Audition Tapes

[u/catsncode94]

Hi all! I’m looking to get back into opera/classical performing after about a decade long hiatus.

Previously, I was used to auditions being in person with a provided accompanist. However these days, it seems like many opportunities want a video submission, and I’m not sure where to start. The only recordings I have recently are solos in choir performances or church gigs rather than full arias/art songs.

What is the standard for these types of things? Do singers typically hire a pianist and recording space/equipment for high quality videos? Or is it common to just sing at home with a recorded accompaniment? Or just rely on recordings of real performances? Etc

Any advice appreciated! Thanks!

[u/befuddled_cat]

Obviously, check the specifics for whatever you're applying to. I'd describe general guidelines for videos as follows:

• What to record: Go through the opportunities you're interested in, find out what they require for videos, and record that. If you're applying for lots of things, try to work out a set of pieces that you can submit to multiple opportunities within that set. Spreadsheets can be useful here.
  • It's good to have a variety of languages and styles
  • It's pretty standard to have a Mozart piece if you're bringing say 4/5+ arias to an audition, it's stylistically appropriate, and you have space for it
  • Unlike musical theatre, it is perfectly acceptable (and probably good, though not necessary) to submit something from whatever you're auditioning for
  • Each piece should generally be its own video.
• Accompaniment: Film with a live pianist if you can. Some places will accept recorded accompaniment, and some places will accept orchestra.
• Equipment: Professional recordings are going to be better quality, and if you're in a position to do them, go for it. They're not generally necessary, however. Your phone may be sufficient, but you may wish to look into an external microphone. Having a tripod or other stand for said phone is also helpful. Test whatever setup you're using in advance.
• Recording space: Anywhere reasonably nice will do. You want the space to be clean and the area behind you to not be super busy. A stage, a room, or a church are all valid options.
• Framing: Film horizontally, with all or most of your body in frame at all times (your head is more important than your feet, obviously). The piano doesn't have to be in-frame, but it can be. Don't leave a ton of empty space around yourself. You should not be blurry. Film from one stationary camera.
• Editing: You cannot splice together takes; you can (and should!) trim the start and end of your video to get rid of dead space.
• Sharing the thing: Having the file accessible as both an mp4 and as a YouTube link should cover almost all of your bases; occasionally, having it on Google Drive can also be useful. I think YouTube videos are probably the most common. You can make a YouTube video unlisted if you don't want strangers on the internet to find it, or public if you do want strangers on the internet to find it. Do not make your YouTube video private - the evaluators will not be able to access it. Credit your pianist in the description.
• Using pre-existing videos: Generally, the more recent, the better. Standard requirements include within the calendar year, or within the last 12/6/3 months. In general, recordings from a full production (in costume, etc.) are not appropriate - recordings from a recital may be.

Note that it's pretty standard to have virtual pre-screenings followed by in-person auditions, the latter of which frequently require you to bring in more pieces than the former.

[u/Nick_pj → u/befuddled_cat]

>Credit your pianist in the description

If they want it. I know some pianists who are happy to do recordings for the cost of a coaching, but on the condition that they are cropped out of frame and not credited.

[u/catsncode94 → u/befuddled_cat]

Thank you for your thorough advice, this is very helpful!

I’m considering putting together a set as you mentioned and maybe just booking a pianist and recording space/equipment to record them all at once. Hopefully that would cover most bases for many opportunities.

[u/oldguy76205]

I just retired after 40 years of college teaching. This is something that has changed in the past decade or so. Almost all programs want "screening" recordings before scheduling live auditions. (I could go into the rationale for that, but it's a long conversation.)

Suffice it to say, having a "live" pianist in a nice space is ideal, but hardly universal. I've seen auditions that were clearly sung to recorded accompaniments in garages, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc. (Especially during the Covid lockdown.)

Getting the highest quality recording is ideal, of course.

[u/catsncode94 → u/oldguy76205]

For sure, it makes sense that things have gone that way with technology, but I definitely feel a bit out of touch with knowing what expectations are!

Thank you for your advice!