... in auditions, festivals, recitals, and other performances.
1) Sing with accompaniment. I know some of us think we are such amazing singers that we don't need the piano, but we do. The audition panel wants to hear what you sound like with a pianist, just as you would in the actual show. If you don't have someone to rehearse with you, consider learning to play the piano well enough that you can prep yourself for singing with accompaniment.
2) Don't use recorded accompaniment. No high-quality show would use recorded accompaniment, and no high-quality audition should either. Recorded accompaniment is also far less flexible. Almost all professional and professional-level amateur auditions will not allow you to audition with pre-recorded accompaniment.
3) If an accompanist is provided, don't try to bring your own unless it has been advertised as being acceptable. It's insulting.
4) If an accompanist is not provided but you are expected to bring your own, recognize that more will be expected from you. Practice with your accompanist well in advance of the audition.
5) Bring clean and clearly marked sheet music. Be sure the music you give the piano player is cut down to 16 bars (or however much you are singing) and is free of stray marks and coffee stains. Don't staple the pages together or do anything else that will make it difficult for the accompanist to turn the page. The best way to prepare the pages is to tape them accordian style so that they will fold out and stay flat on the piano stand.
6) Bring sheet music in the correct key. Do not assume that accompanists can transpose on the fly. This is considered rude and a breach of ettiquette in most auditions.
7) Most importantly, be courteous to the accompanist. Give them your music (neatly marked), explain at what tempo you would like it played, and point out any unusual tempo changes. Nod when you would like them to start. After you sing, thank them! Most accompanists are wonderful players, but even if they are lousy, they are doing you a favor by playing for you, and everyone will notice how you treat them. It's an indication of how easy you will be to work with should you get cast.
8) Try not to interact with your accompanist during the actual song. Things like watching the accompanist during the intro, tapping the beat that you want, or expecting the accompanist to give you cues (such as when to start) detract from your performance and make you look like an amateur.
Links to more Tips for Working With Accompanists
Singer and Accompanist
Working With Your Accompanist
