Auditions and Interview causing BP times
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| Fri, 12-08-2006 - 4:28pm |
Folks, I am terrified. Yesterday, out of the blue, I got this idea to call all the music stores in town to see if any were hiring studio teachers. As it turns out, most were, saying that they get a glut of students after the holidays. One place has scheduled an interview with me for a week from today. At that interview, I am to do an audition on flute, voice and piano. I have not done an audition in years, and rarely in the past have I done one so important! I need well-wishes.
Also at this interview, I am to bring three references. I don't know how best to handle this, as I have not worked in awhile. Right now, my only student has had me for only one lesson. I was so desparate I asked her. I am afraid I offended her and she won't want to study with me anymore! That's the thing with having mild autism along with bipolar- it's hard to understand people. I'm scared about that situation, too.

What a fantastic idea! Some of my best memories were with my music teachers and my time in the orchestra and band! You are so fortunate to take your passion for music and have the gift to teach. That in its self is a huge accomplishment, take it and run with it! As far as the references, can you contact any of the places you taught before, or students you had time with? The other thing you might want to consider is personal references, close friends, ect. I know with one music teacher, they had her bring in a portfolio of the pieces she taught. Maybe a list or some sort to show the range you taught, and the books (if your system used them) as well.
I played flute, French horn and piano, and I’m also an alto. I remember the addition process myself, and the fact that yup, my legs turned to jell-o, my vibrato went from solid to all over the place (at one point I thought I sounded like I swallowed a frog!), and I inevitability managed to either forget to empty the instrument or something strange would happen (my A-key notoriously was sticky on my flute). This always sent me in to a crisis, but once it was over, what a triumph! This list is what my teacher use to tell me; maybe it can help you with your nerves:
- Remember, do pieces you are comfortable with and that also display your talents.
- It is better to play an easier piece well than a difficult piece badly.
- When working up an audition you use a tape recorder.
- Try playing for people. Give recitals or just play for your friends.
- Keep going (confidently!) until told to stop. (And remember if they cut you off, it’s not that you messed up, it’s a time thing).
- Everyone is nervous. Don’t worry about playing bad. Slow down and the music will flow out better than ever. After the addition you might think that you screwed up but in truth it was hardly noticeable. You are your harshest critic.
- Give yourself a hug for being brave enough to audition!
This is an amazing talent you have, and you can do this! GL, remember to breathe and hug yourself a lot and we are right here cheering you on!
“Music is what feelings sound like.”
Keri
{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}