The Elton John Act VII: Don't stop playing & never look back! The dreaded sight-reading

How-To

The good news is that sight-reading can be worked upon and improved, though sadly too many people get bogged down in thorny nests of notes, and are unable to clear them away in order to find the music that lies beyond.

The Elton John Act VI: Between the Sheets – The Opening of Der Rosenkavalier

How-To

There is no getting around what this stirring scene that opens Richard Strauss' opera Der Rosenkavalier is all about. Everything in the music depicts a morning of frantic and illicit rumpy-pumpy between the Marschallin and her younger lover Count Octavian.

The Elton John Act V: Riding the Rollercoaster – The Act II Finale from Le nozze di Figaro

How-To

Just as you would coach a singer, make sure you are taking appropriate breaths for the phrases you are singing, as otherwise it is here you will start feeling ill! This will also have the advantage that you are not tempted to rush a phrase because you are running out of breath.

The Elton John Act IV: Fiddly for the Fingers – The "Smugglers’ Quintet" from Carmen

How-To

Though this excerpt can be frustrating at times due to its technical challenges, I promise it gets easier. Nevertheless, if I can, I always avoid starting with it in an audition, as it works best for me when my fingers are a little warmed up and I'm feeling a little more comfortable with my surroundings.

The Elton John Act III: Violent, sadistic & utterly engaging - the Maid Scene from Elektra

How-To

Whatever the staging, the atmosphere the music creates is oppressive, nasty and yet sometimes tender, and without a feel for the context of the whole piece, you will always struggle to recreate the senseless violence of the maids in this opening scene.

The Elton John Act II: Trampolines & tongue-twisters - the set audition excerpts

How-To

Sometimes the full-fat beginning of Der Rosenkavalier is also requested. The key here is to pace the excitement in the right way, as on stage a lot of love is being made.

The Elton John Act

How-To

You won't be bashing out the chords of "Bennie and The Jets" while singing along to your heart's content. Your task will be to play some of the most difficult ensemble moments in the entire opera repertoire, singing every part and every ensemble.

Essay: Tuning In to Developing Your Craft

How-To

From "The Things They Didn't Teach You At Conservatoire"

Essay: Tuning In to Getting Ahead

How-To

From "The Things They Didn't Teach You At Conservatoire"

Essay: Tuning In to Looking After Yourself

How-To

From "The Things They Didn't Teach You At Conservatoire"