Please prepare your music for the accompanist -- s/he wants your audition to go smoothly as much as you do.

A cappella singing will not be allowed at the 2008 auditions. You MUST provide piano accompaniment to audition.

Bring a copy of your music that is legible and in your key-the accompanist will not transpose it on the spot. If necessary you may need to pay an arranger to write out the song in your key and style.

• Tape pages together or put them in a notebook so they don't fall off the music holder during your audition! If you are using a music book, be sure it is "broken in" and the pages won't turn by themselves.
• Be sure your music is clearly marked for any deviation in tempo or text (many accompanists follow the text as well as the music).
• Recorded musical accompaniment will not be allowed.

At the audition:

Tell the accompanist what song you will be performing. If you have any special instructions, be sure to give them to the pianist before you start. Tell the accompanist if you plan to repeat any section of the song. If you plan to take only second endings, please mark through the first ending and instruct the accompanist of your intentions.

• Give your tempo to the accompanist in accurate, professional terms ("medium" is a vague term).
• Expect the timer to interrupt you when your minute is up -- that is his job and it doesn't have a negative impact on the result of your audition.
• After your audition, go to the accompanist to collect your music. Be sure to say thanks.