Ian Hallas has had quite a journey on the road to his position as Principal Bass of the Lyric Opera Orchestra. We first spoke for the podcast in early 2016 after winning a section bass position, and he won three additional auditions for Lyric for title chairs. We talk about what it’s like auditioning for… Continue reading 738: Ian Hallas on four auditions for the same ensemble
Category: Audition-related Episodes
Episodes covering tactics, tips, and techniques for audition preparation.
726: Jason Haahiem on how to actually improve
Jason Haaheim’s path to his current position as principal timpanist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra is unconventional and inspiring. He didn’t go to music school, instead working for 10 years as an engineer and researcher for a Chicago-based nanotechnology startup. Through the principles of deliberate practice, Jason set out on a long journey of continual… Continue reading 726: Jason Haahiem on how to actually improve
718: Brendan Fitzgerald on audition prep
Brendan Fitzgerald has come up with an audition preparation strategy that has upped his level of consistency. Brendan joined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 2019 after spending two seasons with the Seattle Symphony, and he is set to do a trial with the Minnesota Orchestra. We talk through his audition prep method extensively, and… Continue reading 718: Brendan Fitzgerald on audition prep
629: Bert Witzel on auditioning
Bert Witzel is the latest addition to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra bass section. He served as principal bass of the Louisville Orchestra for many years prior to winning an audition for his current position. Bert is also the author of Scales for the Double Bass. We dig into Bert’s journey through the music world, the… Continue reading 629: Bert Witzel on auditioning
615: Brett Shurtliffe on auditions and winter adventures
Brett Shurtliffe is the Associate Principal Bassist of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Brett is a former student of the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James VanDemark, and of Duquesne University, where he studied with Jeffrey Turner. In 2003, Brett was the Top American Prizewinner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition,… Continue reading 615: Brett Shurtliffe on auditions and winter adventures