How to prepare

Practical Mini-Guide to the Audition

How to prepare …

Knowing how to prepare yourself properly for an audition often makes all the difference in the outcome. We hope that the following tips will help you in your preparation.

Knowing the musical requirements for the audition

As you know, you can choose to compete in two categories. The categories are determined by the instrument style; all music styles are therefore permitted. Above all, we want to hear and see you play: so give free rein to your musical impulses, and take advantage of the opportunity your auditions give you to play before an audience.

Here are the 4 categories in which you can compete:

  • Classical
  • Blues/Rock
  • Jazz (archtop or gypsy)
  • Acoustic (fingerstyle, fingerpicking or flatpicking)

It’s up to you to choose the category that best suits what you hope to achieve:

  • You may play a short improvisation on a theme of your choice;

or

  • You may play a musical excerpt inspired by a piece you admire;

or

  • You may play a musical excerpt from one of your own compositions.

How to choose your piece of music

All styles of music are welcome, from Blues/Rock to classical, including jazz, world music and traditional music. Right from the start, your choice of music must reflect what moves you most as a guitarist. Also, the piece you select for your audition must be something you can play with ease. The more technically comfortable you are, the better you will play. So forget any idea of taking on a technical challenge, and concentrate instead on moving us by the emotions you elicit through your instrument.

Find the sound that will highlight your technical strengths: if high notes are easier for you to play, go for them! If you flounder in low notes, avoid them! As you already know your own strengths, be sure to show them off.

You most likely have your own particular style. Well, you can be sure that we want to hear it and feel it!

You may opt for a short musical excerpt (approximately 3 minutes) or a longer piece that can take up to a maximum of 6 minutes. Remember that the Judges’ Panel has many other candidates to hear.

And if you choose to play an existing piece?

If you choose to play a piece of music that already exists, listen to different recordings of the piece. A good musician must enrich his or her musical listening sensitivity: the more you fine-tune your auditory skills, the more you will refine your performance. Make sure you understand the musical meaning of what you are playing: work your phrasing so that it slides smoothly along and captivates the musicians who will be listening to you, through its harmonic and melodic accuracy. Try to stand in one position because moving around too much can interfere with your playing technique.

Who will be there listening to you?

The auditions will be held during Quebec’s Journées de la Culture. Savoy of Metropolis will be opening its doors to the public to come and hear your auditions. You will also be evaluated by a qualified Judges’ Panel made up of, among others, seasoned professional musicians. If you’re nervous, remember that it’s perfectly normal. All professional musicians have been there. If knowing that can help you get over the jitters, tell yourself that the members of the Judges’ Panel will know how to put you at ease, and that they know perfectly well what it feels like to go through an audition. As for the public, all they want is to be blown away. So take advantage of this opportunity to play before an audience, and your experience will only be that much more enriching.

And lastly, how should you dress?

Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable. Just be yourself. Don’t try to change anything whatsoever in an effort to please the judges. Remember that a musician is an artist above all, and that your emotions must speak through the music you play for us.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZING TEAM OF
MONTREAL GUITAR GRAND PRIX!