Welcome to the show. Today we’re tackling a topic that sends chills down the spines of many: mastering auditions. Whether you’re aiming for a spot in an orchestra, prepping for a college jury, or even gearing up for that pivotal job interview, the anxiety and fear of auditions is a universal experience.

Auditions can feel like stepping into the unknown, a daunting challenge that tests not only your skills but also your nerves. But here's the good news: just like any other challenge, the more you familiarize yourself with the process, the less intimidating it becomes. Remember the first time you rode a bike or spoke in public? The fear melted away with practice and preparation, and auditions are no different.

Our guest on this episode is Micah Wilkinson, principal trumpet with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Micah has been on both sides of the audition table and understands the nuances that can make or break a performance.

Our hope is that by the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident and equipped to tackle your next big opportunity with ease. Let’s turn those audition fears into triumphs!

Episode Highlights:

-Micah shares his musical background in the Atlanta area...02:25

-"You have what it takes to be a principal player"; a mentor spurs on a promising career...06:06

-Micah's personal experience with auditions (what worked, what didn't)...12:05

-Success in certain roles requires a certain amount of "healthy arrogance"...17:25

-Focus on the music vs. YOU and no one hardly notices the mistakes...23:19

-How do you play "consistently"; and what does "consistency" even mean?...28:35

-How a giant whiteboard and recording device can help you track progress on audition prep...32:00

-"There's no doubt in my mind the person who won [the recent PSO audition] was more prepared than anyone else"...35:00

-View articulation more as properly expressing the language of the music vs. tonguing or fingering with a certain technique...43:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Episode Sponsor:

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About the Guest:

Micah Wilkinson has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral musician, soloist, chamber artist, and teacher. He was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra by Music Director Manfred Honeck in September 2017. Wilkinson came to the Pittsburgh Symphony from the San Diego Symphony, where he served as Principal Trumpet for three years. He previously held positions with the Houston Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Oregon Symphony, and the Tucson Symphony. He recently performed in subscription programs as Guest Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and the Seoul Philharmonic. In the summers, he performs as Principal Trumpet of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator, he strives to help the next generation of brass players to find their own unique voices as musical artists. He is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after instructors for trumpet in the United States and enjoys working privately with students at his home studio in Pittsburgh and online through virtual platforms. He is currently on the faculty at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and at the Chautauqua Institution School of Music. He has also taught at the Aspen Music Festival, Eastman Summer Music Institute, Round Top Festival Hill Institute, and the Brevard Music Center. He previously served on the faculties of the University of Houston and Portland State University, and has presented master classes and clinics for colleges and universities all over the United States, as well as Europe and Asia.

Wilkinson grew up in Norcross, Georgia. A...

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