7-Week Audition Intensive • Starting February 22, 2026
Build. Prepare. Deliver.
The audition intensive that doesn't just polish your excerpts—it teaches you how to prepare your mind, trust your preparation, and deliver under pressure.
Build. Prepare. Deliver.
7-Week Audition Intensive • Starting February 22, 2026
The audition intensive that doesn't just polish your excerpts—it teaches you how to prepare your mind, trust your preparation, and deliver under pressure.
Whats Included:
Front-Loaded Resources
Fingerings, bowings, and technical videos/classes delivered upfront so you can build your foundation quickly and efficiently—no waiting around.
Weekly Video Submissions
Submit up to 3 videos per week for detailed feedback between live sessions. Get specific guidance on technical challenges and musical decisions—so you're never stuck wondering what to work on next.
Structured Timeline & Progressive Mock Auditions
A clear week-by-week plan that keeps you moving through Build, Prepare, and Deliver. Starting in Week 4, mock auditions increase in intensity—from low-stakes practice with friends to high-stakes simulations that replicate real audition conditions.
Weekly Group Masterclasses
Live sessions where we work through excerpts, discuss musical concepts, and address what's not holding up under pressure. Longer informational sessions in early weeks when you need the most guidance. Playing and feedback opportunities for participants in front of the group.
Individual Coaching Sessions
20-minute one-on-one video check-ins bi-weekly to tackle your specific technical challenges, keep you on schedule, and make sure nothing is slipping through the cracks.
Complete Support Throughout
Technical resources to build your foundation. Group accountability to stay on track. Individual guidance tailored to your needs. A detailed timeline. And direct access to me throughout the entire 7 weeks. You're not preparing alone—you have a complete system and someone overseeing your progress from start to finish.
Whats Included:
Front-Loaded Resources
Fingerings, bowings, and technical videos/classes delivered upfront so you can build your foundation quickly and efficiently—no waiting around.
Weekly Group Masterclasses
Live sessions where we work through excerpts, discuss musical concepts, and address what's not holding up under pressure. Longer informational sessions in early weeks when you need the most guidance. Playing and feedback opportunities for participants in front of the group.
Individual Coaching Sessions
20-minute one-on-one video check-ins bi-weekly to tackle your specific technical challenges, keep you on schedule, and make sure nothing is slipping through the cracks.
Weekly Video Submissions
Submit up to 3 videos per week for detailed feedback between live sessions. Get specific guidance on technical challenges and musical decisions—so you're never stuck wondering what to work on next.
Complete Support Throughout
Technical resources to build your foundation. Group accountability to stay on track. Individual guidance tailored to your needs. A detailed timeline. And direct access to me throughout the entire 7 weeks. You're not preparing alone—you have a complete system and someone overseeing your progress from start to finish.
Structured Timeline & Progressive Mock Auditions
A clear week-by-week plan that keeps you moving through Build, Prepare, and Deliver. Starting in Week 4, mock auditions increase in intensity—from low-stakes practice with friends to high-stakes simulations that replicate real audition conditions.
I'm Nate Farrington
Principal Bass of LA Opera. I've advanced to super finals at four of the most competitive auditions in the past 25 years: Assistant Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Principal Bass of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Principal Bass of the New York Philharmonic, and Principal Bass of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
That consistency didn't come from luck. It came from a systematic preparation process that addresses not just excerpts, but your mind's role in performing under pressure.
This process didn't come naturally to me. I had to learn it through trial, error, and eventually found consistent success. What I figured out along the way is that most bassists are preparing the wrong thing.
This intensive is designed to teach you what I wish someone had taught me: how to develop your own standards, control your technique and process, and walk into any audition ready to deliver your best.
-
Principal Bass, LA Opera Orchestra
-
Curtis Institute of Music (studied with Hal Robinson and Edgar Meyer)
-
Super Finals: Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic
-
Professor of Double Bass, Azusa Pacific University
-
In residence at Curtis Institute of Music (Bandwidth Creative Residency)
Imagine walking into your next audition feeling confident, focused, and ready.
Not hoping you'll play well—knowing you've prepared in a way that gives you the best possible chance to advance.
THE PROBLEM
You can meet the standards in the practice room all day long. But if you haven't prepared your mind to deliver under pressure, those standards won't hold up when it counts.
Most bassists practice to impress—not to compete.
-
Principal Bass, LA Opera Orchestra
-
Curtis Institute of Music (studied with Hal Robinson and Edgar Meyer)
-
Super Finals: Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic
-
Professor of Double Bass, Azusa Pacific University
-
In residence at Curtis Institute of Music (Bandwidth Creative Residency)
-
Principal Bass, LA Opera Orchestra
-
Curtis Institute of Music (studied with Hal Robinson and Edgar Meyer)
-
Super Finals: Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic
-
Professor of Double Bass, Azusa Pacific University
-
In residence at Curtis Institute of Music (Bandwidth Creative Residency)
Standard
$1750
7 weeks of structured preparation
Weekly group masterclasses
Front-loaded resources: fingerings, bowings, technical videos/classes
20-minute individual check-ins each week
Submit up to 3 videos weekly for Nates personalized feedback
Detailed timeline for ramping up pressure through progressive mock auditions
Ongoing support throughout the intensive
Premium
$2250
Everything in Standard
PLUS: 3 private lessons with Nate during the 7 weeks
Deep-dive sessions to tackle your specific technical challenges
Personalized feedback and refinement
Maximum individual attention and support
Payment plans available. We accept Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and other payment methods. Contact me directly to discuss what works for your situation.
In This 7-Week Intensive, You'll Learn To:
Assess and address technical issues in your playing—so you can tackle whatever the excerpts demand with confidence (this focused technical work will serve you long beyond the audition itself)
Develop a clear mental map for each excerpt: what to think about, when to think about it, and exactly what you're trying to achieve musically inside each excerpt
Progressively challenge yourself under pressure—so you're peaking when it counts most
You'll walk away with a dependable preparation system and the confidence to execute when it counts.
A systematic framework that prepares you to compete—not just polish excerpts.
Standard
$1750
7 weeks of structured preparation
Weekly group masterclasses
Front-loaded resources: fingerings, bowings, technical videos/classes
20-minute individual check-ins
bi-weekly
Submit up to 3 videos weekly for Nates personalized feedback
Detailed timeline for ramping up pressure through progressive mock auditions
Ongoing support throughout the intensive
Premium
$2250
Everything in Standard
PLUS: 3 private lessons with Nate during the 7 weeks:
-
Deep-dive sessions to tackle your specific technical challenges
-
Personalized feedback and refinement
-
Maximum individual attention and support
Payment plans available. We accept Venmo, Zelle, and other payment methods. Contact me directly to discuss what works for your situation.
In This 7-Week Intensive, You'll Learn To:
You'll walk away with a dependable preparation system and the confidence to execute when it counts.
A systematic framework that prepares you to compete—not just polish excerpts.
You'll walk away with a dependable preparation system and the confidence to execute when it counts.
A systematic framework that prepares you to compete—not just polish excerpts.
Assess and address technical issues in your playing—so you can tackle whatever the excerpts demand with confidence (this focused technical work will serve you long beyond the audition itself)
Develop a clear mental map for each excerpt: what to think about, when to think about it, and exactly what you're trying to achieve musically inside each excerpt
Progressively challenge yourself under pressure—so you're peaking when it counts most
In This 7-Week Intensive, You'll Learn To:
You'll walk away with a dependable preparation system and the confidence to execute when it counts.
A systematic framework that prepares you to compete—not just polish excerpts.
Assess and address technical issues in your playing—so you can tackle whatever the excerpts demand with confidence (this focused technical work will serve you long beyond the audition itself)
Develop a clear mental map for each excerpt: what to think about, when to think about it, and exactly what you're trying to achieve musically inside each excerpt
Progressively challenge yourself under pressure—so you're peaking when it counts most
You'll walk away with a dependable preparation system and the confidence to execute when it counts.
A systematic framework that prepares you to compete—not just polish excerpts.
"The work we did to develop a clear plan for my playing and a strong mental framework allowed me to trust myself to deliver."
- Olivia Salas, Principal Bass, Savannah Symphony
The Method: Build. Prepare. Deliver.
Build.
Establish a detailed plan for each of your excerpts, address your technical concerns, and build musical goals throughout your list quickly—so you're not stuck here for 7 weeks.
Prepare.
Internalize your decisions. Integrate technical tasks into the musical plan, and get the excerpts closer to performance tempo, while shifting from "polishing excerpts" to "preparing the auditioner."
Deliver.
Five full weeks of progressively challenging mock auditions—low-stakes to high-stakes—that help you gauge what is working and what isn't under pressure. As you reach the audition date, you'll feel like you have a standard you can expect to deliver, and specific musical goals you're going to achieve at the audition.
We don't just prepare your excerpts. We prepare you to compete.
The Method:
Build. Prepare. Deliver.
Build.
Establish a detailed plan for each of your excerpts, address your technical concerns, and build musical goals throughout your list quickly—so you're not stuck here for 7 weeks.
Prepare.
Internalize your decisions. Integrate technical tasks into the musical plan, and get the excerpts closer to performance tempo, while shifting from "polishing excerpts" to "preparing the auditioner."
Deliver.
Five full weeks of progressively challenging mock auditions—low-stakes to high-stakes—that help you gauge what is working and what isn't under pressure. As you reach the audition date, you'll feel like you have a standard you can expect to deliver, and specific musical goals you're going to achieve at the audition.
We don't just prepare your excerpts.
We prepare you to compete.
What Students Say:
"Nate's approach to audition prep helped me build a dependable mindset and technical approach to performing under pressure. The work we did to develop a clear plan for my playing and a strong mental framework allowed me to trust myself to deliver despite the stress and anxiety surrounding auditions. His plan resulted in my winning three jobs and, subsequently, having a career as a performing bassist."
-Olivia Salas
Principal Bass, Savannah Symphony
"Nate was intentional about working on things that suited my needs and advocating for me. He helped me grow not only my musical skills, but also my confidence and passion."
-Sophie Kelly
Chapman University
Limited to 12 Students
Small cohort ensures you receive Genuine Individual attention and personalized feedback throughout the program
Standard
$1750
7 weeks of structured preparation
Weekly group masterclasses
Front-loaded resources: fingerings, bowings, technical videos/classes
20-minute individual check-ins
bi-weekly
Submit up to 3 videos weekly for Nates personalized feedback
Detailed timeline for ramping up pressure through progressive mock auditions
Ongoing support throughout the intensive
Payment plans available. We accept Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and other payment methods. Contact me directly to discuss what works for your situation.
What Students Say:
"Nate's approach to audition prep helped me build a dependable mindset and technical approach to performing under pressure. The work we did to develop a clear plan for my playing and a strong mental framework allowed me to trust myself to deliver despite the stress and anxiety surrounding auditions. His plan resulted in my winning three jobs and, subsequently, having a career as a performing bassist."
-Olivia Salas
Principal Bass, Savannah Symphony
"Nate was intentional about working on things that suited my needs and advocating for me. He helped me grow not only my musical skills, but also my confidence and passion."
-Sophie Kelly
Chapman University
Whats Included:
Front-Loaded Resources
Fingerings, bowings, and technical videos/classes delivered upfront so you can build your foundation quickly and efficiently—no waiting around.
Individual Coaching Sessions
20-minute one-on-one video check-ins bi-weekly to tackle your specific technical challenges, keep you on schedule, and make sure nothing is slipping through the cracks.
Weekly Group Masterclasses
Live sessions where we work through excerpts, discuss musical concepts, and address what's not holding up under pressure. Longer informational sessions in early weeks when you need the most guidance. Playing and feedback opportunities for participants in front of the group.
Structured Timeline & Progressive Mock Auditions
A clear week-by-week plan that keeps you moving through Build, Prepare, and Deliver. Starting in Week 4, mock auditions increase in intensity—from low-stakes practice with friends to high-stakes simulations that replicate real audition conditions.
Weekly Video Submissions
Submit up to 3 videos per week for detailed feedback between live sessions. Get specific guidance on technical challenges and musical decisions—so you're never stuck wondering what to work on next.
Complete Support Throughout
Technical resources to build your foundation. Group accountability to stay on track. Individual guidance tailored to your needs. A detailed timeline. And direct access to me throughout the entire 7 weeks. You're not preparing alone—you have a complete system and someone overseeing your progress from start to finish.
Ready to Build. Prepare. Deliver?
This isn't about pressure. It's about fit. Let's talk and figure out together if this intensive will serve you and your goals. If it's not right for you, that's totally fine.
But if you're serious about taking San Diego, Chicago Lyric, Detroit—or any audition this spring—and you want a preparation system that actually prepares you to compete, then let's have a conversation.
Questions?
When does the intensive start?
February 22, 2026. The intensive runs for 7 consecutive weeks. All group sessions are online via Zoom. Individual check-ins are scheduled according to your availability.
What if I can't make a live session?
Group masterclasses are recorded and available for review. Individual check-ins are scheduled around your availability—we'll make sure you get your weekly one-on-one time. Mock auditions require live attendance for maximum benefit.
What level player is this designed for?
This intensive is for serious musicians preparing for professional orchestra auditions—typically advanced conservatory students or early-career professionals actively taking auditions. If you're not ready to commit to walking into an audition room with clear goals, this isn't the right program yet.
What makes this different from weekly lessons?
This isn't a weekly lesson format. It's a comprehensive 7-week system specifically designed around the Build. Prepare. Deliver. framework. You get front-loaded resources, structured progression through all three phases, group learning dynamics, and progressively challenging mock auditions that simulate real conditions.
How do I know if this is right for me?
Schedule a call. We'll talk about your goals, where you are in your preparation, and whether this intensive is the right fit. I'm not looking to pressure anyone. If we speak and this isn't for you, that's totally fine. Let's figure out together if this will serve you.
© 2026 Hazard Productions.
CONTACT HAZARD
I'm Nate Farrington
Principal Bass of LA Opera. I've advanced to super finals at four of the most competitive auditions in the past 25 years: Assistant Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Principal Bass of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Principal Bass of the New York Philharmonic, and Principal Bass of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
That consistency didn't come from luck. It came from a systematic preparation process that addresses not just excerpts, but your mind's role in performing under pressure.
This process didn't come naturally to me. I had to learn it through trial, error, and eventually found consistent success. What I figured out along the way is that most bassists are preparing the wrong thing.
This intensive is designed to teach you what I wish someone had taught me: how to develop your own standards, control your technique and process, and walk into any audition ready to deliver your best.