The hardest part of any audition season seems to be the constant traveling, practicing, memorizing and other small pieces that make our auditions as taxing as they are. After all of that is over, the hard part truly begins. Let's face it. We all worry about what response we will get from companies and what they will think of us; it's part of being a singer. When we get a positive response we are so excited and immediately start learning our new music. When we receive a "no" from a company, well, that’s a little bit harder to swallow. No one likes to be rejected, and no one wants to hear that they didn’t make it. So, how can you take that no and turn it around? Here are three possible ways to make the sting of rejection a little bit easier!

Look backward while being positive

Many times when we hear "no," "no thank you," or "unfortunately, we can’t accept you," we immediately think, "What did I do wrong?" We mentally review our audition and find the moments where we were wrong - a missed entrance or note, an awkward verbal introduction, incorrect diction, a rushed cadenza. No matter what happened, focusing on this negative will not help! So, what can you look back on? Think about the audition and find at least three things that you loved, had fun doing, or were proud of. Finding something positive about your audition gives you room to grow, and try out your observations at your next audition!

Be in the moment

Maybe you are really tired of your opening aria and it's just not doing it for you anymore. Maybe you have always secretly hated it; if so, it's time for a change. Getting a rejection, however, doesn’t mean you need to completely change your entire audition package. Take some time to talk with your team, coaches, your own voice teacher, or another voice teacher, and ask them if your package seems to best represent you! Your five arias should be things you love to sing as well as represent what you can do as a singer. If taking one out gives you a new look on auditions, GO FOR IT! If you talk to trusted people and you enjoy what you sing, no one can say that you chose bad rep, or that you didn’t do your best!

Go forward with a little R & R

Sometimes dealing with rejection needs to be non-music related- temporary time away from your direct art. This doesn’t mean stop singing because someone said no, neither does it mean to not ever re-audition for that company. If you get a rejection and it hurts (because, let's be real - rejection hurts), take some time to do something for yourself. As singers, we do some of our hardest work during audition season, and as we wear our emotions on our sleeves we become extremely drained. Take some time to do one of your favorite non-musical activities, like reading a book or watching a great movie! Grab a group of friends and have a dinner party, or go get a a manicure. Whatever it is you do, take some time to relax and refresh! You never know where you will find inspiration for your music so why not have a little fun discovering. The rejuvenation you take from a day or two off could be l'elisir you need to kickstart your art!

The more we perfect our craft, the more we realize that it ain't easy! Work hard, play hard. Let's take care of ourselves!