We understand that many more people will be self-taping this year because of social distancing recommendations. Keep in mind that you do not have to spend money on special equipment to make a video for the Competition--a video made on your smartphone, computer, tablet, etc. is acceptable; just remember the guidelines below. You may use a pre-recorded accompaniment track for your audition if an accompanist is not available to you. If you have any questions about making your video, or the preliminary audition process, please reach out to us. |
Your audition video should approximate a live audition; the view of the camera should include your whole body and allow you to move as you perform your selections. With that in mind, we don’t need to see your accompanist at all. Videos made on phones or webcams are accepted. Your audition video does not need to be professionally filmed, so long as the image is clear enough that the judges can see any expressive gestures or movements needed to convey the story and the audio quality conveys an accurate account of your singing. Ensure that your voice and the accompaniment are properly balanced. You may cut between selections, your video does not need to be one continuous take.
(A tip: Keep the orientation and proximity of your camera in mind to ensure the image fills the screen and leaves you enough room to move around as needed.)
Below is an excerpt from a preliminary audition video that successfully approximates a live audition, submitted by Bradley Smoak (2017 First Prize Winner).