I've judged All-State auditions for five years. I've heard incredible playing and mediocre playing. But some of the best players didn't make All-State because they walked in late, unprepared, or disrespectful.
Audition etiquette isn't about being fake or stiff. It's about showing judges that you respect the process, that you're a serious musician, and that you belong in that room. It matters more than most students think.
Here's the unspoken code of audition behavior. Master this and you'll be head-and-shoulders ahead of students who ignore it.
Before You Arrive: The Preparation Phase
Know the Location
What to do:
- →Visit the audition location at least once before audition day
- →Find the parking, the building entrance, and the warm-up area
- →Know how long it takes to get there from where you'll be coming
- →Plan to arrive 30 minutes early
Why it matters:
Students who are late or looking lost before their audition are already panicked. Judges see this. You want to walk in calm and prepared. Knowing your way eliminates one source of stress.
Prepare Your Materials
What you need:
- →Printed audition materials (scales, solos, whatever is required)
- →A copy in your folder, not loose papers
- →Your instrument in good working condition
- →Extra reeds/rosin/supplies (whatever your instrument needs)
- →Your student ID or confirmation letter
Why it matters:
Walking in unprepared — no materials, broken instrument, no reeds — signals to judges that you don't take this seriously. It's a red flag.
Check Your Instrument
The night before:
- →Play through your scales (no pressure, just check it works)
- →Make sure there are no obvious mechanical problems
- →Have back-up reeds/valve oil/supplies
Why it matters:
If your instrument breaks during auditions and you have no backup supplies, that's your fault, not the judges'. Having spares shows professionalism.
When You Arrive: The Warm-Up Phase
You're at the audition location 30 minutes early. Now what?
Find the Warm-Up Area
Ask where students are supposed to warm up. It's usually a designated space, not random hallways or parking lots. Warming up in the wrong place is unprofessional.
Be Respectful of Other Students' Space
Don't talk loudly, don't make jokes about other students' auditions, and don't wander into audition rooms. Keep your warm-up to yourself.
Warm Up Quietly and Briefly
A few long tones, maybe one scale. You don't want to wear out your chops before your audition. Keep it calm.
Don't Complain About Your Audition Time or Materials
You don't like the sight-reading excerpt? Too bad. You think the timing is unfair? That's not the judges' problem. Keep your frustrations private.
Be on Time to Your Audition Slot
If you're supposed to be in the audition room at 10:15, be in the hallway at 10:10. Being late is a mark against you before you even play.
During the Audition: The Performance Phase
You walk into the room. Your audition starts now. Here's what etiquette looks like:
Enter Calmly and With Respect
What to do:
- →Knock lightly before entering (or wait for instruction)
- →Make eye contact with the judges and nod
- →Don't talk unless they ask you a question
- →Stand up straight, instrument ready
Why it matters:
Your entry sets the tone. Judges start evaluating the moment you walk in. Being respectful and prepared signals that you're a serious musician.
Play as Directed
Follow instructions exactly:
- →If they say "play your B-flat scale," don't play D major
- →If they say "your solo one time," don't play it twice
- →If they give you a tempo, play at that tempo
- →If they interrupt you, stop and listen
Why it matters:
Not following instructions suggests you don't listen or respect authority. In an audition, that's a quick way to lose points.
Don't Make Excuses or Apologize Excessively
What NOT to do:
- →"Sorry, I'm nervous" — judges know you're nervous. They don't need to hear it.
- →"My reed/instrument is bad today" — that's an excuse. Own your audition.
- →"I messed up that scale" — judges heard it. Pointing it out makes it worse.
What to do instead:
Play. Don't narrate. If you make a mistake, keep going. Judges respect confidence, even in the face of imperfection.
Handle Sight-Reading Calmly
The process:
- →They hand you the sight-reading excerpt
- →You have 30 seconds (or whatever time they give you) to look at it
- →When they say "go" or give you a tempo, you start playing
- →You play through once, then stop when they say "thank you"
Don't:
Ask "Can I have more time?" (no), ask "Should I play it again?" (just play), or complain that it's "too hard" (judges don't care).
When They Say You're Done
What to do:
- →Acknowledge with a nod or simple "thank you"
- →Exit calmly
- →Don't linger or try to talk to judges
- →Close the door softly behind you
Why it matters:
The audition ends when judges say it ends. They've made notes on your performance. You trying to talk to them or ask questions after is unprofessional and won't change anything.
Common Etiquette Mistakes (That Cost You Points)
Mistake 1: Being Late
Late = losing points before you even play. Period. Judges see it as disrespectful and unprofessional.
Mistake 2: Not Having Your Materials
Walking in without printed scales or your audition piece signals you're unprepared. Have everything organized in a folder.
Mistake 3: A Broken or Poorly Maintained Instrument
A leaky valve, stuck pad, or rusty joints tell judges you don't maintain your instrument. That's a sign of poor work ethic.
Mistake 4: Making Excuses or Complaining
"I had a bad reed," "I'm sick," "I didn't sleep last night" — these aren't relevant. Judges evaluate what you actually play, not your circumstances.
Mistake 5: Not Following Instructions
They ask for your D scale and you play C major? They say "stop" and you keep going? That shows you don't listen or respect authority.
Mistake 6: Talking Too Much or Being Overly Friendly
This is a professional audition, not a social event. Be respectful and brief. Small talk can actually work against you.
Mistake 7: Not Dressing Appropriately
Check what's required (often concert dress — dark pants, white shirt, black shoes). Showing up in casual clothes is disrespectful.
The Unspoken Code
If you boil down audition etiquette to its essence, it's this:
Show judges that you respect this process. That means being prepared, being on time, being organized, and not making excuses.
Show judges that you respect yourself as a musician. That means having a maintained instrument, knowing your material, and playing with confidence.
Show judges that you listen and follow directions. That means doing exactly what they ask, nothing more, nothing less.
Show judges that you can handle pressure professionally. That means no complaining, no excuses, no panic. Just play.
Do these four things and your etiquette will be flawless. Judges might not consciously think about it, but they'll respect you for it. And that respect translates to a better audition score.
The Bottom Line
Audition etiquette isn't complicated. It's just respect:
- 1.Arrive prepared, organized, and 30 minutes early
- 2.Maintain your instrument and have backup supplies
- 3.Follow every instruction exactly as given
- 4.Don't make excuses or complain during your audition
- 5.Play with confidence and exit professionally
Master this and you'll already be ahead of 80% of students who audition. Your technique can be solid, but poor etiquette can cost you.
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