Creating a high-quality video audition
As we approach another audition season (some schools are already underway in November!), you may be asked to submit a video audition for prescreening audition rounds, or even have the option to submit an audition video in lieu of auditioning in person. In today’s day and age, you may already feel really comfortable filming yourself (TikTok, anyone?), but if that’s not your thing, preparing an audition video can feel a little intimidating. However, with the right approach and tools, you can create a polished, authentic performance that showcases your musical abilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with equipment, setup, and mental preparation.
Equipment Recommendations
First of all, you do NOT need to buy fancy cameras, microphones, lighting rigs, or anything to make a good audition video. I’m going to recommend a few products that may help with sound or video, but you can make a great video using just your phone.
Smartphone: If you’re using an iPhone, models from the iPhone 11 onward have excellent cameras. Androids and Google Pixels also have great cameras.
Tripod: A steady shot is essential. You can find a variety of tripods and phone stands on Amazon to hold your phone while you record.
External microphone: For better sound quality, consider investing in an external mic. The Shure MV88 is a high-quality, plug-and-play option for iPhones. Vocalists might also benefit from a USB condenser mic, like the Blue Yeti, paired with a laptop if necessary. (Again, an external mic can be helpful, but it is not absolutely necessary.)
If you don’t have access to this equipment or want to use a nice camera or microphone system, see if your private teacher or band/orchestra/choir teacher at school has this stuff and would be willing to let you borrow it.
Setting Up Your Audition Space
Finding the right space will not only help you to look and sound better on camera, but also will help you to feel comfortable performing. Remember, you want the video to feel professional, so put some thought into where you want to film.
Choose the right room: Pick a space with minimal echo, like a room with carpets or curtains to absorb sound. Ensure there’s no ambient noise from fans, traffic, talking, pets running around, or air conditioning.
Lighting: Natural light is best. Position yourself facing a window/light source, or use soft LED lights like a ring light to evenly illuminate your face and instrument. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or backlighting that casts shadows.
Background: Keep it clean and simple. A blank wall or uncluttered space works best to maintain focus on your performance. You may also elect to hang up a large white bed sheet or piece of backdrop paper to have a blank background for your audition.
Places to NOT film in:
Your bedroom with a pile of laundry or messy bed in the background
The floor of your bathroom
The family living room with the dog running around
Outside (too much background noise and distractions)
A massive cathedral or church sanctuary (might have way too much echo, unless you have a mic set up right in front of you)
Places that could be great for filming:
Your band, orchestra, or choir room at school
A church rec room or classroom
A clean living room with minimal distractions
Your teacher’s studio, a dance studio, etc.
Test a few places for lighting and sound quality before deciding on the right space for your audition.
Camera Framing and Positioning
Instrumentalists: Ensure the camera captures both you and your instrument. For pianists, a side-angle shot that shows the keyboard and your hands is ideal. String players should be framed so their bowing and finger placement are visible. Wind and brass players need to show both embouchure and hand positioning.
Vocalists: Frame yourself from the waist up, so your posture and facial expressions are visible. Make sure your mouth is in clear view.
Camera height: Keep the camera at eye level to create a direct, engaging perspective. Use a tripod to avoid shakiness, and check that your entire performance area is well within the frame.
Shoot in the horizontal position, not vertical.
If you're using a music stand to read music while auditioning, make sure the stand isn’t blocking your hands or any part of your instrument. Try to keep the stand out of the frame entirely.
If you’re using an accompanist for any of your pieces, it’s not necessary to have them in the frame. However, always defer to the instructions from the college faculty who will be hearing your audition.
Optimizing Your iPhone for Recording
Settings: Go to your camera settings and select the highest video quality available (e.g., 4K at 30fps). Use the built-in Voice Memos app to test your audio levels and make sure there’s no distortion.
Stabilization: Using a tripod or stand prevents jittery footage. NO selfie sticks allowed! I would even avoid having someone else hold the camera as not everyone’s hands are steady.
Put your phone in airplane or do not disturb mode, just in case someone tries to call or text while you’re filming.
Tips for a Great Performance
Dress nicely! Make sure you look polished and professional. This may be the first time the faculty are seeing you perform, and you want to make a good impression.
Have a filming buddy to press the start and stop button (plus they can provide some great moral support!). If you’re using a pre-recorded backing accompaniment, your filming buddy can start and stop those tracks for you as well. They can also help you set up your camera angles and make sure your lighting is just right.
Be sure you read and understand the audition requirements and directions for each school CAREFULLY. The faculty may also want you to announce your pieces on camera before starting your performance. Some may just want you to title your videos with the piece you’re performing. If you’re unsure, reach out to your admissions counselor or faculty member at that school to get clarification.
Warm up first: Treat your video recording like a live audition. Spend time warming up your voice or instrument to get comfortable and confident.
Do a test recording: Film a short segment and review it to check for sound quality, lighting, and framing. Make any necessary adjustments before recording the full take.
Stay relaxed and focused: It’s okay to take multiple takes. Give yourself permission to start over if you’re not satisfied, but avoid perfectionism. Sometimes the most genuine performances have minor imperfections, and many times, the first take is often the best take.
Mentally prepare: Take deep breaths before you begin, and visualize a successful performance. Remind yourself that this video is a representation of your dedication and love for music.
After Filming
Make sure you can see AND hear your performance clearly. I can’t tell you how often I received audition videos as an admissions counselor that looked great but didn’t have any sound!
Watch your video all the way through to make sure there aren’t any glitches or skips in the video or sound. If you’re using an accompanist, make sure the balance is correct and that you can be heard over your accompanist.
When you get your videos on your computer, name each file clearly with the title of the piece and composer. Add in your name as well.
Audition videos should not be edited at all! Each piece should be a single take. I always recommend having separate videos for each piece so that faculty can easily go between pieces, and the files will be smaller for you to upload.
You can find all kinds of videos on YouTube of people demonstrating how to make a great audition tape. Here’s a few videos that I think are really helpful:
Royal Conservatoire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYNY47cVNBA
Memorial University School of Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOWQ7tGFG78
University of Texas Austin - Butler School of Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dE2ACj6hbA
Gettysburg College Sunderman Conservatory of Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP7OhBWjIcc
Making an audition video doesn’t have to be scary. It’s likely that throughout your journey as a musician, you’ll make quite a few videos for other auditions, competitions, demo tapes, and more. Mastering the art of recording yourself is a valuable skill! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a college audition video that showcases your talent and hard work. You’ve got this—I’m rooting for you!
Stressed about your college search? Not working with me yet? Let’s chat.