For as long as I can remember, people have been saying that perfecting your technique is the secret to acing auditions.
It’s like this unspoken rule:
Nail every note, every dynamic, every rhythm perfectly, and you’re guaranteed a callback.
I even saw someone post the same advice yesterday. And honestly, it makes sense at first glance, doesn’t it? If you sound flawless, how could anyone say no?
Except… that’s not how it works.
I know this advice is well-meaning. It comes from a place of wanting to help musicians succeed.
But here’s the truth: Technique alone doesn’t win auditions.
Actually, I’ve seen people with technically perfect performances get passed over time and time again.
And it’s not because they didn’t work hard enough. It’s because while perfecting the technique is important, it’s not enough.
When I first started singing, I was one of those people who thought, “If I just play it perfectly, they’ll see how good I am.” I’d spend hours drilling scales, arpeggios, and tricky passages until I could play them in my sleep.
But when it came time to perform... something felt off.
I sounded polished, sure, but I didn’t feel free. I wasn’t expressing anything. And deep down, I knew it wasn’t connecting with anyone, least of all me.
I left those gigs frustrated. “Why isn’t this working?” I’d think. And then I’d go back to the same plan: Practise harder, sing it better, play it cleaner.
It wasn’t until I became a voice teacher and coach that things started to click...
Okay, being invited to juries and seeing the other side of the process certainly helped.
But what I've come to realise is this:
The audition panel doesn’t just want to hear perfect notes — they want to feel something.
They want music that tells a story, music that feels alive, and a colleague that would be pleasant to work with.
Why Perfecting Technique Isn’t Enough
Here’s the thing about technique:
It’s the foundation, not the whole house. It gives you the tools to play, but it doesn’t show anyone who you are.
And that’s what the audition panel really cares about — who you are as an artist and as a potential collaborator.
Think about it:
Stiff, mechanical performances don’t inspire confidence. You might sound flawless, but if there’s no energy or expression, the panel might wonder: “Will this person be engaging in rehearsals? Are they adaptable?”
Your personality comes through in your performance. If you’re tense and overly focused on perfection, it might signal to the panel that you’re difficult to work with or unwilling to take creative risks.
Panels are looking for people they want to spend hours rehearsing with. A technically perfect musician who feels inaccessible or rigid might not seem like the best fit for a team.
And honestly, this isn’t just about getting callbacks.
It’s about setting yourself up for success after you get the gig — being the kind of performer who not only plays beautifully but also collaborates beautifully.
A Better Way to Nail Your Audition
If you’re tired of feeling like all that technical work isn’t paying off, here’s what I suggest instead:
Step 1: Lay the Groundwork with Technique
First things first: get the technique down. Know your pieces inside and out so that you don’t have to think about the notes when you’re playing.
But don’t stop there. Technique is the start, not the end goal.
Step 2: Find the Story in the Music
Once the notes are solid, ask yourself: What’s the story I’m trying to tell?
Every piece of music has a narrative — an emotional arc that connects with your audience and shows the panel who you are as an artist.
Ask yourself:
What does this piece mean to me?
How can I convey its message in a way that feels personal and authentic?
Then practise with that story in mind. It’s not just about accuracy; it’s about making the music come alive.
Step 3: Practise Like You’re Already in the Ensemble
This is a game changer. When you’re practising, imagine that you’re already part of the group you’re auditioning for.
How would you approach the music if you were playing with colleagues?
How would you make room for others while still standing out in your own way?
How would you contribute to the group’s energy, not just its sound?
This mindset shift helps you play with the kind of collaborative energy panels are looking for.
Step 4: Practise Freedom
This one’s tricky but essential: practise letting go.
It’s easy to get stuck in your head during auditions — worrying about mistakes, trying to control every detail. But music isn’t about control... it’s about connection.
Here are some ways to practise freedom:
Play for a trusted friend or colleague and ask for feedback on your energy and presence, not just your accuracy.
Record yourself and listen back with one question in mind: “Does this performance make me feel something?”
Experiment with dynamics and phrasing during practice. Take creative risks — it’s better to stand out for a bold choice than to blend in with perfection.
Step 5: Show Who You Are Offstage
Finally, remember that panels don’t just assess what happens during the performance.
They’re paying attention to everything — how you greet them, how you handle yourself in the warm-up room, even how you react to feedback.
Be approachable, professional, and open.
Panels want to work with musicians who are:
Confident but not arrogant,
Adaptable and open to feedback,
Someone they can envision collaborating with under pressure.
Simply put, be the type of person you'd like to work with.
Next Steps
To sum it up:
Technique is important, but it’s only the beginning.
Once you’ve mastered the notes, focus on connection, storytelling, and collaboration.
Want more audition tips? Check out these posts:
Auditions aren’t just about being the most technically skilled person in the room — they’re about showing the panel why you’re the right person for the job.
If you’re ready to step into your next audition with confidence, freedom, and the kind of energy panels love to work with, my Conquer: Performance Anxiety masterclass can help.
It’s designed specifically for musicians like you to help you own the stage, overcome nerves, and share your music without fear.
