DR JoseSPiano:
I was viewing this site, where a music director pimps his service for piano tracks and sheet music transposition.
I was just wondering - do people actually come into auditions, plunk down a machine, and sing to pre-recorded tracks? Isn't that frowned upon?
There are a couple of people who offer that service. In fact, I sort of do myself, however, the tracks are truly meant for rehearsal purposes and not audition or performance purposes.
Singing with pre-recorded tracks is generally frowned upon, and, in the case of "standard" Equity auditions, it is actually not permitted. Although, for some situations it's allowed and part of their process - just make sure to have your CD cued up!!!!!!
Strangely enough, I've noticed that a lot of college programs actually prefer(?) that students audition for the program with a pre-recorded track. In other words, they don't provide an accompanist for their prospective students. -I've noticed that set-up at the auditions for Tisch that have been taking place over the past couple of weeks here in town. I know that that scenario is most likely a result of logistic and budgetary constraints, but, frankly, imho, I think it's a horrible way to start off your college journey. -Especially since you would most definitely not be singing with a tape during the course of your studies.