BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS FOR STUDENTS - A “Must-Do” for Every Year

Back to school is such a busy time! It is filled with activities both fun AND stressful! And before you know it Back to School will turn into “Fall Break” and then the semester will be over. So begin the new school year with a plan. A plan that will help you achieve your goals of becoming a successful performer.

Below I’ve listed one PRO TIP for each year of high school. Use these as a jumping off point for your planning…

Freshman Year: Find a serious voice teacher

Finding the right voice teacher is crucial. You need a teacher who works on technical issues as well as learning repertoire. 

Building a solid technical foundation will help you progress towards a collegiate career.

Look for a teacher who will do more than just “run through songs” with you each week. You need to be doing warmups - scales and exercises - that will increase your range and tonal quality. Teachers should apply what you’re learning technically to the repertoire you are singing.

Sophomore Year: Make a spreadsheet listing the Universities you are interested in 

Hopefully by now you have started to think about applying to college and have started researching different University programs that you think you might be a good fit for you. 

Focus your search by putting those schools and programs into a spreadsheet.

Information that should be included in your spreadsheet: school name, degree offered, application deadlines, date of auditions, pre-screen requirements, repertoire requirements, etc. Fill in the programs you plan to audition for based on your previous research and continue to update the information throughout your college audition process.

Junior Year: Finalize audition repertoire and make sure it meets audition requirements 

Your audition repertoire is EXTREMELY important! It is not only crucial that you have songs that meet the individual program requirements but also that you pick songs that show YOUR TALENT AND POTENTIAL in the best possible light! You don’t want to present overdone or inappropriate material. 

Take a look at your planning spreadsheet and see which programs have similar requirements and where programs differ. 

Be sure that you are planning ahead with repertoire that meets all requirements. You may need to make adjustments or fill in gaps and you want to give yourself plenty of time to have pieces “performance ready”!

Senior Year: Finalize your audition wardrobe 

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of “DON’T” potential here! But let’s keep it positive and start with some DO’s… 

Girls, do wear something classic and on the conservative side. 

Avoid dresses that are too short, too revealing or too dressy - stay away from floor length gowns. Look for a dress that hangs below, at or just above the knee. In some cases you will be singing up on a stage and short hemlines will be accentuated by the fact that the panel will be sitting below you. 

Pick a bright jewel tone or simply patterned dress that doesn’t “distract” the eye. Hose or tights are more appropriate than bare legs in most cases but especially if your skirt hits above the knee. Wear a heel height you are comfortable with and can move in easily but flats or sandals will not look as professional. For hair and makeup think “Sunday best” not “night out on the town”.

Boys, khakis and a button down may be dressy enough for a musical theater audition. 

For a vocal performance or double major aim for dress pants and a sports jacket or a suit. 

If you are wearing jeans, stick to a dark wash and keep them professional. Comfortable, clean and polished dress shoes or loafers are most appropriate. Make sure everything is pressed (ironed!) and looks neat and clean.

I hope you find these tips helpful. This is truly the “tip of the iceberg” and I would love for you to get even more organized… simply click on my Free College Audition Planning Guide for detailed info for each year of high school!

If you are a young performer who is serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts I would love to stay in touch with you! Join my VIP list to be the first to receive the tips and tools you need to reach your goals. You can also schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation by filling out the contact form on my home page. And please feel free to share this with a friend!