Best Audition Songs: Nail Your Performance!

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

So, you've got an audition coming up? Awesome! Choosing the right song can seriously make or break your chances. It's not just about picking something you love to sing in the shower (though that's a good start!). It's about finding a tune that showcases your vocal strengths, fits the style of the show, and leaves the audition panel wanting more. Let's dive into some top-notch audition song choices and how to pick the perfect one for you.

Understanding Your Voice and Style

Before we even get into specific songs, let's talk about you. What kind of singer are you, really? Knowing your vocal range is super important. Can you belt out those high notes, or are you more comfortable in a lower register? Also, think about your vocal style. Are you a pop powerhouse, a soulful belter, a legit soprano, or a musical theatre mix master? Understanding these things will help you narrow down your options and choose a song that truly lets you shine. It's like finding the perfect pair of shoes – they've got to fit just right!

Vocal Range: Know Your Limits (and Strengths!)

Seriously, guys, don't pick a song that's going to have you straining for notes that are way out of your comfort zone. It's not impressive; it's just painful to listen to. Find songs that sit comfortably in your vocal range, where you can sing with power and control. This doesn't mean you can't challenge yourself a little, but be realistic. Use a piano or vocal app to determine your range accurately. Knowing your vocal range will allow you to search for songs that fit your voice perfectly.

Vocal Style: What's Your Vibe?

Are you all about those big, belty Broadway tunes, or do you prefer something more subtle and contemporary? Maybe you're a pop/rock kind of singer, or perhaps classical is more your thing. Whatever your style, pick a song that aligns with it. If you try to force yourself into a genre that doesn't suit you, it's going to sound...well, forced. Authenticity is key. If you are authentic to your vocal style you will deliver a stronger more believable performance.

Performance Personality

Don't forget to show off your personality! Are you a dramatic diva, a comedic genius, or a heartfelt storyteller? The song you choose should allow you to express yourself and connect with the audience (even if it's just the audition panel). Think about songs that resonate with you emotionally and allow you to bring your unique self to the performance. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and real.

Top Audition Song Choices

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some killer audition song choices, broken down by genre and style. Remember, these are just suggestions – the best song for you is the one that fits your voice and personality the best.

Musical Theatre

  • For the Belter:
    • "Defying Gravity" from Wicked (a classic for a reason!)
    • "Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie (fun and energetic).
    • "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl (show off that confidence!).
  • For the Legit Soprano:
    • "Think of Me" from The Phantom of the Opera (beautiful and soaring).
    • "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide (a challenging but rewarding choice).
    • "The Sound of Music" from The Sound of Music (sweet and innocent).
  • For the Character Actor:
    • "Agony" from Into the Woods (hilarious and quirky).
    • "Mr. Cellophane" from Chicago (touching and understated).
    • "Purpose" from Avenue Q (sincere and heartfelt).

When choosing musical theatre songs, make sure you find something that is appropriate for the musical theatre. Know the character that you are auditioning for and pick something that fits that. If you are auditioning for a serious role, do not pick something funny and upbeat. If you are auditioning for a comedic role, do not pick a slow, sad ballad.

Pop/Rock

  • For the Powerhouse:
    • "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele (show off that vocal control).
    • "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen (emotional and powerful).
    • "Alone" by Heart (a classic rock anthem).
  • For the Contemporary Singer:
    • "Someone Like You" by Adele (vulnerable and relatable).
    • "Lost Boy" by Ruth B (unique and haunting).
    • "Fix You" by Coldplay (emotional and soaring).
  • For the Indie/Alternative Artist:
    • "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver (raw and emotional).
    • "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac (classic and heartfelt).
    • "The Scientist" by Coldplay (beautiful and understated).

When choosing pop/rock songs, be sure you know the popular trends. What kind of music is trending and what is popular to listen to. This does not mean you should pick a song just because it is popular. However, picking something that is popular will show that you have your finger on the pulse and that you know what is going on in the current music scene.

Jazz/Blues

  • For the Classic Vocalist:
    • "At Last" by Etta James (timeless and soulful).
    • "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra (smooth and romantic).
    • "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess (haunting and beautiful).
  • For the Contemporary Jazz Singer:
    • "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones (laid-back and sultry).
    • "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse (soulful and powerful).
    • "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone (empowering and dramatic).

When choosing jazz or blues songs, be sure to know your history. Jazz and blues are rooted in history and have come from the African American communities. The songs and music that come from this genre are very deep and it is important to know where they come from before using them for an audition. It is important to be aware of the origins of the music, so that you are not misrepresenting the genre in any way.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Song

Okay, you've got some ideas, but how do you narrow it down and pick the one? Here are some extra tips to help you make the right choice:

Research the Show or Role

If you're auditioning for a specific show or role, do your homework! Find out what the show is about, what the style of music is like, and what kind of characters they're looking for. This will help you choose a song that's appropriate and shows that you've put in the effort to understand the production.

Consider the Audition Panel

Think about who's going to be on the audition panel. Are they traditionalists who prefer classic musical theatre, or are they more open to contemporary styles? Tailor your song choice to their tastes (within reason, of course – don't sacrifice your authenticity!).

Practice, Practice, Practice!

This one's a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Once you've chosen your song, practice it until you know it inside and out. Work on your vocals, your acting, and your overall performance. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll be on audition day.

Get Feedback

Sing your song for friends, family, or a vocal coach and get their feedback. They can offer valuable insights into your performance and help you identify areas for improvement. A fresh pair of ears can make a big difference!

Record Yourself

Record yourself singing your audition song and watch it back. This can be a painful process, but it's also incredibly helpful. You'll be able to see and hear things that you might not notice otherwise, like awkward movements or vocal inconsistencies.

What to Avoid

Choosing the right song is important, but so is avoiding the wrong songs. Here are a few things to steer clear of:

Overdone Songs

There are some songs that are just auditioned to death. These are songs that the audition panel has heard a million times, and they're probably tired of them. Examples include "Hallelujah," "Defying Gravity," and "On My Own." Unless you have a truly unique take on one of these songs, it's best to avoid them.

Songs That Are Too Difficult

Don't pick a song that's going to push your vocal abilities to the limit. It's better to choose something that's slightly easier and perform it flawlessly than to struggle through a difficult song and sound sloppy. Your goal should be to showcase your talents, not to prove how challenging you can be.

Inappropriate Songs

Make sure your song choice is appropriate for the audition. Avoid songs with offensive lyrics or themes, or songs that are too sexually suggestive. You want to make a good impression, not offend the audition panel.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right audition song is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be stressful. By understanding your voice, researching the show or role, and practicing like crazy, you can find a song that showcases your talents and helps you nail that audition. So go out there, break a leg, and show them what you've got! You've got this, guys!