Music and Academic Tips for Preparation
From the College of Musical Arts Music Ambassadors (volunteer music majors who assist prospective students)
Music Preparation Tips
- Take piano lessons.
- Learn more than one instrument.
- Request to perform your audition repertoire in front of your school band/orchestra/choir and family and friends to make you more comfortable performing in front of others.
- Use a recording device when you practice so that you can better evaluate yourself.
- Develop a practice routine that is comfortable and consistent. As you learn, you can further develop your routine to be the most effective for you.
- Be open to advice and criticism from professors and other students—it is meant to be helpful.
- Keep an open mind to new opportunities. Don’t dismiss possibilities because you think you only want one thing (performance/education/arts management, etc.)
- Schedule practice sessions as if they were classes. This will help you to get it done when you don’t feel like it and will create a “healthy” routine.
- Schedule a lesson with the professor before your audition. It shows your interest, gives you an idea of what he/she is looking for, and lets you get to know each other before the audition.
- Know your major and minor scales. This will help in your audition and future theory classes.
- Rather than learn something new and difficult for auditions, stick with something old and perfected. That way, you have less that could go wrong in the audition.
- Don’t make last minute changes in your audition music. Perform what you’re comfortable with.
- Take advantage of your junior audition! Think about what the professor tells you and apply it. They will remember and notice when you make large improvements!
- Take private lessons and continue through the summer.
- Keep a practice journal so you can monitor your progress and what still needs improvement.
- Take a theory class—one that includes aural skills—if possible. It will help immensely with your placement test and Theory I.
- Don’t stop practicing over winter break, auditions are just around the corner!
- Choose your audition music early.
- Get used to practicing daily for 45 minutes, one hour or even two hours. A daily practice routine is essential. Don’t wait until the last minute to practice your audition music or put your portfolio together.
- Practice a little every day instead of cramming right before your lesson.
- Start listening and studying repertoire for your instrument. Familiarize yourself with various styles/periods of music—baroque, renaissance, classical, romantic, contemporary, etc.
- Something my studio professor passed on to me: Don’t practice it until you get it right. Practice it until you can’t get it wrong.
Academic Preparation Tips
- Visit your college choices this summer. This can often help to narrow your list.
- Learn time management; practice holding yourself to a schedule.
- Realize that being a music major requires a lot of time and dedication in addition to a love of music.
- Take AP classes/exams and/or post-secondary classes if possible.
- Use a planner with hourly markings to help with scheduling.
- Figure out what study habits work best for you.
- When visiting a campus, take time to explore all aspects. Eat in their facilities, talk with students, etc.
- Stay organized!
- Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re too stressed and overworked. Ask a professor for help or drop a class.
- Keep up your grades and apply for every scholarship you can find!
- Always write down your assignments!
- Maintain a balance between class work and extra activities so that your grades don’t suffer.
- Do application paperwork as soon as it arrives. It will qualify you for more scholarships and grants.
- When you get frustrated with your school work, remind yourself that you are studying your passion.
- Stay on top of things and even a step ahead! Once you fall behind it’s difficult to catch up.
Senior Audition Tips
- At your audition, be responsive to the professor. If he/she asks you to play/sing something differently, try to do it even if you know you cannot.
- Don't compare yourself to other students in neighboring practicing rooms. Only concern yourself with how you are doing.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to Bowling Green—leave your home early
- Come with questions. There are Q&A sessions for both students and parents during the audition program
- Come to Bowling Green the night before and stay at a hotel so you can get plenty of sleep. A list of hotel accommodations can be found at www.bgsu.edu. Once there choose Future Students, Visit Us, then Accommodations.
- Dress appropriately and remember first impressions are important