Choosing the right song for an audition can feel like navigating a minefield. One wrong note, a poor song choice, or a style mismatch can derail your chances before you even begin. This guide will help you select songs that showcase your vocal abilities, personality, and fit the specific audition requirements, maximizing your chances of success.
Understanding Your Audition
Before diving into song suggestions, consider these crucial factors:
1. The Type of Audition:
- Musical Theatre: Focus on songs from shows similar in style to the production you're auditioning for. Choose a song that demonstrates your acting ability as well as your vocal range and technique.
- Opera: Select an aria that showcases your vocal prowess and suits your voice type (soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass). Consider the aria's emotional range and technical demands.
- Pop/Rock/Contemporary: Choose a song that showcases your personality and vocal style while remaining appropriate for the setting. Avoid anything overly obscure or difficult unless you're exceptionally confident in your performance.
- Classical Voice: Classical audition songs require extensive vocal training and technique. Select a piece that aligns with your vocal training and capabilities, highlighting your strengths.
- A Cappella: Consider songs that allow for vocal harmonies and blend well with other voices.
2. Your Vocal Range and Strengths:
Don't pick a song that's too high or too low for your voice. Choose a piece that comfortably sits within your range, allowing you to showcase your best vocal qualities. Are you known for your powerful belt, delicate vibrato, or impressive agility? Choose a song that lets these strengths shine.
3. The Panel's Expectations:
Research the panel. If possible, find out what kind of music they usually work with or what they're looking for. Choosing something they'll appreciate will increase your chances.
Genre-Specific Song Suggestions:
Here are some ideas, categorized by genre, offering a mix of popular and less-common choices. Remember to always choose a song you connect with emotionally and can perform authentically.
Musical Theatre:
- Beginner-Friendly: "Popular" from Wicked, "Tomorrow" from Annie, "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady.
- Intermediate: "On My Own" from Les Misérables, "The Wizard and I" from Wicked, "She Used to Be Mine" from Waitress.
- Advanced: "The Color Purple" from The Color Purple, "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables, "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid.
Pop/Rock/Contemporary:
- Beginner-Friendly: "Someone Like You" by Adele, "Halo" by Beyoncé, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri.
- Intermediate: "River" by Bishop Briggs, "Fix You" by Coldplay, "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac.
- Advanced: "Run" by Leona Lewis, "Chandelier" by Sia, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.
Classical/Opera (Examples, require specific vocal type matching):
- Soprano: "Queen of the Night" aria from The Magic Flute (Mozart) – challenging but rewarding.
- Mezzo-Soprano: "Habanera" from Carmen (Bizet) – dramatic and sensual.
- Tenor: "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot (Puccini) – powerful and iconic.
- Baritone: "Largo al factotum" from The Barber of Seville (Rossini) – energetic and playful.
Tips for Choosing Your Audition Song:
- Prepare multiple songs: Having a few options ready allows for flexibility based on feedback or the audition requirements.
- Know the song inside and out: Master the melody, lyrics, and emotional arc before auditioning.
- Make it your own: Add your personal interpretation while remaining true to the original style.
- Choose a song that is age-appropriate and stylistically consistent with the role: Avoid songs that might feel out of place.
- Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse in front of friends, family, or a vocal coach to get feedback.
Selecting the right song is just one step in a successful audition. Remember to present yourself professionally, be confident, and let your passion shine through. Good luck!
