Auditions are a crucial part of the life of every musician. Whether you’re auditioning for your school orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic, the process can be challenging and nerve-wracking for even the best musicians. To help, we’ve compiled three videos from renowned concertmasters to give you a glimpse into what orchestras are looking for and how to approach your auditions.

Practical Advice from the New York Philharmonic

In an interview with Sheryl Staples, Associate Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, she shared her advice on how to plan the habits surrounding your audition process.

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare your audition outfit beforehand and practice performing in it before the audition
• Plan your travel route
• Don’t forget to eat
• Plan your warmup

Advice from Alex Kerr and The Violin Channel

Alex Kerr, concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and professor at the IU Jacobs School of Music, gives an interview with The Violin Channel about how to prepare for your orchestral audition.

Key Takeaways:

• Demonstrate your preparation
• Demonstrate understanding of the technical, rhythmic, and musical concepts of the work you’re performing
• Be calm in your body and highly focused in your mind. Avoid tension at all costs.
• Enjoy the audition process as much as you can.

Advice from Noah Bendix-Balgley and Tonebase

Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic Noah Bendix-Balgley gives his advice on how to give yourself the best shot at succeeding in orchestral auditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Get Feedback
• Take lessons with people who have experience in orchestral playing.
• Make sure to watch videos of the orchestra you’re auditioning for beforehand and, if possible, see the group play live.
• Don’t sacrifice yourself as a musician to get a job