Questions & Answers

I've been working with a coach and practicing at any available hour for the past year+ to win a job, but not only has my progress stalled, but random health problems are starting to set me back.

In the past burnout has just been a normal part of the process, and I wouldn't be worried about feeling strained. Heck, my peers who are now working in orchestras often described the dark places they had to go through in order to be winners. But insomnia, brain fog, and headaches are getting in the way of practicing.

If I'm not the most talented I am committed to being the hardest worker in an audition roster, but there are days I just want to quit because I don't get feedback on why I don't advance. I don't know if I'm putting enough effort in, need to swallow my pride and double down, or…

On the increasingly rare occasions I do get feedback from my prelims, it's always a technical shortcoming that holds me back. Positive feedback is either a "good" or a checkmark but little else.

I never hear about committees describing the winner's audition performances. What makes them stand out? Technical polish? Stylistic literacy and knowledge? Creativity? Flexibility on immediate feedback?

It would be good for me to spend some time pursuing what sets the winners apart as opposed to my typical mode of avoiding mistakes.

I did not get into any of the summer festivals I applied to this year. This is especially difficult since I went to a well-known festival last summer and had such an amazing experience. I wanted to know if anyone is/was in a similar situation. Any ways I can spend my summer productively outside of practicing?

Are there any violin studios that you recommend based on my level of playing? I'm not a prodigy, but I'm attending a solid music school (similar level as Michigan, Eastman, Oberlin, IU). I would really love to get my violin playing to the next level with a great teacher.