The Weekly Brew


A Fresh, new blog about auditioning, recent audition winners and much more!

Preparing for an Audition
Written by Carl Topilow

Written by conductor and clarinetist Carl Topilow. In his extensive career, he has heard more than 40,000 auditions. Carl serves as conductor of the National Repertory Orchestra, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. As conductor and instructor of the master students in orchestral conducting at the Cleveland Institute of Music, his conducting students occupy, or have occupied, positions with the orchestras of Boston, Cleveland, Edmonton, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Louisville, Kansas City, Richmond, and many others.

Top Mistakes Auditioning Students Make
Written by Jason Heath

All of us, from seasoned professional to total beginner, struggle with balancing the various elements that go into audition preparation. When should I start practicing? What solos should I choose for the audition? What are people listening for in auditions?

Choose Your Own Audition
Written by Nathan Cole

A ’90s style “Choose Your Own Adventure” game!

Co-authored by Nathan Cole, First Associate Concertmaster of the LA Phil
& Akiko Tarumoto, Assistant Concertmaster of the LA Phil

Make the Decision Easy For Them
Written by Jeff Nelsen

International Horn Soloist and Former Member of Canadian Brass
Professor of Horn, Indiana University – Jacobs School of Music
www.JeffNelsen.com