How to Create an Audition MP3 File for a Radio Station GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Streaming > Music, Podcasts, & Audio 103 103 people found this article helpful

How to Create an Audition MP3 File for a Radio Station

By Corey Deitz Corey Deitz Writer Kent State University Former Lifewire writer Corey Deitz is a veteran radio broadcaster, voiceover artist, and author with more than 25 years of broadcasting experience. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 7, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Music, Podcasts, & Audio Radio Music For Your Life Audio Streaming Podcasts CDs, MP3s, & Other Media

What to Know

Acquire recording software and prepare sample scripts. Practice what you want to say, trying to sound natural, then export to MP3.Send the audio file to the station director following any submission guidelines. Include a resume, references, and cover letter.You have roughly 15 seconds to impress a program director. Record your demo in the style of the station you're sending it to. If you want to get a job on-the-air at a radio station, the first thing you need is a demo file to send to a program director. It's not hard to create your own audition or demo file, as long as you prepare, practice, and plan.

Prepare an Audition Tape

A demo tape may be generic and appropriate for any station, or it may need to be tailored to a specific station. Some directors require applicants to talk about something very specific, such as a topic they've assigned to you. Once you have all the information necessary to record your demo, the next step is to set up your recording environment. If you don't have access to a studio with the proper equipment, use a phone or computer with software to record your audio. Install a program or app that lets you record your voice. The free Audacity application is a good option for computers. If you're recording from a smartphone, you might give the Smart Recorder Android app a try, or Voice Recorder & Audio Editor for iOS devices. Before you download and use Audacity, be sure to review its privacy policy to ensure you’re comfortable with its terms. Attach a microphone if you're using a computer. (Check out the best USB microphones to buy if you don't have one.)

Decide What You' ll Record

Prepare some sample scripts that you'll talk about in your recording. For example, talk about the weather, include a 30-second commercial about a made-up product, and create a promotional announcement. If you're creating a demo for a specific station, be sure to use that station's name. If this is a generic demo, then the name isn't as important. Decide the order in which you'll record your scripts so that you're not fumbling around topics when it comes time to record.

Record Your Voice and Email the File

Record your voice with the scripts you prepared, but be sure to practice what you want to say before finalizing the recording. Try your best to sound natural and friendly. It helps to smile while you speak since that often shows even through a voice recording. When you're satisfied with your presentation, export the file to your computer, either directly from the desktop program or via email if you're using your phone. MP3 is a good format to use since it's supported by most programs. Remember that you can record as many times as you like before you send the demo to the radio station. Just erase whatever you don't like, and keep trying until you have the best audio recording you can make. Call the station and ask for the name, email address, and phone number of the program director. Email your demo to the program director with a short introductory letter, and attach your demo file with any other relevant information, like a short resume or references. Follow up with a phone call in a week.

Final Tips to Keep in Mind

Program directors are extremely busy. If they don't like what they hear in the first 15 seconds, they stop listening.Record your demo in the style of the station you're sending it to. For example, if you're looking to do radio news, you don't want to use puns and talk in a super relaxed and down-to-earth style.Make sure to tell the program director in your letter that your work hours are flexible. They might need someone for a late radio gig or one that changes throughout the month.Accept any offer from any station. Small things often lead to much bigger things.Don't worry about being fancy. The program director just wants to get an idea about you. Anything further that he or she wants to know will likely be in person. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Screen Record with Audio in Windows 11 FBR File (What It Is and How to Open One) The 11 Best Internet Radio Stations of 2022 14 Best Places to Listen to Free Music Online How to Move Your Podcast to AM, FM, or Satellite Radio The 7 Best Music Editors of 2022 How to Use FM Radio on Your iPhone or Android The 9 Best Free Music Streaming Apps for iOS and Android (2022) How to Record Audio on Windows 10 How to Use Problem Steps Recorder in Windows How to Send Voice Messages on WhatsApp How to Add Radio Stations to iTunes How to Make Screencasts With Windows 10 Xbox Game DVR How to Fix It When Your iPhone Microphone Isn't Working 4 Best Free Video Editors for YouTube in 2022 How to Stream Radio Using Icecast on VLC Media Player Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies