Singing audition tips
Choosing songs to practice singing is different than choosing singing audition songs. When practicing, the idea is to expand your vocal technique and you do this by challenging yourself with songs with broad ranges. Just remember that audition songs should highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
For your singing audition, you need at least one ballad and one up-tempo song. Utilizing songs with stories and range should be a priority in your decision making. Everyone has a preference, some love ballads and others hate them. If balads are not your cup of tea, then it’ll be tough choosing a ballad to sing. If you are an up-tempo lover, find a ballad that suits you and really dig into it as an actor to find a reason to croon those words, and then the slow tempo won’t seem so eternally long. It’s safe to say the hardest part of any audition is choosing the songs. The songs you choose should be songs that truly show off your talents. This artful skill takes time to develop, so keep looking at songs to continue expanding your book of songs.
Variety is the spice of life, and your choice of songs should offer variety. A little variety gives you an opportunity to show off a well-balanced set of song skills. Why not start with some high notes in the first song and then try a belt song afterwards to show your versatility.
You definitely want songs that will show off your strengths and versatility. If each of your songs has a narrow range, search for songs that allow you to show off some high notes right after you sing your belt song. Be sure to demonstrate your all the highest and lowest notes that feel comfortable to you. The biggest thing that you want to avoid is having every song be the same kind of character and same kind of vocal sound coming out of your mouth, because the auditioner won’t get to see that you’re a skilled actor who can sing and play different kinds of roles and can add variety and spice to your character’s life throughout the show.
Singing a pop song will probably be one of your stipulations, but don’t be afraid to also choose an early musical theater song, later songs, pop/rock songs or anything else to accompany it. Don’t fall into the trap of confining yourself to singing contemporary songs. Hey, it’s a great choice, but there is a lot to be said for a singer who can portray an earlier time period.
At your audition, remember that they’re looking at you from the minute you walk in the door and not just when you sing. Show them how great you look in your outfit and remember that personality and charisma will set you apart from everyone else. Picture what the character looks like. You want to suggest the character but not dress exactly like the character. Also remember that you may not be cast the first time you audition, but you need to make a good impression. You may end up with a second audition so do your best every time and you’ll reap the benefits.
So now you know how to choose the right song for a singing audition, you might also be interested in perfecting your singing voice. For the highest quality vocal trainging, I highly recommend The Singing Zone. And if you’re struggling to get gigs do yourself a favor and take a look at Social Bandmaker.