I'm sure that Jose will have A LOT of advice, parameters and guidlines to give in this area!
My number one rule for picking an audition song is:
"Sing something you know and that you love to sing."
Don't sing something you just learned. (Although some people have that knack...)
Don't sing something you think you
should be singing.
Don't sing something just because it's worked for other people.
Don't sing something just because you heard someone else sing it.
There are songs you like.
There are songs you like to sing.
There are good songs.
There are good songs for you.
There are good songs for auditions.
There are good songs for auditions for you.
Know the difference. For yourself. Just because you like the song doesn't mean it will work for you. Just because you like the song doesn't mean you should use it for an audition (maybe for a callback instead).
-As they say in Avenue Q, "It's a fine, fine line..." Yes, it takes some trial and error to find the right material, but I've always thought that if there's any sort of negative stress and strain involved while finding and choosing and learning the material, then some of that "stuff" is bound to be projected in your audition.
I've seen many an audition where there is a sense of the singer singing "under duress". They're just not enjoying themselves. Yes, auditions are by their nature not a pleasant thing, but that doesn't mean they have to be dreaded.
And then there are the other considerations: style/period, appropriateness for the show you're auditioning for, finding the right 16 bars, acting, range, etc... But it all comes back to:
"Sing something you know and that you love to sing."
*And, actually - and sort of unfortunately - due to the run of
What If? I will not be able to play the Fall SETC auditions in Charlotte, NC, this September. Anyone out there know anyone who would like to and can play for about 250 people in two days?
