Top 5 Tips for Choosing Your Audition Song: A Tailored Approach

Choosing the right audition song is crucial. Your song tells a story about you. It should fit the role you want and showcase your voice. Here are five simple tips to help you choose the perfect song.

1) Follow the brief: style, story, and rules
Start by reading the casting notice closely. It tells you what type of song to pick. Look for details like the era, style, and song length. These details are key for a successful audition (Actors’ Equity Association — Auditions).

Think about the character you want to portray. If the role is sweet, choose a soft song. If it’s a funny part, pick one with great timing and punchlines. This helps you show your skills well.

Also, consider composers similar to the one you want. If you’re singing a Sondheim song, try pieces from other similar writers. This shows you know the style.

2) Make a strong first impression
Auditions move quickly. People often make judgments in less than a second. You need to make your first moments count. Your opening should show your character right away. Skip long intros and start with a strong line to grab attention. If the first eight bars don’t showcase you, change them.

Think about this: If judges only heard the first ten seconds, would they know who you are? Use that question to guide your edits and present your best self quickly. Research shows that first impressions form rapidly, often in about 100 milliseconds. Your first phrase should be clear (First Impressions: Making Up Your Mind After a 100-ms Exposure to a Face (Willis & Todorov, 2006), Psychological Science).

3) Choose a comfortable range
Don’t go for the highest note. Pick a song that feels good for your voice, even when nervous. Audition days can be long. Sing in a range you can maintain throughout the day.

Practice your song often. The more you know it, the easier it will be when nerves hit. Try practicing while tapping your foot to stay strong under pressure (TED-Ed).

Test your song at different times of the day. If it only feels good at certain times, find a better key or piece. Before singing, do a quick exercise to prepare.

4) Build a balanced songbook
It’s important to have different styles of songs. Create a balanced collection that includes various styles and energies. Choose songs from different eras—like Golden Age musicals, contemporary pieces, or pop/rock. Have short cuts ready for each type.

Pair each piece with a contrasting one. For example, if you start with a fast song, have a ballad ready next. This helps you switch styles quickly if needed.

To keep your selections fresh, change one song each month. Record short clips of your cuts to remember them easily.

5) Prepare your materials
Help your accompanist by organizing your music. Use a clean binder with numbered pages. Mark where to start, any cuts, and where to stop. Include the bpm (beats per minute) and the feel of the song, like “laid-back swing.”

If you’re using a track, check that it works properly. Know how it starts and ends. Make sure your track helps you express the song clearly. If something feels off, adjust your cut.

Finally, think about the key of your song. Choose one that suits you in a cold room. If you usually need a lower key, use that as your default. This way, you won’t have to guess during your audition.

Picking the right song isn’t by chance. It’s about making smart choices. Follow the brief, start strong, and keep your voice comfortable. Build a balanced book and prepare well. These steps will help your audition shine. You’ll be ready to impress soon!