How to Prepare for a Choir Audition: Tips for Young Adults
Thinking about auditioning for a choir? Whether you're hoping to join a university ensemble, a community group, or a choir like Resound, our young adult choir, preparing for a choir audition can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking — whether it’s your first time or not.
These practical choir audition tips for young adults will help you feel more confident, better prepared, and ready to walk into your audition with ease.
1. Know What to Expect
Every choir audition is different. Some may require a prepared solo, while others focus on vocal range or sight-reading skills.
Before your audition, check the choir’s website or reach out to the director for specifics. For example, singers auditioning for Resound or the Edmonton Youth Choir usually involves preparing a solo, sight-singing, and a few vocal exercises.
2. Choose the Right Solo Piece
If your audition requires a prepared piece, choose one that suits your vocal tessitura and highlights your strengths.
We recommend:
A classical art song or folk tune
A musical theatre ballad (if appropriate)
A line from a choral piece that’s melodic and showcases your abilities
Avoid anything too difficult or unfamiliar — confidence and preparedness matter more than complexity.
3. Warm Up Before You Arrive
A solid vocal warm-up makes a huge difference. Spend 15–20 minutes before your audition doing light humming, breathing exercises, and your favourite vocalizations.
This not only preps your voice but helps reduce nerves and centres your focus.
4. Practice Sight-Reading and Ear-Training
Many auditions include sight-singing, rhythm clapping, or echoing short melodies. These skills show your musical versatility and listening ability.
Need support developing those skills? This is why our children’s choirs, youth choir, and young adult choir rehearsals build musicianship and ear-training into every session.
5. Bring the Right Materials
Make sure you:
Bring clean sheet music (free of distracting markings and in the right key)
Have a water bottle on hand
Dress in something you feel confident and comfortable in
Arrive early and ready to sing!
If you happen to be working with an accompanist for your audition, clearly mark tempo changes or cuts in your music.
6. Be Yourself
Good choir directors aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for potential, adaptability, and musicality. So smile, stay grounded, and focus on doing your best.
And if something doesn’t go quite as planned? That’s okay. Keep going with confidence — poise under pressure goes a long way.
7. Treat Every Audition as a Learning Experience
Even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, every audition helps you grow. You’ll learn more about your voice, your nerves, and how to improve for next time.
If you’re looking for a place to gain experience, connect with other singers, and grow as a vocalist, check out Resound — our young adult choir for ages 18–35. We meet weekly near the U of A in Edmonton and perform across the city throughout the year.
Looking for a Choir in Edmonton?
The Edmonton Youth and Children’s Choirs offer ensembles for all ages, from beginner singers to experienced young adults. We’re always happy to welcome new members and help you find your voice.
