For more information about auditions, visit the Audition Information page, or contact the Office of Admission at admission@msmnyc.edu.
Dean of Vocal Arts, Carleen Graham, shares tips and insights on auditioning at MSM!
Dr. Graham: When you come into the building on the day of your audition, you want to give yourself plenty of time so that you’re not rushed. When you arrive, you will see where the registration table is, you’ll sign in, and you will be given an opportunity to use a practice room to warm up. Then, you’ll be given the location of the audition.
Dr. Graham: You will see a number of voice faculty members in the house listening to your audition. It may vary from day to day because of schedules, but you could see up to eight or nine faculty, or, depending on the day, you might see fewer.
After you have your audition, you will have an opportunity to meet with me in small groups with other auditionees so that you can ask questions and I can get to know you a little bit. I hope you’ll take advantage of that opportunity because I would really love to get to know you.
“You actually control the room for the 8 to 10 minutes that you’re in there, so you can control how we listen to you. So come in, be yourself, and don’t put on any airs. Be genuine.” Dr. Carleen Graham, Dean of Vocal Arts
“You actually control the room for the 8 to 10 minutes that you’re in there, so you can control how we listen to you. So come in, be yourself, and don’t put on any airs. Be genuine.”
Dr. Carleen Graham, Dean of Vocal Arts
Dr. Graham: I would say that the number one thing is that you want to sing what makes you feel good. You do have to show us what you’re capable of doing, but it also has to come from a song or an aria that allows you to shine and that you feel your best at.
Think about what you want to say. What does the repertoire that you pick tell us about you? You’ll want to sing pieces that help us learn about you very quickly. We have to make very fast decisions because we hear so many people each day, so make sure that what you prepare for us can show that very quickly.
If you have a piece that has a long introduction or interlude, you might want to consider having it cut. Say you have an aria that has 16 measures of introduction. Find a way to cut that introduction down to four measures because it saves time. Then, we can get right to listening to what you can do.
Dr. Graham: You actually control the room for the 8 to 10 minutes that you’re in there, so you can control how we listen to you. So come in, be yourself, and don’t put on any airs. Be genuine. Look at us, say hello, and be just open to what’s happening in the moment. The committee or someone in the room will ask you to introduce yourself and tell them what you’re saying. Look at people in the eye when you do that.
Practice saying the titles of your arias or songs so that you can say them correctly — that’s really important. Make sure that you communicate well with the pianist and thank them after you’re finished because they really are a key part of your audition experience. Think about the performance and what you want to say.
From MSM Opera Theatre's Double Bill: Le portrait de Manon & Angélique
My audition tip would be to make sure you have a clear head while auditioning! Try to enjoy the process and trust that you are prepared. The faculty want to see you succeed, so don’t hold yourself back.
I auditioned at MSM for both my undergrad and master’s, and both were some of the warmest and most comfortable audition experiences I have ever had. The faculty was intentional about welcoming and getting to know me, and that helped calm my nerves immensely. Even when my master’s audition was virtual in the height of the Covid pandemic, part of the process was to upload an “introduction” video, which is something that doesn’t happen at many other places. It was clear to me that MSM was interested in the person behind the talent just as much as the talent itself, and I think that has stayed true throughout my two years here.
At any audition, just be your genuine self! You can never control the casting, so best not to waste your time trying to fit into whatever you think they’re looking for. You may surprise them with something unique that you have to offer!
I joined MSM because I wanted to continue my studies in classical voice but, more importantly, in a conservatory where music brings us together. I was yearning to learn and grow more as an artist. I was also looking forward to improving my craft with my new voice professor.
When auditioning, be sure to stay hydrated at all times and be sure to eat something! The best piece of advice I can give is to just have fun because it is a luxury to have the opportunity to perform on stage. There is only one of you, so show them what makes you shine!
Post-audition, I’d want to explore the museums in the city and find restaurant gems that only the locals know. I’d most likely take my camera with me, not to be a tourist, but to capture the busy city and the various colors the city brings. I would also go and watch an opera at the Met in the evening and be inspired!
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