The singer shares her audition dos and don’ts for people wanting places at her masterclasses.

As part of her Carnegie Hall Perspectives residency, acclaimed mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato is planning on presenting a series of three masterclasses. Four lucky singers will be selected to participate in a series of public events next year and streamed live online. The chosen singers will also get to attend a performance of Rossini’s La donna del lago at the Metropolitan Opera – the production to star DiDonato herself. With applications open, Joyce has posted a video for aspiring applicants sharing her wisdom for standing out from the crowd in auditions.

Joyce’s Five Top Tips:

Be exceptionally well prepared. Great language, fraseggio (that’s ‘musical phrasing’ in layman’s terms), musicality, and presentation. It should look like you put some time and effort into it. Greatness comes from the months and years leading up to auditions; inspiration doesn’t strike on the spot. So rehearse, prepare!

Dress as yourself. Present yourself as best you can, and dress for your own style. Make sure you’ve put thought into it. Make it look like you’re ready to take the stage anywhere in the world.

Keep it classy. You want to present yourself as...