“Music is the shorthand of emotion.” - Leo Tolstoy

Listening to music or singing can also decrease levels of stress-related hormone cortisol.

By Jessica Kelley

Whether you are auditioning for your high school musical or for the Community Theater down the street, choosing the right song for an audition is extremely important. It can make or break your chances at getting that part. So here’s a few tips that will help.

1. Follow the Rules! One of the most important things to remember is follow the guidelines set for the audition. I don’t care if you think you sound just like Meghan Trainor when you sing “All About That Bass”. If they ask you to bring in a standard music theater piece, then that’s what you do.

2. Is This A Duet? Avoid duets and/or group numbers for a solo audition. Remember, you will be the only one singing…

3. Is It From the Show? It’s best not to sing a song from the show you are auditioning for unless requested in the audition guidelines. Try to pick something similar to the songs sung by the character you are auditioning for.

4. That’s Out of Your Range! Know your vocal range and pick a song that is within it. The audition is not the time to try to belt that high E for the first time. Make sure the song you choose isn’t too high or low. And no, you can’t just sing it down or up the octave.

So these are just a few helpful hints when picking that audition song. And if need help just ask your Vocal Coach, we are here to help after all.

“Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” - Alphonse de Lamartine