If I hated my audition book, here are 8 things I’d do to update my repertoire…
Here’s the thing: as we grow and change throughout our lives, so should the music we sing. For me, it was a tragic loss that set me on an audition book makeover. Those life experiences changed me and the songs just weren’t speaking to me anymore. If you need I change, here’s where I’d start:
- Take out songs I’ve outgrown. Just because a song worked for you five years ago doesn’t mean it represents the singer you are today.
- Figure out what’s missing. Do I have contemporary? Legit? Comedy? Up-tempo? Ballad? Something that shows storytelling?
- Try new songs on for size. There is SO much repertoire out there. Dig deeper than the first songs that come up when you Google “audition songs for altos.”
- Choose songs that live comfortably in my voice. An audition is not the time to prove I can survive a song. I want repertoire that lets me walk into the room feeling confident.
- Find material that shows my personality. The best audition songs don’t just show your voice. They give the people behind the table a little snapshot of you.
- Make sure I actually enjoy singing my songs. If I’m bored or emotionally disconnected, there’s a pretty good chance the people listening will feel it too.
- Work with a coach instead of trying to figure it all out alone. Sometimes another set of ears can hear possibilities in your voice that you haven’t considered yet.
- Stop treating my audition book like it’s ever “finished.” Your repertoire should grow and evolve right along with you.
Your audition book isn’t just a collection of songs. It’s a collection of opportunities to show people who you are as a singer and storyteller.
And if opening your book currently fills you with dread… it might be time for a repertoire refresh.
