Networking

A question that is often asked is:
What produces more jobs, auditions or networking?

Well, I don't think there is a cut and dried answer to this, but I do believe that keeping contacts active, "connecting dots" as it were, and generally letting people know what you're up to, undoubtedly helps your chances.

A caveat I would add to this, is that you need to know what is considered proactive and positive, and what is considered obtrusive. Making that distinction can be difficult because what is considered proactive by some is considered obtrusive by others.

My next posts will go into this in more detail, but I think this is a good place to begin thinking about this subject.

Follow up to your audition

I start this by saying that I know there are a number of different forms of feedback that general/artistic directors like and don't like.

I will also emphasize that good follow up doesn't guarantee a job, or make up for a bad audition.

However.....thoughtfulness is always noted, and I interpret it as a harbinger of good collegiality, punctuality, and preparedness.

So..how do you demonstrate thoughtfulness after an audition?

A note thanking your auditioner(s) for hearing you makes a positive impression.

While you certainly can do this by e-mail, I am of the opinion that a hand written note sent the old fashioned way will help cement a positive impression (assuming you have made that with your audition)

Why mail over e-mail?

It shows more thought and creativity - an e-mail can be whipped off quickly, and certainly is not a negative, but it can also be perceived as intrusive and pushy (I don't interpret it that way, but I know some people do).

A hand written note shows decorum, thought, creativity (your actual handwriting!!!), and professionalism.

I would be interested in hearing any one's experience with feedback......

Outside the audition....

I am going to post over the next couple of weeks some ideas about those things outside the audition proper that nonetheless play apart on being hired, hired again, or hired in the future.

I will start with Follow-up after an audition.

Stay tuned......

An audition run down for the day......

Quick, without analyzing, what operatic aria do you enjoy singing more than any other?

• Why?

• Do you feel it's good for auditions?

• Can you take what feels right about that aria and carry it over into other pieces you sing?

• If yes - why?

• If no - why not?

If you can answer these bullet points, without singing a note, you will have made progress in your audition life today.....

Florentine Opera Studio Artist Program

Just a reminder for any of you who might be interested, we are in the last week of accepting applications for our 2011-12 program.
Information is available here:

http://www.florentineopera.org/opera_studio.html