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+savjon tamlin Wow!!! I'm so happy to hear that!!! Congratulations!!! :)

[@LFPPstudios]

Yassss I've been waiting for this and I just woke up and I'm so happy!! Love the vids and your sweater lol

[@ThatViolaKid]

+AsianFUN Haha thanks homie

[@floralbeauty01]

Good vibes. This was so helpful❤️

[@bengemations6099]

Im bouta go into an audition for a play at my college, wish me luck!

[@jacksonborre7167]

+ThatViolaKid yes, i have looked at that, just seeing if there are any unique songs that i have possibly looked over or have not seen yet. Thanks for replying, im happy that you do reply to your viewers

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Jackson Borre Of course I have!!! I'm so thankful for all of your collective support! :)

[@arynamcmullen4935]

Love your videos tvk, you're a big inspiration!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Aryna McMullen Thank you for your support! It means the world to me!!!

[@dpw0793]

This video is so helpful. Thanks!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Paige Watkins You're welcome! Thanks for watching!!!

[@carolstringer809]

Wow, I've grown up living with musician and playing music my entire life, and I've heard so many things through out the years about playing and auditioning (especially now in my junior year) but you just said some powerful stuff I had never heard or thought of, I'm definitely coming back to this video a bunch of times, thanks for being awesome PS Lot's of love from Mexico

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Musician 84 Love from NYC

[@melissa7427]

I’m auditioning for performing arts high schools and I’m nervous but this vid is so helpful thanks!!!

[@edwardt2396]

I have an audition for the best acting school in my country in a few weeks and I'm terrified, I've prepared three songs instead of just one and I'm watching videos about college auditions for musical instruments.

[@ingridayarza]

D A V I D I also watch videos made by non musicians haha. How did it go though?!

[@selenef6009]

Thank you so much for this video, I feel less anxious for my upcoming college auditions!

[@ThatViolaKid]

Good!!! I'm wishing you all the best!

[@michaelokeefe-daw5543]

My audition for percussion is in 2 weeks and this video is helpful haha, thanks for the content!

[@abigailmacy7406]

Sad that I can only choose one poll answer - I want both vlogs and music tips! Loved the vid :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Abigail Macy Awww thank you! I'll take note of that!

[@abigailmacy7406]

Just an idea for a video, I would love a video on how to choose a summer program!

[@chloemajeske6189]

Thank you for this. I'm auditioning for my college band, and this helped my nerves.

[@TheStupidityBuster]

Hey Drew! Are you coming to San Diego or south California any time soon? I would love to meet you and maybe collaborate! You are such an inspiration, keep up the good work!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Diego Guerra I won't be coming out there for some time man. Gotta finish school and get a few things in order! Soon though

[@wushuangviolin]

AHH DREWWW YOURE SO INSPIRING

[@ThatViolaKid]

Wu Shuang!!!!

[@OrchDork7]

Wow I wish I had this when I was auditioning 4 years ago haha. Great channel!!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+OrchDork7 Thank you :))))

[@PryingTuna85649]

That was really good advice about being proud of what you did rather than basing your judgment of what you did on the outcome. That also applies to a lot of things in life...I'm going to write that down to remember it! Hey, I thought of something I wanted to ask you earlier today. I heard you say in one of your videos that the students are really competitive toward one another in the sense that they keep each other moving forward and bettering themselves. What are the professors like? I imagine it probably depends on the professor, but are they generally very supportive in how they push students? Some professors (like the one I had at a different school...not a major/well known conservatory, but still a very good music school) will really put down their students, I guess as their way of "pushing" or "motivating" their students. Or to test how much they want to go into the music field. This doesn't always work for everyone, of course, but I am actually VERY curious to hear if this is a teaching method encountered even somewhat frequently at major conservatories. I'm trying to think of the least offensive way of phrasing it, because I don't want to set you up for writing something that might not look good in your school's or other professionals' eyes. A less appropriate (but pretty accurate) way of describing the professor (and by professor, I mean private teacher) I had would be "Dr. House meets college viola professor". Anyway, another great video! Congrats!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+PryingTuna85649 I really can't comment on the nature of professors, for I haven't been there for very long to gain a wholistic and unskewed opinion. From what I do know, the professors are very supportive.

[@PryingTuna85649]

Cool, that's reassuring to hear. Everyone I've ever heard of talking about Juilliard and other major conservatories always say their professors are really supportive. I never hear stories like of the one where I went from the bigger schools. If anything, I would've thought the big name schools would have more stuffy, unsupportive professors than smaller/lesser known conservatories, but it seems like it's actually the opposite, surprisingly. Oh well, though. That's all based on expectations and stereotypes, which...yeah, that's an "ass" in "assumption" thing, I guess, lol. Thanks for your response! Looking forward to more great videos from you!

[@gracerafferty2634]

Thank you for this! I am going to audition for the Million Dollar Band (UA) and I am crazy nervous. But this definitely helped me :).

[@ThatViolaKid]

I’m glad it helped!! Break a leg!!

[@benfreedman7901]

damn those pesky refrigerators

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Ben Freedman Ikr

[@alinaalvidrez7873]

This video was actually really helpful. I'm only in 8th grade but I'm auditioning for Chamber Orchestra for highschool in a little under a month. I'm really nervous but I'm gonna try and do the best I can. (*´・ｖ・) Thanks.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Viabilitiy02 Good luck brooo

[@katlynnmiller6007]

Not me watching this 5 min before my zoom audition

[@xxkarenxx1913]

I’m a 4th grade violinist and I’m really trying to take music seriously because I want to have a big future that involves me and my violin so this helps so much ❤️🎻❤️🎻❤️

[@laniabaker9161]

I’m not auditioning for a college but I am auditioning for a high school I really want to get into, auditions are next month and my anxiety is off the roof right now

[@dpw0793]

Would it be possible to do a video on recording tips? I've done a few recordings in the past couple months for competitions and I feel like I didn't perform to the best of my ability on any of them. It's like I psych myself out or something. Another thing that makes it difficult is having to schedule times that work with my accompanist. I'm preparing for another recording in May for a competition and I'm trying to prepare and research as much possible before then! Thanks!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Paige Watkins Hmmm, I'm not very good at recording myself either. What I would say is this, set up multiple days to record. You won't be perfect all the time, so it's good to have backup days to give yourself another chance! Sometimes the relief of knowing you can do it again later relaxes you. Also, record your practice more often so you can get used to playing in front of a camera!

[@dpw0793]

Thank you!!!

[@NotoriousL30]

Thx bro.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Masterarrowkill2 My pleasure homie!! :D

[@hannahhill3948]

you are so silly! lol and thanks for the audition advice :D

[@ThatViolaKid]

+NaHann Hill Hahah my pleasure :)

[@MrEdUrAt]

I think there's a book for silencing those inner voices. "The inner game of music" has some concepts for minimalizing self-interference before, during and after perfomance. I didn't get paid to promote this book ;). Would love to hear your thoughts on the whole "inner game" concept

[@amelliab.9573]

Are there any “gospel” singers at Juilliard. Like people with strong voices or singers who do complexed riffs and runs???

[@jkvhcjshcsjacbjsabjhasihfz9037]

honestly...those whispers are totally me when im in an audition...

[@gavinreed7214]

I’m 13 years old. What am I doing here?

[@learisbethtizro2333]

My audition is tomorrow 😀 I’m dying!

[@jagodasawczuk2825]

If I had seen this before my audition to music high school :-)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Jagoda Sawczuk Awww you're so young! You have plenty of time to utilize it!

[@jagodasawczuk2825]

Now I'm on my first year of voice, but my audition was teeeeerible, hahaha

[@jagodasawczuk2825]

Btw, I love yours videos :D

[@RoseCadenza]

I'm thinking of maybe auditioning for Whitworth University. As a senior of high school, I'm already a little nervous. Also, I'm not planning to go to college right after I graduate. I want to get a job to help pay off my tuition. I want to audition with playing oboe. I don't know how well that's going to turn out because I just started playing that 4 months ago.

[@laberynthe]

Just watching this video made me nervous. THAT'S how nervous I get about auditions. All you have to do is just say the freaking word. XD One thing that hits home... "Don't play your entire repertoire in the waiting room." What if I play my entire repertoire like fifty times before I get to the actual audition venue? Good, bad, happy, sad? Is this okay behavior? Thanks for the advice, friend!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+laberynthe If you feel that need to perform your rep 50 times in order to feel secure, you should do that. However, you should probably do something like that a couple weeks before the audition. In the 7 days leading up to an audition, all you really should be doing is polishing, practicing slowly, and maintaining repertoire. There's no much productive work that can be done the week before a performance, so try to prepare well in advance so you can work through the nerves :)

[@anothershane9398]

I remember doing my chair placement live audition for county honor band last year and I was so nervous that my fingers were stiff, I was shivering uncontrollably, my fingers were slipping off the keys, I forgot one of my scales, and I sight read terribly. I was surprised I got 9th chair and not like 3rd to last or something

[@matthewj1997]

right so is it possible to do a solo audition with my electric guitar without singing in the audition? because i cant sing for shit

[@aakritiadhikari6421]

can you make a video for drama division? or ask any of drama student to ? plz

[@erentar2002]

Do's and re's

[@baileytodtenbier1367]

Can you audition for more than one thing (example:violin and piano)?

[@ThatViolaKid]

I actually don't know. I wouldn't advice doing that, cuz that would be a LOT of repertoire. Majoring in one instrument is grueling. Majoring in two would be insane

[@baileytodtenbier1367]

I meant for the original audition and trying out for both, so if one doesn't go as well as I hoped, then I have another instrument. Kinda to maximize chances of getting in I guess? I'm at the same level in both instruments and I've been playing for many years.

[@reddyspeggetti]

+ThatViolaKid do you know anything about auditions for vocal performance at Juilliard? Like probabilities and if a blind student can audition?

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Britney Jenkins I don't see why they wouldn't allow a blind student to audition. However, I don't have any authority or knowledge on this matter. Why don't you call admissions?

[@carlyglaze8859]

What's the difference between an undergraduate and graduate degree?

[@sarahyehle501]

I have my college audition this weekend! Thanks for the do's and don't, I found them helpful(: But quick question. What do girls normally wear to auditions? Like do most girls wear dress pants and a nice shirt or mainly dresses?

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Sarah Yehle Wear what you're most comfortable wearing! As long is it is conservative, but looks nice! No need for gowns. I'm not a girl, so I didn't have to worry about this haha

[@DusktheCuteKat]

When did you start playing? I started viola when I was 11, admittedly a little late, and I've been playing for 2 1/2 years now. I've never had private lessons, but I've been working independently on Suzuki Book 4 for a few weeks now. I am first chair in both school orchestra and the Anchorage Junior Youth Symphony (a sort of "honor orchestra" for middle schoolers). Is there any possibility that I could become a professional violist in the future, or did I start too late?

[@ThatViolaKid]

+DusktheCuteKat I started when I was 12 years old and didn't have a teacher until I was 15! You'll be fine! :)

[@DusktheCuteKat]

+ThatViolaKid Thanks so much! :)

[@ikeeichenberg9068]

My first college audition is tomorrow. Yikes

[@iduepolentoni5928]

Hi TVK, I will have an audition this summer and I don't know if it's better to bring a friend as a mental supporter (is that a word?) or face it by myself. What do you think it's better?

[@ursula2165]

brought my mother to my college audition... helped a lot!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+I Due Polentoni If you think it will help, go ahead and do it! I've been auditioning for a long time, so I'm usually okay by myself. However, my mom went to a lot of my early auditions for me, and it did indeed help :)

[@iduepolentoni5928]

+ThatViolaKid +ursula thank you for the advice

[@baileylynn8005]

where did you get your undergrad degree from?? and do you plan on getting a dr degree?

[@ThatViolaKid]

I got my undergraduate degree from Mercer University! :)

[@tumejoramigoniko]

LMAO this video gives me hope 😂, thanks.

[@victoriareyes2850]

I’ve reached a point in piano where I’ve encountered everything there is, but I have yet to create my own consistency with it all. Especially speed and finger technique (which I realize makes up a lot of piano in general). So I’ve decided to just start by studying different warmups/scales/strategies. I’m in my junior year of high school right now, but I’m aiming for berklee school of music. If you don’t mind, what else would one suggest I do?

[@Kamisama1000]

So I sing and play the violin, I have been playing longer that I have been single. I'm a 2020 highschool graduate and I'm got to gsu. I have to audition for both film and media and music so I have no way out of it. Should I play my violin?

[@Careezala]

Does this apply to brass?

[@gjpllumaj3198]

did you audition yet

[@ThatViolaKid]

+gjonzef pllumaj Hahaha yeah a couple of years ago =P

[@gjpllumaj3198]

+ThatViolaKid i'm sorry i thought that you had to audition again every semester

[@ThatViolaKid]

gjonzef pllumaj Oh nooo! Once you're in, you're in

[@gjpllumaj3198]

oh thank you for replying back i didn't know thanks for replying

[@benstokes5092]

At an audition, do you sing and play or what do you do exactly, I want to major in guitar and vocals so would I play and sing?

[@LFPPstudios]

Oh and quick question, I wanna eventually work my way to Juilliard, do you have any colleges that I should apply to first? I'm still in Junior High but I wanna know lol. Also, I live in Utah. So, preferably close-ish, but anywhere would work.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+AsianFUN Just look at state schools! You have SOOO much time lol. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I didn't really look at schools until my Junior year of high school

[@jacksonborre7167]

Hello, my name is jackson borre, as you probably see my name, and i am a junior in high school and i am going to go to Juilliard in two years, if my auditions go well. Any songs you would recommend for me? I play cello, and i have since the 4th grade. Anyone have any ideas?

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Jackson Borre Have you looked at the required repertoire on the website?? They will have guidelines that should help you decide on what you need. Also, why no ask your private teacher??? Juilliard.edu

[@sarahk5708]

MY AUDITION IS IN A WEEK!!!!!!!

[@sailimiranda1828]

I just started really learning piano in my first year of university, do I stand a chance of getting into Julliard?

[@ThatViolaKid]

Hmmmm, not a very good chance, I'm afraid! You have a better shot at other schools though =)

[@miraclekelleyy]

You Remind Me So Much Of PrettyboyFredo 😂

[@Lionhearted626]

"You know you suck" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@adambone4959]

Why laugh at people who are probably just as nervous as you that’s harsh

[@Qee7en]

Lol, why am I listening to someone who got into Juilliard... I mean, who am I kidding :')

[@ThatViolaKid]

Yeah, idk what i'm talking about haha

[@Qee7en]

I mean, I have an audition for a private teacher coming up which is not too big a deal; Juilliard is just on a whole other level ;) Thanks for replying btw!

[@Jangofett165]

Hope you don't get food poisoning... Because then we couldn't see what shirt you'd wear for the next video. I also was a little suspicious about the "do's and don'ts..." Had to check the rules here: english.stackexchange.com/questions/28671/dos-and-donts-or-dos-and-donts

[@ThatViolaKid]

+fa18hornet It wasn't off for more than 10 minutes haha

[@ThatViolaKid]

+fa18hornet And if it was don't's, then you would be saying it was possessive, rather than just plural. To my knowledge, I've never seen an 's to indicate a plural case of something. "Don'ts" just seems logical to me. One don't. Two don'ts.

[@Jangofett165]

ThatViolaKid Haha. I probably would be saying it was possessive. Nice catch. Did you check your food to see if it were okay?

[@ThatViolaKid]

+fa18hornet The food is fine lol

[@jacobboss593]

You discriminated 😭💀when U assumed a lady couldn’t be a boss