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Virtual Audition Guidelines

Please consider the following suggestions when auditioning virtually for the Fine Arts division. If you are unsure about any aspect of this application and audition process, please contact the Fine Arts Recruitment Office at 310.506.4111, or via email at fineartsrecruit@pepperdine.edu.

Four things to remember for all audition submissions: 

  1. Utilize your available resources confidently, knowing they will suffice.
  2. Each school may have unique requirements and processes for applications and auditions. Please ensure you carefully follow the submission guidelines.
  3. Review all your recordings thoroughly and have someone else do the same before submitting.
  4. Submit your best work!

Audio Guidelines

  • Consider the acoustics of the room you are planning to record in. While experimenting with your recording location, realize that the best place to get a clear quality recording may not be in a typically resonant space where you enjoy performing.
  • A single source recording (video and audio together) can be very successful, and is absolutely acceptable!
  • Practice! Record “test” versions, listen, and adjust the audio settings to get the best mix for your voice in your space.
  • Your audio recording device - microphone, laptop or phone - should be omni-directional. In general, a newer phone/laptop is going to be of a better quality, but there is a huge range of technology out there. Use the best of what is available to you. It’s absolutely okay if that is just your phone. Most Apple and Android devices have superior quality audio and video.

Video Guidelines

  • If filming from a phone or tablet, be sure to film horizontally, not vertically (landscape, not portrait).
  • Your camera should record from a fixed position as if the adjudicators were seated in front of you. Do not use several cameras, but one well-placed camera. 
  • The camera should capture at least the upper ⅔ of your body. Your facial expressions should be very clear.
  • Consider lighting to ensure that you are well-lit. Light should be facing you; backlighting creates shadows (see below for more lighting tips).
  • If possible, film in a neutral environment that gives you room to move, without lots of distractions in the frame. Unusual spaces are acceptable - if the best place to film is a high school choral room or a religious space, that’s okay! 

Editing / Post-Production

  • Properly trim your video (beginning and end) so that is only you performing. Do not include extraneous footage of you setting up your camera or turning it off at the end.
  • There are several free video editing software programs that offer some audio functions as well: Blender, Light Works, Shotcut, and GarageBand
  • If possible, submit an MP4 (the highest quality). Additionally, MOV, FLV, AVI are the most common formatting options.
  • If you record in a room with a live or boomy acoustic, be sure to check that the audio is clear. If the text gets lost in the reverb of the space, please consider recording in a different space.
  • Practice makes perfect - plan to do a few “rehearsal” recordings. Do short takes to check how everything looks. Consider spiking where you stand and where you put the device.
  • Share the “rehearsal” recordings with a trusted colleague/mentor who can check the frame, lighting, and balance. Get feedback on your work! 

Submitting Your Video

  • Be conscious of video file size and quality with all uploads - you are responsible for providing a video that represents you well.
  • Keep copies of all your videos somewhere that you can access them, in case you need to resubmit them in the future. 

Video Audition with a Pianist

  • Position yourself in the crook of the piano. This will help you stay connected with your pianist.
  • Experiment with your audio settings of your recording device to best suit your voice.
  • Experiment with the piano’s lid; you always have the option of having the piano lid closed, at half-stick, or full-stick, depending on your space and your voice. Always review your recordings for optimal balance.
  • You may choose to include your pianist in your recording or not; please consult with your pianist’s preferences always.

Video Audition with a Pre-Recorded Track

  • Many singers have anxiety about submitting an audition recording with a pre-recorded track. It is okay! We aim to create an equitable audition process for everyone.
  • If possible when having a track created, work with a pianist who knows you, and your voice, and with whom you have good communication. Sometimes it’s beneficial to first send your pianist a recording of yourself singing a cappella to help them understand what you need. 

More Thoughts on Lighting 

  • It’s best for the light to hit the performer from high and above (think of a spotlight on stage).
  • Natural light is generally preferred. When in doubt, face a window, rather than performing with your back to it.
  • Aim to record in a space with ample fluorescent and/or natural light. We want to see your beautiful faces as you sing.

The original document was graciously made available to singers all over the world by the generous artists at Opera America who include Morgan Brophy (WTO), Emma Griffin (Mannes), Allen Perriello (MNO, Glimmerglass), Emma Scherer (Ryan Opera Center), Brady Walsh (MONC). This document includes edits that have been made by the music faculty and the Fine Arts Recruitment Office at Pepperdine University, July 2024.