If nothing else, this video is an example of why not to overthink! All of the handwritten notes helped with while practicing, but anything I want to take onstage with me basically has to already be in my head. For me it's much more of a physical test than an intellectual one. How well can you control your bowstroke under pressure when your heart is racing from the adrenaline of a live audition? Can you still play as softly as you would in a concert performance in a real orchestra? For me, the very first things you learn as a beginner are still the most important - can I still remember how to hold the instrument and bow, and not slouch under fatigue?

Breathing, praying, meditating, and drinking jamaica instead of coffee is more helpful for me on audition days than practicing at tempo. Like the Schumann, it burns out my small muscles very quickly, so it's important to be mindful of fatigue and make sure to go in fresh.

Doing this onstage is much, much harder than recording from the comfort of home. I have no idea if I'll ever win a full-time audition, and you have to go in already completely accepting any possible outcome if you want to succeed, but everything that went into this video made me a better musician, and I hope this can at least inspire someone else.

By the way, violists can practice with and duet this video too!

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