How to Pick the Perfect Audition Song: Tips for Intermediate Singers

Choosing the right audition song can make a significant difference in showcasing your talent and landing the role you desire. As an intermediate singer, you have a solid foundation, but selecting a song that highlights your strengths and fits the audition requirements is crucial. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect audition song:

1. Know Your Voice

Understanding your vocal range and strengths is the first step. Choose a song that showcases your best qualities, whether it’s your powerful high notes, rich lower register, or impressive vocal agility. Select songs that fit comfortably within your vocal range.

Tips:

  • Watch my video on How To Find Your Vocal Range:

2. Match the Style of the Show

Ensure your song choice aligns with the style and genre of the show you’re auditioning for. If you’re auditioning for a musical, pick a song from a similar genre to demonstrate your suitability for the role. Shows that were produced in the same year like the 1950s are going to have a similar feel to them. Shows like Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Damn Yankees, Brigadoon, and High Society were all shows written in the 1950s. Do your research and use the Google machine.

Tips:

  • Research the show’s musical style and choose a song that fits.

  • Avoid songs that are too different from the show’s genre.

3. Show Your Personality

Your song choice should reflect your personality and the type of roles you want to play. I would pick a specific role that you’re interested in and let that guide your choice for music. Also choose a song that you connect with emotionally and can perform with confidence and authenticity.

Tips:

  • Pick a song that tells a story you can relate to.

  • Ensure your performance feels genuine and heartfelt.

4. Avoid Overdone Songs

AVOICE OVERDONE SONGS. I wrote that in all caps for a reason. While popular songs might be tempting, they can be overdone in auditions. Choose a song that is unique but still showcases your abilities. This can help you stand out from other auditionees. When theaters receive hundreds of auditions to sift through, the last thing you want is for your audition to be bland. Do something less well-known and you will automatically stand out.

Tips:

  • Research common audition songs and avoid them. Repeat. AVOID THEM.

  • Look for lesser-known songs that highlight your strengths.

5. Prepare Multiple Cuts and Follow Audition Guidelines

Auditions often require different lengths of song cuts (16-bar, 32-bar, full song). Be prepared with multiple versions of your song to meet any audition requirements. This is mostly an issue if you’re auditioning in person. If it’s an online audition, follow the guidelines exactly. If they ask for 32 bars, that is about one minute to showcase your voice and acting. DO NOT send it 3-4 minute audition of you singing the entire song. They do not want options. They want specificity so they can make a decision. Make it easy for them to pick you and follow the audition guidelines.

Tips:

  • Practice different cuts of your song to ensure you’re ready for any request.

  • Make sure each cut has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

  • Follow audition instructions to the letter.

  • DO NOT send in the full song if they did not ask for it. Less is more.

6. Consider the Accompaniment

Ensure the sheet music for your song is clear and easy for the accompanist to read. Avoid songs with overly complex arrangements that might be difficult to play on the spot. If you’re using a track, make sure the track is qued up properly. Only give yourself about 2 bars before you begin. No need for a long runway.

Tips:

  • Choose songs with straightforward piano arrangements.

  • Mark any cuts or changes clearly on your sheet music.

  • Que up your track to right before you start singing.

7. Get Feedback

Before your audition, perform your song for friends, family, or a vocal coach. Constructive feedback can help you refine your performance and make any necessary adjustments.

Tips:

  • Record yourself singing and review the performance.

  • Take note of any areas that need improvement and work on them.

  • Contact me if you want help reviewing your audition!

Final Thoughts

Picking the perfect audition song is about showcasing your unique talents and fitting the audition’s requirements. With careful selection and preparation, you can submit your audition with confidence and make a lasting impression. Good luck, and break a leg! 🎤