Abstract
Musical training is often focused on the technical and expressive skills involved with performance. However, the task of audition preparation is often overlooked in music lessons. Preparing for an audition can be planned effectively by defining the procedure of completing long-term and short-term goals. This study addresses audition preparation for percussionists by deconstructing the requirements of percussion auditions and applying logical planning methods derived from project management. As such, this paper demonstrates how to develop a plan to guide the audition preparation process. Results of this study include transcripts of interviews with professional symphonic percussionists on their audition preparation methods. An outline of recommended methods was developed according to statements that were consistent across interviews. Implementing standard project management practices, the outline was then employed to produce a baseline project management plan consisting of a project charter, work breakdown structure, project schedules, and a cost management plan. The plan adequately accounted for the full scope of audition preparation, and revealed the inherent complexities typical to the audition training of experts.