I was monitoring a room in our area auditions last year and noticed that as each student entered, they were asked if they would like to warm-up. Of course, they said “yes.” What followed next was illuminating. Some students took a stab at “half playing” their piece, some touch a note here or there, or played a chord. One student began playing their piece through to the point that the judge had to stop them and suggest they save the full performance for the audition! They then announced they were ready! Clearly, they did not have a warm-up plan. This year, I made certain my students had a prepared scale, followed by a chord progression that they would please with pedal changes. I explained that by using the pedal on the chord changes they could gauge the pedal, how far down it went and most importantly, how far down the half way point felt.
In the weeks prior to the audition, I had them first “warm-up” with their brief routine, then play both pieces. Let’s make sure our students know what to do when they are asked to warm-up! It’s also important that students practice their audition pieces each day back to back just as they will be expected to do on the big day. They cannot back up, correct or start over. By doing these performances at home, students will enhance their audition but also build their confidence!