Audition Guide - Orchestra - AIMS Graz

AIMS selects musicians of all ages, but players who are not yet playing professionally should consider their readiness to perform both operatic and symphonic music. Instrumentalists from all countries are welcome to audition for AIMS.

There is a non-refundable audition fee of $50. (No other money is due until after acceptance.)

The orchestra roster will be posted on March 15.

Live Auditions

Auditions for the AIMS Festival Orchestra are held in cities throughout the U.S. in January through March each year. Musicians unable to audition in person may submit a video audition. [Note: There are NO in person percussion audition. All percussion auditions are video auditions.] Online registration for live auditions opens in the fall.

View Live Audition Dates

Video Auditions

Video recorded auditions are accepted from September 15 to March 10.
If positions are open in your category, video auditions are accepted after March 10 and up to June 1.
Please contact us at [email protected] before submitting a video after March 10.

Submit Video Audition

What to prepare:

1. One accompanied standard solo, preferably a movement from a standard concerto.
For live auditions, you must bring the accompaniment to this piece. A pianist will be provided or you may bring your own.
– Video audition: ALL solos (except percussion) must be recorded with accompaniment. (Each selection/excerpt may be recorded separately.) PLEASE NOTE: The whole solo movement is required. (Piano accompaniment cuts are permitted, but the solo must be recorded in its entirety.)
– Percussion audition: No piano accompanied solo is needed. Instead, please prepare and submit an unaccompanied movement from a J. S. Bach suite (without repeats) performed on marimba. (Each selection/excerpt may be recorded separately.)
– Piano/Keyboard audition: No accompanied concerto is needed. Instead, please play one movement of a Beethoven sonata and a contrasting Romantic virtuoso piece.

2. Orchestral excerpts from the audition required repertoire list.
(Each selection/excerpt may be recorded separately.)
* It is recommended that Flute, Oboe, and Clarinet applicants offer excerpts, when possible, on their auxiliary instruments.
** Trumpet applicants interested in performing on Rotary Trumpet in Graz, must include the Rotary Trumpet excerpt.

The music, the people I met, and the atmosphere were so incredible! My experience with AIMS is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Jennifer Metheny

soprano ’97

I learned SO much and had a fabulous time with all my new friends, colleagues, and contacts. I am very thankful for all of the opportunities to sing that I was given.

Aidan Soder

mezzo-soprano ’99, Meistersinger Competition Finalist

The AIMS experience is necessary for any opera singer that doesn’t want to just ’fall into’ the European music scene. With dedication and diligence, one can come away with a wealth of knowledge and preparation.

Marsha Thompson

soprano ’00; Meistersinger Competition Finalist

Everyone I had ever known who had gone to AIMS in the past couldn’t stop raving about it, and now I know why. It was my best summer ever!

trombone ’00-’01

During the six-week program at AIMS, I received voice lessons and coachings. I also took my first German class and became attracted to the German language. My affinity for German caused me to take a particular interest in its poetic-song companion, the Lied. It is an aspect within standard solo vocal literature that I admire. Mr. Harold Heiberg, my vocal coach at AIMS, who specialized in Lieder, taught me how to appreciate and utilize the language in song performance. This was my first in-depth experience with song interpretation that illuminated musical collaborations not only between the poet and composer, but also between the singer and pianist. It was an exciting time as a developing musician.

Makeda Hampton

soprano '05 & '06 - Opera Studio

The knowledge and guidance I received from the faculty has changed my perception of my own singing and artistry for the better. I feel as if I can walk out onto a stage, into an audition, and into the world with this new-found confidence. I’m more passionate about my dreams and have a burning desire to see them through.

Robert Cardwell

baritone '17 - Opera Studio

I had the chance to work with so many good and serious singers as well as top-notch teachers…that alone was worth it, but I carried away so much from the program that the cost was minuscule compared to what I learned. Contrary to being burnt out by six weeks of intensive music studying, at the end of AIMS I was more eager than ever to go to my university’s music library and check out as many books on Lieder and opera as I could carry. I realized the true quality of the AIMS music instructors when the first book I checked out happened to be edited by not one, but five AIMS instructors.

Jeremy Peterman

student pianist ’03, ’04; staff pianist ’05- ’16

I am proud to say that I am passing on some of what I learned at AIMS to my students, who consistently win state and regional vocal competitions, secure leads in the opera at UM, and go on to graduate schools and conservatories in the US. Thanks for your inspiration!

Jo Ella Todd

soprano ’75, ’76

AIMS was a wonderful experience of learning, performing, and seeing a dedicated staff in action. I am personally better from being blessed to have had this opportunity. Many thoughts continue to filter down from this unique and outstanding musical studies program.

Nancy Marriott

soprano ’98 & '16 - Opera Studio

I want to thank all of you for being a vital part of my growth into an emerging professional artist. Being a part of AIMS last summer opened my eyes to the professional world of music and helped me understand who I am as an artist and what I needed to accomplish to transition from a student to a professional musician. Thank you SO much for inspiring me to work hard in the practice room; to connect my entire body when I perform; to walk into auditions not expecting anything but to have fun sharing my craft; and to go after career opportunities knowing that they will not come to me. I appreciate it more than words can express!

Kayla Bailey

soprano '13 - Opera Studio

Acting and audition classes at AIMS had a direct and immediate impact on my career. I completed my first professional audition right after AIMS for the Salzburg Festival young artist program, and got offered a contract on the spot! I don’t think I could have achieved that result before my summer at AIMS. I would encourage any young, ambitious classical or opera singer to participate in AIMS. It certainly changed my life.

Alexandra Flood

soprano '13 - Meistersinger Finalist

AIMS has given me a true sense of where I need to work from – how I measure up and areas I need to strengthen for a future in classical singing. I learned more about my voice and how to maximize its use in one week at AIMS than I had in three years.

Eldric Bashful

tenor ’03, ’04, ’06