What should I expect at an audition for a paid cantor role?
  • CatholicZ09
    Posts: 329
    I’ve been part of my home parish’s music ministry as a cantor for about 15 years now, and over the last 10 years have been attending another parish periodically on my “off” weekends. My home parish’s cantor ministry is volunteer-based, and the other parish uses paid cantors with a higher musical ability. They use a very traditional repertoire that I actually think is often easier to sing than the repertoire my home parish uses. I plan on continuing to serve at my home parish. Our Mass schedules actually line up in a way where there wouldn’t be much in the way of conflict, so that’s another reason I’m thinking of serving at this other parish.

    The MD is offering me an audition for the paid cantor role after I decided I’d finally like to participate in their music ministry. I’d assume more information for the audition is forthcoming, but what should I expect during an audition? I’ve read different things about auditioning for a choir but wondered if there would be things specific to the role of a cantor.
  • PaxTecum
    Posts: 340
    Well, they probably will want to test a few things:
    1) Can you count a rhythm?
    2) Sight singing -- it doesn't have to be perfect the first time but it should be right the second time
    3) How you react to doing those two things in a somewhat stressful situation
    4) Vocal quality / tone
    5) are you a nice person

    At least, i would want to know those things.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • canadashcanadash
    Posts: 1,537
    I would be looking for the following:

    1. The sound quality of your voice. Do they have microphones? If not, can you project? How is your diction? Do you have a decent range, if there is no way to transpose the music at sight.
    2. Are you easy to work with? Do you have a good attitude? Do you have a pleasant demeanour?
    3. Do you present well? Do you dress appropriately? I would suggest no revealing clothing and clothing/hair that is rather conservative and neat. Do you stand up straight?
    4. Can you read music? You don't have to read at a high level, but I think you should be able to read somewhat. For example, we were looking for a cantor and hymns that the candidate knew were not much of a problem, but anything outside of that was a disaster. The candidate needed a recording of hymns that he did not know as well as a recording of the psalm and verses because he couldn't learn to chant them on his own. (this was so much work) He also had a difficult time knowing when to begin to sing.
    5. Can you be there in good time? To me, this is 20 minutes early, at a minimum.
    6. If there is another organist, would you be able to choose music?
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
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