At general request, additional tips are offered here to help you prepare for your audition. Simply click on the name of your instrument (see the list below). Don't panic: it's not essential that you master everything covered in the section on your instrument. These are only suggestions to guide you.
Know what the musical requirements are
As you are aware, you can choose from among several options, depending on your preferences, when you audition for the Blues Camp. Remember that more than anything else, we want to hear and see you play. With a little practice, you will see that our requirements are very attainable, even for the youngest among you. Here then are the choices open to you: now it's up to you to choose the formula that suits you best.
- Whether you are a singer or an instrumentalist, you can simply show up and perform a short improvisation on a Blues theme of your choice;
- Show us how well you master some Blues scales;
- Play us a solo inspired by a Blues piece you love;
- Sight-read a musical excerpt of your choice.
How to choose your piece of music
The music camp will be dedicated to the Blues. So for starters, the music you choose will have to have a Blues flavour. The piece you select for your audition should show how easily you can play. The more comfortable you are technically, the better you will perform. So drop the idea of taking on a technical challenge. What matters most is that you are comfortable with the piece you are going to play.
Find the key that will showcase your technical talents best: if high notes are easier for you, then go for them! If you get lost playing low notes, stay away from them! Since you already know what your strengths are, it's up to you to bring them out and showcase your skill.
No doubt you've already got your own particular style. Well, we want to see it, hear it, and feel it! For example, if you sing, don't try to sing Céline Dion if your voice is more like that of Linda Lemay! In other words, show us what you do best!
Choose a short musical excerpt (approximately 3 minutes) or shorten your choice down to a reasonable length, and whatever you do, don't hesitate to cut! Remember that the Blues musicians who are going to listen to you will have lots of other candidates to hear as well.
And what about your interpretation?
If possible, listen to different recordings of the piece you wish to present. Good musicians owe it to themselves to enrich their musical listening sensitivity: the more you develop your listening skills, the more you can refine your interpretation. Understand the musical meaning of what you are playing: work your phrasing so that it slides along easily and win over the musicians who will be listening to you with its harmonic and melodic accuracy. Sing while you play! Try to stay still in one position: moving around too much can interfere with your technique.
Who will be listening to you?
During your audition, your listeners will be made up of professional, experienced Blues musicians. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous when you are giving an audition: all professional musicians have been down that road. It might help you get over your stage fright if you tell yourself that the Blues men who will be there are totally cool, and they understand exactly what an audition feels like. So take a deep breath and relax!
Lastly, what should you wear?
Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Stay true to yourself. Don't try to change to meet what you think might be the judges' expectations. Always remember that more than anything else, the Blues are a music of the emotions, and that your personality should shine through your music.
Short Practical Guide to the Audition
Knowing how to prepare properly for an audition can make all the difference in your final results. Here are a few useful tips to help you prepare for your audition.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE
FROM THE ENTIRE BLUES CAMP TEAM!