Planning an audition: the trip, the stay and the unexpected

If you’ve never taken an audition or if all your past auditions have been close to home, planning one farther away can feel overwhelming. In this article, I’ll walk you through the challenges of planning an audition trip and offer practical tips to help you choose the best option for you. In a future article, I’ll explore how budgeting can influence your decisions.

How to Travel – Driving or Flying?

The first step in audition planning is figuring out how you’ll get there. The two main options are driving or flying. Many bassists choose to drive, even for multi-day trips. Driving is often considered safer for your instrument, avoiding the extreme conditions that come with flying. It also gives you more freedom to get around during audition days without relying on public transportation or ride services like Uber.

However, driving has its downsides. It’s time-consuming and tiring, and you’ll need to consider how many hours you’re comfortable driving per day. You also need to account for the unexpected—traffic jams, car trouble, and other delays.

Flying, on the other hand, can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time traveling with a bass. Whenever possible, it’s best to book direct flights, although they can be more expensive or not available. Flying with your instrument means managing a large flight case, your luggage, and possibly a stool, which complicates using public transportation. This might lead to extra costs, such as relying on Ubers.

Regardless of how you travel, plan to arrive at your destination at least one day before the audition, preferably in the morning. This gives you a buffer for delays—whether it’s a late flight or a flat tire. For instance, a 3-hour delay is far more manageable if you’re aiming to arrive at 1 p.m. rather than 11 p.m., especially if you have to perform at 9 a.m. the next day.

The Stay

Auditions are usually held in the same auditorium where the orchestra performs, which is often in a downtown area. Hotels in these areas tend to be pricier than those further out, like the “old reliable” La Quinta by the interstate. But when you’re traveling to an unfamiliar city, you might not know what the traffic is like or how dependable public transportation or Uber will be.

My general rule is to stay within walking distance of the audition venue or at most, a 15-minute drive away. Google Maps can give you a good idea of traffic conditions at specific times, but there’s always the risk of unexpected delays. It’s also important to check the weather in advance. For example, when I auditioned for the New Jersey Symphony in January 2023, I booked a hotel less than 10 minutes walking distance from the venue, thinking I wouldn’t need Ubers. However, it snowed that week, and all the sidewalks were covered in ice, so I ended up using Uber anyway.

Make A Plan

There’s no perfect plan when it comes to audition trips. Even if you think you’ve covered everything, something unexpected is bound to happen. The key is to gather as much information as you can beforehand. This includes knowing your travel options, estimating costs, checking weather conditions, and having alternative plans if things go off track.

The best plan is one that gives you flexibility. Build in extra time, so you’re not panicking over delays, and try to stay as close to the audition venue as possible to minimize stress on the day of the performance. Having backup options—like alternative routes, or what you’ll do if there’s bad weather—can make all the difference.

Preparing for an audition is about more than just your musical performance—it’s about managing the logistics so you can focus on playing your best. By thinking through your travel, stay, and possible complications, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother experience. Ultimately, the goal is to arrive at your audition feeling calm, focused, and ready to perform without unnecessary distractions.