Practicing the night before an audition?

[BillyC]

I have an audition for Berklee College of Music this Saturday, and it's probably going to be the most important audition of my life thus far. I'm playing a sort of improvised chord melody arrangement of Misty. Now, I've been told not to "over practice" before an audition, or you will exhaust yourself. However, when I put in a solid 3 hour+ practice and really work my fingers, my hands feel fast and fluid the next day. So it would make sense to me to really put in the time the night before to ensure that my hands will be able to move at their highest potential. See, I go through these slumps where if I don't practice for a day or two, or if I just put in a lousy practice sometimes, my hands become a bit sluggish, and I'm not as fluid with my picking as I need to be. I want to make sure I'm not in one of these slumps on the day of my audition. What do you all think?

[whippersnapper]

I think you should definatley practise the night before your audition if possible, but most importantly practise on the day. No you're not going to drastically change in one day, but your fingers and arms need to be in top shape.

I had a couple of Jazz degree auditions last year. I had to get up early and travel 4 hours to get to the first audition, and when I got there I didn't aloocate anytime for a warm up. BIG mistake, that made me play far from my best in the audition. Lucky it wasn't my most desired and only option, but I knew never to make that mistake again.

[JimBobWay]

Everyone has different fingers/brains/etc., but I agree that you should play both the night before & just prior to, if that is what you respond to best. The night before, focus and play slowly and with concentration & visualization - see & hear yourself performing at your peak. The day of, just do your warm-up routine and try to relax. You will always sound better when you are relaxed. Good luck, knock 'em dead!

[Zhivago]

I agree with these guys.

Of course the most important practice should occur, say, 6 months before the audition. You should have everything throughly studied, memorized, interiorized, and ready for audition. Practice to mantain the momentum. Try to inspire through other stuff. Try improvising a lot, on other standards, etc.

Take into account that the Berklee auditions are like 15 minutes long...

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by Zhivago

I agree with these guys.

Of course the most important practice should occur, say, 6 months before the audition. You should have everything throughly studied, memorized, interiorized, and ready for audition. Practice to mantain the momentum. Try to inspire through other stuff. Try improvising a lot, on other standards, etc.

Take into account that the Berklee auditions are like 15 minutes long...

Yeah, it's like I'm putting countless hours of time and effort into just a fifteen minute assessment of my ability. Such is the life of musicians.

Thanks for your advice everyone, I will definitely put in the time the day before, and I will arrive about an hour early to make sure I'm warm the day of.

[Old Feller]

Just to add a little to what has already been said; In my experience, being well rested and mentally prepared are the main goals at this stage in the game.

As stated before, you can't cram in any substantial abilities in a couple practice sessions. You've put that work in over your playing history. But you can practice what you're going to play while visualizing your audition environment and the nerves you will undoubtedly feel. Get a good night's rest and allow yourself time for breakfast and proper warm-up Saturday.

Good luck!

[SwingSwangSwung]

Sounds like an adventure. Let us know how it goes.

I've had good auditions and bad ones over the years - each one is a learning experience.

Hope it goes well!