Audition Prep & Vocal Coaching in Downingtown, PA
Auditions are nerve-racking, and a little coaching goes a long way. At Downingtown Music Academy, Rosalind Hayes helps singers prepare for school musicals, choirs and community theater, with a plan built around each voice.
Who Audition Coaching Is For
- Students auditioning for a school musical or play
- Singers trying out for a school or community choir
- Kids and adults auditioning for community theater
- Anyone who wants to feel more confident in front of a panel
Book a Trial Lesson Call 610-890-4093
How We Prepare
You bring in the music. Rosalind breaks it down into what your voice in particular needs, and you work on it together in your lessons. For most singers, that means work on:
- Technique: breath, posture and healthy singing
- Pitch matching: singing in tune, even when you're nervous
- Expression: making the song sound like you
- Stage confidence: how to walk in, sing and walk out like you belong there
Get a Head Start When the Material Comes Late
Many auditions only hand out the music two weeks before. If you know the show, you don't have to wait. We can start working on songs from the whole musical, and once you get the specific audition cuts, we narrow it down. That gives you a head start on the music, the lines and the style.
Questions to Ask Before the Audition
Rosalind also gives students a list of questions to ask their choir director or the audition team, such as whether there will be an accompanist and what the panel expects. Knowing what to expect takes away a lot of the stress on the day.
Our blog has more on what to know for a singing audition and being prepared for an audition.
Handling Nerves and Performance Anxiety
Nerves are normal. We teach practical ways to settle your body and focus your mind, and the more you practice singing in front of someone, the easier it gets. Read our tips on letting go of stage fright and developing stage presence.
Students Who Have Gone On to Roles
Students who've worked with us before auditions have gone on to roles in local productions, including:
- A high-school freshman cast as Matilda in Matilda (Claire)
- A student cast as Olaf in Frozen, who has since been cast as Pinocchio in Shrek at SALT (Quinn)
- Two sisters who have been cast in several shows, including Rapunzel in Tangled (Grace and Rachel)
Meet Your Voice Teacher
Rosalind Hayes is our founder and voice teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College, graduating summa cum laude, and holds a master's degree in Music Therapy from Drexel University. Since 2013, she has guided students to performances, theater roles and music programs. All of our teachers are background-checked. Meet our teachers.
Book with Rosalind
What Coaching Costs
Weekly 30-minute lessons with Rosalind are $200 a month. If you can't commit to weekly lessons, pay-as-you-go lessons are $55 for 30 minutes. See our tuition page for every option. Audition-only sessions can be booked through the schedule-as-you-go link.
Audition Prep FAQs
How early should we start before an audition?
As early as you can. If the audition material comes late, we can start on the songs from the show and narrow down once you know the specifics.
Do you help with school musical auditions?
Yes, along with choirs and community theater.
What should I bring to my first lesson?
Any music you're auditioning with, or the show or songs you're interested in.
Can adults get audition coaching?
Yes. Adults audition for community theater and choirs too. See adult voice lessons.
Can I take audition coaching online?
Yes, at the same price as in-person lessons.
Book a Trial Lesson All Voice Lessons
Get In Touch With Us
Ready to book your first appointment?
Rosalind - Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, & Voice
Rosalind Hayes is a dedicated music educator and accomplished instructor who is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong musical skills, and achieve their personal goals through engaging, personalized lessons.
Book with Rosalind View BioKevin - Guitar, Piano, & Ukulele
Kevin Guttilla is a compassionate piano, guitar, and ukulele teacher and board-eligible music therapist who creates a supportive, judgment-free environment where students of all abilities can explore music, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music.
Book with Kevin View BioJason - Guitar, Bass, Drums, & Ukulele
Jason Mannheimer is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and experienced educator with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience who provides engaging, personalized lessons in guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele for students of all ages and skill levels.
Book with Jason View BioHannah - Orchestral Strings, Brass, Woodwinds
Hannah Fleury is a music educator who teaches violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, trumpet, trombone, and French horn. With a background in elementary music teaching, she is passionate about helping beginner musicians discover the joy of music.
Book with Hannah View Bio