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Some Common Sense Advice for using
Accompanists & Crashing Auditions
Accompanists for auditions
(when you need one, how much they charge, who to choose)
 Whenever you have a difficult or rarely done song/aria to present, it is advisable to bring your own accompanist, even if there will be one provided. You just never know how well that "provided" accompanist will play your obscure piece. Similarly, if there is a piece in which you feel you rely heavily on your accompanist, you should use your own, and rehearse with that individual as much as possible before the audition.
Classical vocal accompanists generally charge from $25-35 to play an audition, more if it is far away or difficult to get to. If you and a singer with a time slot next to yours both use the same accompanist, the accompanist will often charge you each less.
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Crashing auditions
What? Don’t you mean
crashing parties? No, crashing AUDITIONS. To crash
is to be an unexpected, uninvited guest. So, just like
at a party, make sure before you crash the audition that
you know (1) that it’s really where you want to be,
(2) that you are exceedingly polite and well-behaved, (3)
that you are in rare form.
 That
being said, many auditioners are happy to hear someone
that just walked in, provided there is time available
(i.e., someone canceled, and you’re filling the time).
As well, if you are just what they’re looking for, only
they didn’t know it yet, they are even more happy. On
the other hand, if you waltz in and demand to
be squeezed into an already tight schedule, you will probably
make people mad. This is never good, even if you sing exceptionally
well in the audition itself. Casting directors and producers
are looking for great talent that is great to work with. And
remember, always assume that the audition monitor is one of
the most important people in the company. S/he just may be!
So, if you hear of an audition at the last minute, and you’ve just got to show ‘em your stuff, go ahead and try it. But be prepared that they may not have time, and put your best foot forward! Good luck!
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