How to look at not passing an audition

Just about every musician, at some point or another, doesn't pass an audition. Most reactions probably range from mild disappointment to significant unhappiness. But taking the right perspective on such an experience can be a very important lesson.

First of all, not passing an audition should not be interpreted as some objective statement about one's failings as a musician. Auditions are almost always a relative judgment: that is, a judgment is made on one's musical abilities compared to the other musicians auditioning. One might be very well suited to the spot for which one is auditioning and be able to perform in that role very well but not be selected. For instance, there might be four capable musicians auditioning for two spots. In this case, the audition judges have to select the better musicians, which doesn't mean that the others are not capable, skilled, etc.

However, not passing an audition is probably interpreted as a loss by the musician, and rightly so to some extent. No one would audition in the first place if they didn't value the opportunity, and missing something of value is a loss. But the vacuum created by a loss might be filled in other ways. I once auditioned for an ensemble in graduate school to place a pianist into the #1 big band (out of six at the school). The audition judge could not make a decision between myself and another musician because our audition performances were so close. So a second audition was arranged, just between me and the other musician. I lost the audition. The second-place pianist, which was me, was assigned to accompany the #1 vocal jazz choir, which went on to make a recording that was nominated for a Grammy. So when one opportunity is missed, you should look for another that might open up.

Lastly, when other opportunities don't appear very quickly, and not passing an audition stings a little, it might help to make a vow to yourself that you will remember your experience when you trade places and become the judge, not the one who is judged. At some point we all probably will make a decision that closes a door for someone else. It might be selecting a job applicant, or members of a team for a certain project; many situations involve judging who will be best for a certain job, role, or task. When making that judgment, we must make proper decisions and choose the best person, but it is everyone's responsibility to make that decision in the fairest and most considerate way possible. Your loss can be turned into something positive if it is transformed into the motivation to treat others fairly and compassionately when it is your turn to judge.

Paul Rinzler