4 Preparation Steps for Your Next College Audition
Advice and encouragement from an interview with Denis Wick artist Josh Cirtina.
Preparing for a performance degree audition, especially for college or conservatory, can feel overwhelming. There are deadlines, repertoire lists, requirements, nerves, and the pressure of wanting to put your best sound forward. But according to Principal Bass Trombone of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Denis Wick Artist, Josh Cirtina, success comes down to clarity, preparation, and perspective.
1. Start With the Big Questions: Why, Where, and Who
Before you even think about repertoire or scales, Josh recommends stepping back and asking yourself the foundational questions:
Why are you going to music school?
Not every trombonist enters college wanting to be a professional musician, and that’s okay.
Some students want to teach.
Some want to major in something else but continue honing their instrument.
Some want to perform, but aren’t sure in what capacity yet.
Knowing your reason shapes everything else: the type of school you apply to, the program that fits you, and the environment where you’ll thrive.
Where do you want to study and what type of program fits you?
Some institutions specialize in orchestral playing, others in commercial, jazz, academic, or broad musicianship. Determine which matches your goals and learning style.
Who do you want to study with?
For Josh, the deciding factor was his teacher Adrian Morris at the Royal Northern College of Music.
He emphasizes that your teacher will shape your next 4+ years, so:
- Listen to their recordings
- Attend their masterclasses
- Ask current or former students about their teaching styles
- Research their specialty and achievements
You’re paying to study there, so make sure the match is right.
Push yourself, but don’t sabotage yourself.
Select music that highlights your strengths while still challenging you.
2. Trombone Audition Preparation: The Non-Negotiables
When it comes to preparing for a trombone audition, Josh is clear:
Preparation is the only cure for nerves.
He’s the first to say he doesn’t rely on “natural ability”. He relies on the practice room. Here are the preparation steps he recommends:
Give yourself 2–3 months minimum
Most audition dates are posted well in advance. Use that time wisely:
- Craft a practice plan
- Break down your required pieces
- Practice the scales and technical work listed
- Review sight-reading fundamentals
- Prepare for the interview portion
The goal: Eliminate surprises.
The more variables you remove, the calmer you'll be.
Choose the right repertoire
Josh warns against trying to reinvent the wheel. Most trombone audition panels want:
- Solid fundamentals
- Musicianship
- Control, tone, and technical foundations
For bass trombonists, standard audition works like the Sachse Concertino or Lebedev Concerto in One Movement are common, and that’s okay.
These pieces show what committees need to see.
And if you’re unsure what is appropriate?
Ask your teacher or friends already in music school.
Don’t choose something unachievable
Push yourself, but don’t sabotage yourself.
Select music that highlights your strengths while still challenging you.
Schools want to see curiosity, interest, and engagement.
3. The Day of Your Trombone Audition
Trombone audition days can feel intimidating, but Josh emphasizes a truth many students forget:
Panels want you to succeed.
They are not looking to criticize, they’re looking to understand your potential and how they can help you grow.
Make organization part of your strategy
These small details matter:
Bring printed copies of your music
Double-check the repertoire requirements
Know where to go and when
Read every instruction carefully
Things like preparing the wrong piece or forgetting something basic can create avoidable stress.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Whether it’s directions, repertoire expectations, or program details, ask.
Schools want to see curiosity, interest, and engagement.
Josh even recommends asking panelists about elements of the program, like:
Early music opportunities
Trombone choir
Ensemble placements
Teacher availability
Specialization options
This shows genuine interest and helps determine if the program is truly right for you.
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Success often depends more on your drive than the building you study in.
4. Finding Success Wherever You Study Trombone
Josh is very clear on this point:
Your college experience is what you make of it.
Teachers and institutions matter, but you control:
- How much you practice
- How intentionally you approach your studies
- How proactively you seek opportunities
- How much time you put into mastering your craft
Josh recalls late-night practice sessions from 9 p.m. to midnight when practice rooms were available. That effort, consistency, and commitment helped him grow more than any single school could.
Whether you attend a top conservatory or a smaller university program, success often depends more on your drive than the building you study in.
5. Final Audition Tips from Josh Cirtina
Here’s a quick summary of Josh’s best advice for trombonists preparing for college auditions:
- Know why you want to study music
- Research teachers - prioritize who you’ll study with
- Prepare thoroughly for at least 2-3 months
- Choose standard repertoire that shows strong fundamentals
- Ask friends and teachers for advice
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions on audition day
- Stay organized and eliminate surprises
- Understand panels are rooting for you
- Make the most of your college experience—wherever you go
The right preparation and the right mindset will set you up for success in your audition and throughout your musical journey.
