4 Tenor Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question assesses your self-awareness and ability to reflect on experiences that shaped your artistic journey, which is crucial for a tenor's development.

How to answer

• Select a specific performance that was transformative for you.
• Discuss the context, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
• Explain the skills you developed or improved as a result of this performance.
• Share any feedback you received and how it influenced your future performances.
• Conclude with how this experience has shaped your approach to singing today.

What not to say

• Avoid vague descriptions of performances that lack detail.
• Do not focus solely on technical aspects without discussing personal growth.
• Refrain from making it sound like you didn't learn anything from the experience.
• Don't dismiss the importance of feedback or other musicians' contributions.

Example answer

“During my performance of 'La Traviata' at the Palais Garnier, I faced intense pressure due to the venue's reputation. I initially struggled with stage fright, but I focused on my breathing techniques and relied on my fellow cast members for support. The positive feedback from the audience and my conductor helped me realize the importance of emotional connection in my performance. This experience taught me to embrace vulnerability, which has greatly enhanced my stage presence in subsequent performances.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your preparation techniques, which are critical for a tenor to deliver a successful performance consistently.

How to answer

• Outline your vocal warm-up routine and any specific exercises you use.
• Discuss mental preparation techniques such as visualization or meditation.
• Mention how you manage performance anxiety or stress leading up to a show.
• Describe how you gather insights about the role and the music to inform your interpretation.
• Emphasize the importance of practice and rehearsal in your overall preparation.

What not to say

• Suggesting you do not have a consistent preparation routine.
• Ignoring the mental aspect of performance preparation.
• Failing to mention any specific techniques or practices.
• Overlooking the importance of research on the music or character.

Example answer

“Before an important performance, I have a structured vocal warm-up that includes scales and arpeggios, which I follow by singing through challenging passages from the score. I also practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, to calm my nerves. Understanding the character's emotions helps me embody the role better, so I spend time analyzing the libretto and discussing it with my director. This comprehensive approach has significantly improved my confidence and performance quality.”

Introduction

This question assesses your versatility as a tenor and your ability to adapt to various musical genres, which is crucial for a principal tenor who often encounters diverse repertoire.

How to answer

• Begin with the context of the performance and the specific musical style that was different from your usual repertoire.
• Explain the vocal techniques you adjusted or adopted to meet the demands of the new style.
• Discuss the preparation process you undertook to ensure a successful performance.
• Highlight any feedback received from the audience or critics and the overall impact on your career.
• Reflect on what you learned from this experience and how it has influenced your approach to singing.

What not to say

• Failing to mention specific techniques or adjustments made.
• Describing a performance without explaining the adaptation process.
• Overlooking audience or critical feedback.
• Being vague about the impact of the experience on your singing career.

Example answer

“During a concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai, I was invited to perform a contemporary piece that required a more pop-oriented vocal technique. I had to adjust my breath control and projection to suit the lighter, more conversational style of singing. I spent weeks practicing with a vocal coach who specializes in contemporary styles. The audience responded positively, and I received great feedback from critics, which encouraged me to explore more genres. This experience taught me the importance of versatility and has made me more open to expanding my repertoire.”

Introduction

This question is vital as it evaluates your preparation strategies, which are critical for ensuring peak performance quality, especially in a demanding role like a principal tenor.

How to answer

• Outline your physical warm-up routine and vocal exercises.
• Discuss mental preparation techniques, such as visualization or meditation.
• Explain how you manage nerves and build confidence before stepping on stage.
• Mention any specific rituals or practices you follow leading up to the performance.
• Share how you balance preparation with maintaining vocal health.

What not to say

• Neglecting to mention both physical and mental preparation.
• Suggesting that preparation is not important for performance.
• Providing overly simple answers without depth.
• Failing to discuss vocal health management.

Example answer

“Before a major performance, I have a structured routine. I start with a physical warm-up that includes stretching to relieve tension, followed by vocal exercises to ensure my voice is in top shape. Mentally, I practice visualization techniques, imagining myself performing confidently. I also do breathing exercises to calm my nerves. The day before, I avoid dairy and stay hydrated to maintain vocal health. These preparations help me feel grounded and ready to deliver my best performance.”

Introduction

This question is important as it evaluates your ability to handle pressure and maintain performance quality, which is essential for a lead tenor.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Clearly describe the context of the performance, including the venue and audience.
• Explain the specific challenge you faced, whether it was technical, emotional, or logistical.
• Detail the actions you took to overcome the challenge, emphasizing your preparation and resilience.
• Quantify the outcome if possible, such as audience reception or personal growth.

What not to say

• Avoid vague descriptions without specific challenges.
• Do not focus solely on the negative aspects without highlighting your actions.
• Refrain from blaming others or external factors excessively.
• Do not forget to mention the positive results of your actions.

Example answer

“During a performance at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, I faced a sudden illness that affected my vocal strength. I communicated with the conductor and implemented breathing techniques I had practiced. I chose to adjust my performance slightly to ensure quality, and in the end, the audience responded positively, which reinforced my belief in preparation and adaptability.”

Introduction

This assesses your preparation strategy and understanding of character development, which is crucial for lead tenors who need to embody their roles fully.

How to answer

• Discuss your research process on the character and the production.
• Explain your vocal and physical preparation techniques.
• Mention collaboration with directors and conductors to align on vision.
• Detail how you integrate feedback from rehearsals into your preparation.
• Share any additional resources or practices that enhance your performance.

What not to say

• Avoid saying you rely solely on talent without preparation.
• Do not neglect the importance of collaboration with others.
• Refrain from vague or general statements about practicing.
• Do not ignore the role of feedback in your preparation.

Example answer

“For my role in 'Madama Butterfly,' I began by researching the historical context and emotional depth of Cio-Cio-San. I worked closely with the director to understand her vision and incorporated vocal exercises to ensure my range was suited for the demanding arias. During rehearsals, I actively sought feedback and made adjustments that improved my portrayal, leading to a heartfelt performance that resonated with the audience.”

Introduction

This question is crucial for assessing your performance resilience and adaptability, especially in high-pressure situations common in chorus performances.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Clearly describe the performance context and the specific challenge you faced.
• Detail the actions you took to address the challenge, whether it was vocal adjustments, communication with the conductor, or working with fellow singers.
• Discuss the outcome, including audience feedback or personal reflections.
• Mention any lessons learned that you can apply to future performances.

What not to say

• Dismissing the challenge as unimportant or minor.
• Focusing solely on the negative aspects without highlighting a solution.
• Not mentioning any collaboration or teamwork that played a role in overcoming the challenge.
• Failing to reflect on personal growth resulting from the experience.

Example answer

“During a concert with the London Symphony Chorus, I experienced a sudden illness that affected my vocal performance. I communicated with the conductor and we adjusted my parts, allowing me to focus on harmonies rather than solo lines. The adaptation ensured the performance went smoothly, and I received positive feedback for my professionalism and commitment. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and communication in a team setting.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your practice methods and ability to tackle complex musical pieces, which is essential for a tenor in a chorus.

How to answer

• Describe your initial approach to understanding the piece, including studying the score and historical context.
• Explain specific vocal techniques you focus on, such as breath control, dynamics, or range extension.
• Detail your practice routine, including warm-ups, rehearsal strategies, and seeking feedback from peers or instructors.
• Mention how you incorporate conductor and ensemble feedback into your preparation.
• Discuss how you measure your progress and adjust your practice as needed.

What not to say

• Suggesting you only rely on natural talent without a structured approach.
• Failing to mention practice or rehearsal as part of your preparation.
• Ignoring the importance of feedback and collaboration with others.
• Describing a one-size-fits-all approach without adapting to specific pieces.

Example answer

“When preparing for a new piece, I start by analyzing the score to understand its structure and vocal demands. For instance, in preparing for a challenging piece by Benjamin Britten, I focused heavily on breath control and dynamic contrast. I set up a structured practice schedule that included daily warm-ups and sectional rehearsals, where I sought feedback from my section leader. By the time we performed, I felt confident in my technique and was able to contribute effectively to the ensemble sound.”