Choosing the right audition song for a musical begins with understanding your voice type and vocal range. Whether you’re a soprano hitting high notes or a resonant bass, the key is to match your voice with the character and style of the musical. Consider your comfort and confidence level with the chosen song after thorough practice. Ultimately, the goal is to showcase your unique strengths and leave a lasting impression in the audition room.
Soprano Audition Songs
Selecting ideal musical theatre audition songs for a soprano involves a thoughtful consideration of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Sopranos typically shine in the higher register, emphasizing clear and bright tones. To begin, identify your specific vocal range within the soprano category – whether you lean towards lyric or coloratura soprano. Once determined, choose songs that showcase your strengths and suit the character you aim to portray.
Here are three examples tailored for lyric sopranos:
- “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera:
- A classic soprano piece, this song not only showcases high, soaring notes but also allows for a display of vocal control and elegance.
- “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story:
- Perfect for a soprano with a more youthful and bright voice, this song combines a playful melody with opportunities to showcase your upper register.
- “A Spoonful of Sugar” from Mary Poppins:
- Sung by Mary Poppins herself, this delightful and upbeat song is well-suited for sopranos. It combines a cheerful melody with opportunities to showcase the bright and whimsical side of a soprano voice.
Here are three examples tailored toward coloratura sopranos:
- “Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen” from The Magic Flute (The Queen of the Night’s Aria):
- While originally from an opera, this aria is a classic example of coloratura soprano showcasing incredible vocal agility and high-range capabilities.
- “The Doll Song” (Les oiseaux dans la charmille) from The Tales of Hoffmann:
- A demanding piece that demonstrates the coloratura soprano’s ability to navigate intricate, fast-paced passages.
Mezzo Soprano Audition Songs
Choosing the perfect audition song for a mezzo-soprano involves a thoughtful understanding of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Mezzos typically possess a versatile range that allows them to shine in both lower and upper registers, conveying depth and emotion. To begin, identify your specific mezzo-soprano range, whether you lean towards a lyric or dramatic mezzo. Lyric mezzos excel in expressive, melodic lines, while dramatic mezzos showcase strength and intensity. Once determined, choose songs that not only showcase your strengths but also suit the character you aim to portray. Here are three examples tailored for mezzo-sopranos:
- “On My Own” from Les Misérables:
- An emotional ballad that allows mezzo-sopranos to showcase their ability to convey depth and vulnerability in the lower and middle registers. This is most appropriate for a lyric mezzo soprano.
- “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables:
- A powerful and dramatic piece that provides mezzo-sopranos with the opportunity to exhibit both emotional range and vocal strength and is most appropriate for a dramatic mezzo soprano.
- “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid:
- This song, with its expressive and emotive qualities, is best-suited for a lyric mezzo-soprano.
Contralto Audition Songs
Selecting an audition song that complements the rich and deep tones of a contralto requires a thoughtful consideration of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Contraltos possess a unique lower vocal register, allowing them to convey a sense of depth and authority. It’s also important to note that many tenor songs are also a great fit for Contraltos, so if you sing Contralto, check out the Tenor list as well!
- “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid: Originally performed by Ursula, a contralto character, this villainous and dramatic song allows contraltos to shine in their lower register while bringing out the character’s sinister qualities.
- “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy:
- This powerful and emotionally charged song is well-suited for contraltos, allowing them to convey both the strength and vulnerability of the character.
- “When You’re Good to Mama” from Chicago:
- Sung by the character Matron “Mama” Morton, this song offers contraltos a chance to showcase their commanding and authoritative presence in the lower register.
Tenor Audition Songs
Choosing the perfect audition song for a tenor involves careful consideration of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Tenors typically excel in the higher registers, showcasing clear and resonant tones. To begin, identify your specific tenor range, whether you lean towards a lyric or dramatic tenor. Lyric tenors often thrive in expressive, melodic lines, while dramatic tenors emphasize strength and intensity. Once determined, choose songs that not only highlight your strengths but also suit the character you aim to portray. Here are three examples tailored for tenors:
Choosing the perfect audition song for a tenor involves careful consideration of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Tenors typically excel in the higher registers, showcasing clear and resonant tones. To begin, identify your specific tenor range—whether you lean towards a lyric tenor with expressive, melodic lines, or a dramatic tenor emphasizing strength and intensity. Once determined, choose songs that not only highlight your strengths but also suit the character you aim to portray. Here are three examples, including options for both lyric and dramatic tenors:
- “Maria” from West Side Story (for Lyric Tenors):
- This classic tenor piece combines expressive melodies with opportunities for showcasing a clear and resonant upper register.
- “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot (for Dramatic Tenors):
- Originally from an opera, this powerful aria demands strength and intensity, allowing dramatic tenors to shine in their higher register.
- “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables (Suitable for Both Lyric and Dramatic Tenors):
- A versatile piece that provides opportunities for both lyric and dramatic tenors to convey emotion and strength in their higher range.
Baritone Audition Songs
Selecting the perfect audition song for a baritone involves a thoughtful consideration of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Baritones typically excel in the mid-range, offering a balance of warmth and strength in their vocals. To begin, identify your specific baritone range, whether you lean towards a lyric or dramatic baritone. Lyric baritones often shine in expressive, melodic lines, while dramatic baritones emphasize strength and intensity. Once determined, choose songs that not only highlight your strengths but also suit the character you aim to portray. Here are three examples tailored for baritones:
- “Stars” from Les Misérables (for Dramatic Baritones):
- This powerful and commanding song allows dramatic baritones to showcase their strength and intensity, resonating in the mid to lower registers.
- “If I Can’t Love Her” from Beauty and the Beast (for Lyric Baritones):
- A poignant and emotive piece, this song is well-suited for lyric baritones, offering opportunities for expressive and melodic interpretations.
- “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls (Suitable for Both Lyric and Dramatic Baritones):
- This classic song provides a versatile option, allowing both lyric and dramatic baritones to display their vocal prowess and charisma.
Bass Audition Songs
Choosing the perfect audition song for a bass involves a thoughtful consideration of vocal range, style, and character compatibility. Basses typically excel in the lower registers, offering depth and resonance in their vocals. To begin, identify your specific bass range, whether you lean towards a lyric or dramatic bass. Lyric basses often shine in expressive, melodic lines, while dramatic basses emphasize strength and intensity. Once determined, choose songs that not only highlight your strengths but also suit the character you aim to portray. Here are three examples tailored for basses:
- “Ol’ Man River” from Show Boat (for Lyric Basses):
- A classic and emotive song that allows lyric basses to showcase their lower register while conveying a deep sense of emotion.
- “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha (for Dramatic Basses):
- A powerful and inspiring piece that allows dramatic basses to exhibit strength and intensity, resonating in the lower registers.
- “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof (Suitable for Both Lyric and Dramatic Basses):
- This iconic song provides a versatile option, allowing both lyric and dramatic basses to showcase their vocal depth and add a touch of charisma.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, finding your audition song is like putting together a musical puzzle – each piece, from vocal range to character compatibility, plays a crucial role. Whether you’re belting high notes or embracing the richness of lower registers, the key is to pick a song that vibes with your strengths and the character you’re gunning for. So, go ahead, sing your heart out, and leave a lasting melody in the minds of those casting directors. Best of luck out there!
AC & the Virtual Virtuosos 
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