http://www.wisconsinmusicteachers.com/event-information-and-rules-handbook
Statement of Purpose:
Wisconsin Music Teachers Association's Statement of Purpose asserts: "these auditions provide students an opportunity to receive an evaluation of their performance and musicianship skills. The judging critiques benefit teachers by showing the effectiveness of their studio techniques and encouraging them to seek ways to develop a comprehensive music curriculum."
Fee:
You will be participating in the District 2 level unless we choose to participate in the State Audition. $20.00 audition fee for students in the District 2 (D2) track. Non refundable. The fee will be billed on your account. I write one check to cover all students from my studio.
Student Preparation:
Memorizing music takes several weeks or months. Extra practice time will be required to adequately prepare.
Plan how you will explore the touch and sound of the piano (your warm-up). Play for 5 audiences, start at various places in the piece, play both pieces one after the other, record and listen to the pieces. How can you convey the message from your piece to the listener? Imagine various people listening to you- how would you play if your music teacher at school was listening, your favorite relative, Taylor Swift, or Beethoven?
On the night prior to the audition, it it imperative that the musician gets a good night's rest. That means no slumber parties, camp outs, or all night horror movies!
Attire:
Attire selected will also indicate that you respect this event and take your music-making seriously.
It is appropriate for girls to dress in dresses or dress slacks and comfortable, low heel shoes; boys in slacks and collared shirts.
Short nails, no nail polish, long hair pulled back, minimal jewelry.
Not respectful attire: Mini skirts or dresses, extremely low rise pants, flip flops, ultra baggy pants, t-shirts, sweat suits, sports uniforms, denim jeans, snow boots, baseball caps. No gum chewing or hard candy.
What do i bring?
What do I do on audition day?
The event is held at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee- Peck School of the Arts Building. A map is available at http://wmtagmc.wixsite.com/musiclesson/uwm-building-map
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find the audition room location and practice rooms available.
A receptionist will be inside to help locate your room.
Locate the room you will be playing in and the theory test room. Parents or caregivers wait outside the door. Check in with the room monitor. The room monitor's role is to keep on track of the schedule, be sure each student has their music and form that the judge writes on, and introduces you to the judge listening to you. Open your music to the page and place the piece you will be playing first on top.
Now it is time to share your piece. The piano is your instrument to enjoy. Adjust the bench and become familiar with the touch, tone and effort needed to use the pedal. Play your warm-up.
Wait quietly until the judge asks you to play.
Before you begin:
After playing the first piece, wait quietly until directed to play the next piece. You are waiting quietly, but your mind is thinking about the sounds of the next piece. Your mind is busy! You do not play anything in between the first and second piece.
Enjoy sharing the second piece. The room monitor will tell you if they would like you to stay in the room and wait for your music or leave and the room monitor will give it to you. You will not be told any musical comments about your playing, they will be written and given to me.
Theory
In the theory room, tell the room monitor your name and check the level of test you receive. It should match the level listed on your room assignment sheet. You can choose to complete the writing portion first or the listening portion.
Aural/listening questions
Read through and imagine the sounds of each of the listening questions before you ask to hear the sounds. Ask by raising your hand and tell the monitor the level you would like to hear. Sometimes, they keep playing all the levels, then listen for the level you need. Listen to the sounds as many times as you need to.
Written questions
Read the directions. Are they looking for a rest, a note, a number, a letter name? Answer the questions and check back to see if you answered all of them, check over all of them.
Be proud you are learning the language of music and how to read and write it. Everyone doesn't have a chance to understand music - thank your Mom and Dad for giving your the opportunity.
Celebrate!