10 tips for a successful orchestral audition

The following piece from our archive is linked to the article in the March 2021 issue of The Strad on the challenges facing orchestral string players that often go unnoticed by the audience

Every orchestra and audition committee is unique. However, certain audition concepts are so fundamental as to be likely to lead to a performance that will get positive attention from practically any audition committee.

1. Show your artistic depth with every note

Yes, you must demonstrate mastery of a number of basics to be successful in an audition. Too often, however, people are afraid to go further and convey real musical understanding by taking a sophisticated view of the music. What’s on the page should be clear, but don’t stop there. Committee members are musicians, and musicians gravitate to tasteful and inspired playing, in an audition or otherwise.