FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

How long is the audition? 

Instrumentalists: You will be given 6 minutes. The timekeeper will stop you at 6 minutes without penalty. Please prepare with this time limit in mind! Cuts to the accompaniment is an obvious way to fit into this time frame. And if your piece ends with a spectacular cadenza, make sure that your cuts allow for it to be heard. Give the judges the opportunity to hear all of your best performance. 

 

Vocalists: Your audition will be 25 minutes in length. You will begin by performing your pieces and the remainder of the time will be a personal mini-master class with the judges. In years past, we have held shorter auditions and asked vocalists to stay until the end of the day when we held a group masterclass. As the years have gone by, fewer and fewer participants have stayed for this masterclass. This new method will give you personalized time with the judges that we think will be a wonderful experience for you. You will be able to take away knowledge and wisdom that is specific to you, your voice, and performance.It will be your responsibility to let your accompanist know of this lengthened audition time.

​

What about bringing judges' copies? 

There are 3 instrumental judges and 2 vocal judges. Please bring 3 copies if you are an instrumentalist, and 2 if you are a vocalist. If you are making cuts to your music for timing, it is a good idea to indicate that for the judges in their copies.  

​

Should I introduce myself?

That certainly is a nice touch, but not a requirement. Keep it short, but instrumentalists, know that for timekeeping purposes/concerns, your 6 minute audition time begins when your music begins. 

​

Do I need an accompanist?

You are expected to perform with an accompanist (unless the piece is meant to be unaccompanied) and you must provide your own. It will present your best performance to the judges. Don't wait until the last minute to find an accompanist. If you need help, we have a list to share. 

​

Should I rehearse with my accompanist before the audition?

Absolutely!  This competition is based on your performance on Audition Day. And your presentation will be a collaborative effort. (Unless, of course, your piece is unaccompanied.) Being well prepared will give you the best advantage for a great performance! Please note that warm-up rooms are for just that. We do not have the space for you to rehearse with your accompanist at our venue on the day of the recital. ​

​

Am I able to enter the competition with two different instruments or an instrument and voice?

If you feel that you can represent yourself well with more than one audition, you may enter on two instruments or as both an instrumentalist and a vocalist.

​

How important are the workshops and masterclasses? 

We have great Milwaukee area musicians leading some excellent sessions. We urge you to grab any opportunity like this in every competition that you enter to gather all the information and experiences that you can. Clear your schedule for the entire day! We guarantee that you will learn something that will help you become a better musician.

​

I have other commitments on Audition Day. Am I able to ask for a certain time for my audition?

You are free to make a special request on your application. We will do our best to honor it. We suggest that if you have a scheduling concern, submit your application well before the deadline. And make sure to keep your accompanist in the loop with all your plans!

​​

Classical and Musical Theater definition for singers:

For this Competition, the word "classical" refers to an art song or an aria from an opera, operetta or oratorio; and the words "musical theater" refer to a staged Broadway production.

​

If I am invited to perform on the Showcase Recital and cannot perform because of other commitments, do I still receive the honorarium?

No. You must perform in the recital to receive the honorarium.

​

If I am invited to perform on the Showcase Recital and cannot perform, am I still eligible to receive a Young Artist Scholarship? 

Yes. 

 

If you still have a question, please feel free to contact us at info@civicmusicmilwaukee.org.

​