| I think the odds of getting a high-profile orchestra slot are far lower than that. Source: Multiple orchestra musicians and management speaking about the audition process and the now-defunct myauditions.com website Process: Show early talent Get the right instruction Get into a preparatory program Make it into a conservatory Do well once there Get a spot in an ensemble, probably lesser-known (not easy) and establish a reputation See an audition notice with repertoire to prepare, apply Spend a few weeks or months intensively practicing (on top of other commitments) Maybe get an audition, realizing the Music Director may be promoting his buddy past these rounds Travel at your own expense to the audition Play demanding repertoire behind a screen and respond to any directions Most likely get rejected Play in any following rounds If not rejected, maybe you get a qualifying week rehearsing with your potential colleagues and playing a couple of concerts when the Music Director is in town If you beat out the couple of stellar artists who've also gotten that far, you may get an offer Or, the MD's buddy may get the offer Or, there may be a no-hire If you get and accept the offer, you are "on approval" for a couple of years at which point there's the Tenure Decision |