Audition Pianist

Job Duties

The audition pianist is one of the most crucial people, yet perversely sometimes the most disregarded, in the whole audition process. They are an active participant in the audition and must take up the responsibility of effectively supporting the performer by following their every vocal move (whether they approve or not). An audition pianist must know the repertoire and play the material in a stylistically appropriate and musical way. Put simply like this, there is sometimes a common misconception that anyone who is able to play the piano to a high standard can become an accompanist. However, this is simply not true. To succeed as an effective and trusted audition pianist, one must also recognize that this is not just playing the piano, it is thinking like a singer and understanding what support a singing actor needs in an audition situation. The performer’s needs in the audition should dictate virtually everything that the accompanist does at the piano. An audition pianist must have their eyes and ears constantly fixed on the singer in order to anticipate their next move. This is not a skill that can be learned, it must come with experience. The way an actor breathes, whether they are tense or relaxed, or their timing issues all provide signals to the pianist that they can use to ensure the singer feels safe and supported.

When one remembers that an audition pianist can, and will, play multiple times for many different singers at just one audition, their working day becomes even more challenging. However, a busy audition also provides an opportunity to stretch one’s musical muscles and become a steady rock for every nervous musical performer.

On the day of auditions, the audition pianist must arrive early and be prepared to spend a lengthy period of time sitting at the piano. As each performer arrives for their audition, the pianist should have a brief conversation with them about the music they have brought with them. However, pianists should not expect to play through the whole piece when discussing with the singer. If there is a specific question about a new tempo or a particular transition, it is normal to jump to that section and confirm by playing a couple of bars. Most performers will then provide a cue for the pianist to begin, such as a simple look or a nod of the head. Once the final audition has taken place, the pianist’s job is over and, after making sure their details have been provided for payment, they may leave to allow the casting panel to discuss their options.

Terminology

• Actors' Equity Association: The labor union of theatre artists.
• Auditions: A presentation of songs and/or monologues as a representation of your talent in front of theatre professionals or college faculty.
• Audition Cut: A short (16-bar) or long (32-bar) portion of a song.
• Transposition: The act of changing the pitches of a musical work, but not altering the relationships between theses pitches (or notes).