Do you know a singer who is reeling after a string of knockbacks? Here are three questions to help them process audition rejection.
Elvis Presley was branded talentless at school.
Ed Sheeran was told he would never sell records.
Every singer, no matter how brilliant they are, will experience at least a few brutal brush-offs during their career.
But just because something is commonplace doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with.
In fact, Rachel Jepson, a singer and psychotherapist, says rejection is one of the most challenging aspects of the music business.
“It’s tough when you’re constantly auditioning for things and not getting them,” she says.
“You have to explain to your family, your friends and your partner that you didn’t get it again.
“Even though there are many reasons why someone might not be successful in an audition – reasons that might have nothing to do with the performer themselves – it’s still difficult to deal with.”
So how can singing teachers support students when the opportunities are just not coming their way?
Here are three questions to ask singers struggling with audition rejection.
Is there another way you could utilise your creativity and musicality?
Sometimes singers develop fixed ideas about what their route to success should look like.
Rachel says: “Performers can think, ‘This is what I should be doing because it’s what my hero did or what my tutor at college told me’. There’s no exploration around different ways of doing things.
“Let performers know that it’s okay to try something different. I don’t mean try a different career, but just do it a slightly different way.
“It could mean starting a band or writing a musical. Encourage them to think about alternatives.”
Can we talk about why you got into music in the first place?
When a singer is questioning whether the industry is right for them, it can be helpful to get them to reconnect with what drew them to it initially.
“Go back to basics and ask: ‘What is it that you love about singing?’,” Rachel says.
“Just say: ‘We’re going to take all the other stuff out of it and just sing. Don’t worry about where this is going to go, or the next audition, just connect with what you love doing’.”
Do you need to take time out from auditioning?
Getting a string of rejections can chip away at a performer’s confidence and self-belief – and create a pattern of negative thinking.
“If you’re going to audition after audition and not getting things, that is just going to lead to anxiety. People start to think: ‘Am I good enough? Why isn’t this working for me?’.
“In that situation, it can be good to take a break.
“Even if it’s just a week where they sit and watch Netflix or see friends and go for walks – anything away from music. It’s important to find balance.”
Learn more
Rachel was a recent guest on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast where, as well as talking about audition rejection, she discussed:
- The impact of social media on performers.
- The fear of failure.
- Dealing with public scrutiny when you find fame.
If you’re a musician struggling with your mental health, the charity Music Minds Matter offers free 24-hour support. Call free and confidentially: 0808 802 8008.
Main image: Canva.
