40 Songs for Stage Auditions

Posted on Jan 15, 2010 by Monica in Learning, Music

Do you want to try out for a talent show like the X-FACTOR or AMERICAN IDOL? Are you preparing for a musical theater audition or just want to sing on stage? Musicnotes wants to help! Not only have we dug through our digital sheet music files to offer you suggestions for songs that we think you’ll love, we’ve also got a book we think you’ll get a lot out of.

One song in particular that you might want to consider practicing is entitled The 60 Second Audition. This song was written specifically to highlight a singer’s ability to perform different musical styles and techniques within sixty seconds, and can be purchased in multiple keys to fit your range.

If you’re not sure what your vocal range is or how these Singer Pro arrangements different from our instrumental sheet music selections, we invite you to read our post about Deciphering Singer Pro Sheet Music and Finding Your Vocal Range.

Sale! 15% Off Vocal Audition Book

We’ve taken 15% off a unique book that’s designed to help aspiring performers with their stage auditions. Thank you — that’s all we need for today… A Practical Guide to Musical Theatre Auditions is a book written by Mary Hammond, a vocal consultant who has worked with performers in world-renowned Broadway shows and pop music. This unique book helps singers understand the basics of a song, prepares them for auditions, mentions technical aspects that can help singers improve their sound, discusses stage presence and much more! Although there are notes for beginning vocalists in this book, this is a comprehensive overview of how a singer can be their best on stage. Even experienced vocalists will find something useful in this book to help them sing professionally.

Included with this book, you also receive a CD with vocal warm-ups, too. Normally, this 6 in x 8 in book and CD is $21.95, but we’re offering on sale at $18.65 from now through midnight, January 31, 2010.

15 Songs for Female Lead Vocalists

For singers who sing in the soprano and alto range, you might want to consider one of these fifteen songs. We’ve pulled together some song titles from Broadway shows and a variety of popular musical styles for you to consider for your next audition.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow from THE WIZARD OF OZ
Defying Gravity from WICKED
The Alto’s Lament by Zina Goldrich
I Dreamed a Dream from LES MISERABLES
Good Morning Baltimore from HAIRSPRAY
I Will Survive by Dino Fekaris
Alone by Heart
The Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
Fever by Peggy Lee
I’ll Stand By You by Carrie Underwood
Hero by Mariah Carey
If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
Black Horse and the Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack

15 Songs for Male Lead Vocalists

If you sing in the tenor or bass vocal range, we invite you to take a look at these song titles for your next audition. From Broadway to popular love songs, we’ve selected fifteen songs we think will work well on stage.

Summertime from PORGY AND BESS
The Music Of The Night from PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
Fly Me To the Moon by Frank Sinatra
Stand By Me by Ben E. King
Imagine by John Lennon
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright
You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi
Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
The Way You Look Tonight by Tony Bennett
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel

10 Classical Pieces for Singers

If you prefer to sing opera or songs by classical composers, then we think you’ll really enjoy this list of ten songs. Each Singer Pro arrangement in this list is part of our Musicnotes Editions catalog, so you receive an added value when you purchase any of these songs.

Aria “Bist du bei mir” Composed by Bach
Zion hort die Wachter Singen from “Sleepers, Awake!” Composed by Bach
Habanera (from Carmen) Composed by Bizet
Wiegenlied “Cradle Song” (Brahms’ Lullaby) Opus 49, No. 4 Composed by Brahms
Caro Mio Ben (Thou, all my bliss) Arietta Composed by Giordani
Voi, Che Sapete (from Le Nozze di Figaro) Composed by Mozart
Nessun Dorma (from Turnadot) Composed by Puccini
O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi) Composed by Puccini
Wandrers Nachtlied II, Opus 96 No 3 Composed by Schubert
Ach, ich darf nicht hin zu dir (From Die Fledermaus) Composed by Strauss
Brindisi (Libiamo Ne’ Lieti Calici) from La Traviata Composed by Verdi

About Musicnotes Editions

Our Musicnotes Editions are the best digital sheet music value your money can buy. Each professional arrangement offers you unlimited print capabilities of your sheet music as well as performance and/or recording rights for your piece!

Are you a singer and want to help your fellow Musicnotes performers? Feel free to recommend a song in the comments below!

Regarding Your Feedback

In response to your comments, we wanted to take a moment and address the concerns that you brought up with regards to the songs mentioned here in the post.

Initially, we were inspired to highlight the songs that have resonated with many of our customers because several of these songs were performed on stage and at auditions through talent shows like the X-Factor and American Idol. Susan Boyle is just one example of someone who sung a well-known Broadway song so well, that she ended up getting a recording contract from her performance.

After reading your comments, it is clear that some of you were expecting a list of songs appropriate for community theater or professional stage auditions. We understand that our presentation of these songs may have resulted in some confusion, and we are currently consulting with professionals that work on-and-off Broadway to provide you with a list of their recommendations.

As always, we appreciate your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this post.

Tags: audition music, broadway sheet music, classical sheet music, musicnotes editions, songs for auditions

29 Responses to “40 Songs for Stage Auditions”

Malcolm Banham

Jan 16, 2010

As a pro session singer and singing teacher, I have to highlight one problem with your ‘recommended’ lists of audition songs. Most of them, being really well-known, will have been heard by auditioning panels a million times; and, having been on both sides of the ‘table’, I assure you, you do get to the mental state where you think ‘If i hear My Heart Will Go On one more time, I’m going to shoot the singer!’ I feel what would have been much more useful would be a list of undiscovered ‘gems’ that will come across as fresh, e.g. something like ‘Maybe I Like it This Way’ from ‘the Wild Party’. One of the things directors, etc. are looking for is the ’something different’ element: i.e., the ‘X’ Factor – not the ‘Z’ Factor!

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- Jenny Anderson
  
  Jan 16, 2010
  
  This is a great observation. I would love it if others would add their undiscovered gems to this list. I’m a middle school chorus teacher looking for two things: 1) ideas for my kids for solo festival that they’ll love, suitable for 11- to 13-year-olds, and 2) something for me to sing in “faculty follies” this year that both kids and parents will love and will suit a very non-pop-singer voice. (Malcolm, I totally agree about My Heart Will Go On! In a previous life in the 90s as a singing teacher, after the umpteen hundredth adolescent girl brought that song to her lesson, I posted a sign : This Studio is a Titanic-free Zone!)
  
  Reply to this comment
Beryl Foster

Jan 16, 2010

I cannot believe that you have included “Summertime” in a list of songs for male singers. It is bad enough that “Porgy and Bess” is so often treated as a West End musical, rather than the opera it is, but to list for tenor/bass one of the loveliest soprano arias beggars belief. I would think that any adjudicating/auditioning panel would think it most inappropriate. If you want to advocate fatherhood, why not “My boy Bill” (Soliloquy) from “Carousel”?

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Erica

Jan 16, 2010

I whole heartedly concur with these posts, as a professional vocalist, actor, and voice coach, the very last thing you should advise a singer to do is sing something OVERDONE. There are so many original songs out there to choose from that will make a singer stand out at an audition and none of the listed songs here will do that.

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Denise Duellman

Jan 16, 2010

All 5 of the first listed songs for women are on the list of songs one should not sing for a college musical theatre audition. Don’t get me started on the men’s songs. Kids shouldn’t be singing overdone songs or songs that are identifiable with one singer. It’s the kiss of death.

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Claire Brown

Jan 16, 2010

Dear Music Notes, I agree that some of the songs listed are overdone. I do like the Classical selection. I spent the afternoon listening to songs that are not as well known. It was a pleasure to hear Once Upon A Dream from Jekyll and Hyde, How Could I Ever Know from the Secret Garden, and yes, Can’t Help Falling in Love With You from All Shook Up. There are wonderful songs from Oliver, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, Musicman, Bells Are Ringing, and of course, South Pacific. I hope this will help you. Claire Brown

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pam munro

Jan 16, 2010

I agree – why not give singers some interesting choices?

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Rebecca Somberg

Jan 16, 2010

There an association of songs to famous artists.
When a singer auditions, it does not serve the singer well to do the standard songs that have been already made popular by well known singers on recordings.
As a voice teacher, and audition coach, I recommend that singers sing material that shows off their gift, not the song.
There are many songs that tell wonderful stories, and make it easy to sing brilliantly. Show the voice, communicate the story, and make it look easy. Keep it short, and enjoy.
It’s the singer, not the song.

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G.M. Matteson

Jan 16, 2010

I am a teacher, a performer, and an accompanist at a college.
I agree that some of the selections on your list are too cliche’ and unimpressive.
Spelling correction: Turandot ( not Turnadot )

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Kerry O'Connor

Jan 16, 2010

I agree with Malcolm, it’s like, just watch any of the seasons of Idol auditions and you’ll hear all those songs a dozen or more times – sung badly. Unless you can sing these listed songs on a pro-level and with your own twist, it’s really quite cliche and frankly, not in your best interest to attempt them in an audition. Have we not been listening to Simon?? Being a voice and piano teacher I was excited to see the list to get some good ideas for students, but I was pretty disappointed. As far as musical theater goes, Wicked and Les Mis? They are being so overdone right now on a lot of popular TV shows – Glee and Susan Boyle… anyway, my suggestion is listen to your vocal coach or teacher and find something that shows your sweet spots and your personality.

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Sean Malynn

Jan 16, 2010

I agree with the above comments, getting ready for an America’s Got talent audition myself, (and i am racking my brains!) I am trying to find songs people know, but have maybe been forgotten, songs that when people hear, they might think …wow i remember that song, takes me back….. an audition is such a short amount of time to really do the best you can , so it is really worth digging deep when looking for something to perform, something that leaves an impression…………thanks for reading!

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John Johnson

Jan 16, 2010

I agree wholeheartedly with the previous two comments. This is a very bad list that looks as if it’s been compiled by someone who doesn’t know repertoire at all, let alone work in the industry. In addition to the comments by Foster and Banham, “Ach, ich darf nicht…” from Fledermaus is a short duet (that requires both singers) and does little to show off (in an audition setting) the soubrette who sings that text. It’s not a good audition piece at all. Either of Adele’s arias would be much better than this, particularly her “audition” aria,”Spiel’ ich die Unschuld vom Lande.”
And “Zion hört die Wächter singen?” Really?!? That’s the tenor choral part from a church cantata. It’s not even a solo. And if it was, I could still think of 1000 other pieces that would be more appropriate for a tenor to use in auditions. As for “Nessun dorma,” if you have to look at list of recommended rep to give you ideas about what to sing, then you shouldn’t be singing this. It’s a very difficult aria for a tenor to pull off effectively (and should never be sung by a baritone or bass). And I would apply the same remarks above regarding “My heart will go on” to “O mio babbino caro.” If I hear that sung (badly as usually is the case) in an audition again, I’m going to ask the singer to stop and sing something else. Further, seven out of the eleven (not 10 as is stated) pieces in the classical rep list are gender and voice-type specific – not pieces that would be sung by either gender.
Please do a better job with your research before leading singers down a path that will not serve them well.

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Kimberly Arce

Jan 16, 2010

I must agree that many of the songs (especially for women) are so well known (and overdone) or so well associated with a specific singer, that they are not good choices for an audition. Audition songs should be appropriate to the style of the show or event, and should showcase the best you (not you trying to sing as well as Whitney Houston). And choosing something different, but appropriate will intrigue the people behind the table!

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Jenny Anderson

Jan 16, 2010

I hope singers looking at this classical list will consult their teacher before choosing. Many of these are appropriate for young singers, but arias like O Mio Babbino Caro and Nessun Dorma are for very experienced singers only. When I taught in England, Nessun Dorma (with Pavarotti) was the theme song for the England World Cup soccer team. I had 15-year-old boys begging to sing it. I told them to come back in 10 years and we’d see!

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Tom, Ferent

Jan 16, 2010

You have got to be kidding!!!!!!!! The songs you selected for male singers are not for Broadway auditions except for Music of the Night. That tune I would never do because it is worn out.
Here’s a few for your list: !) I won’t send roses- Mack and Mabel 2) It only takes a moment-Hello Dolly 3) Come Back to me- On a Clear Day 4) Moving too fast- The last Five years

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Berta Calechman

Jan 16, 2010

I have to agree with the above comments. As an opera singer, I would bet my life on the fact that if judges hear “O Mio Babbino Caro” sung yet another time, they will lose their lunches. And if it’s a solo audition, how can you suggest the Brindisi from “Traviata” (A soprano/tenor duet.)?
For a non-classical audition, I think that right now, “I Dreamed a Dream” is on the brink of overstaying its welcome. If you must choose “Wicked,” (which I love, by the way,) how about “For Good,” which is not an easy piece, but a great one. Audition pieces are tough choices!

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Tom Clark, Tokyo

Jan 17, 2010

If a tenor wants to do a Josh Groban piece, don’t do “You Raise Me Up.” It’s just repetitive words with key changes– “Danny Boy” without the nice story. “You’re Still You” is far superior.

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Andrea

Jan 17, 2010

I agree that these songs are overdone. I was also disappointed when I saw that only two sections were created…it would have been nice to see, for example just one female vocal section for Broadway songs.

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Debra Shepherd

Jan 17, 2010

I find these comments to be very helpful. I’m the parent of a high school freshman who has been to a few auditions. It’s tough to find pieces for her. I knew instinctively that people probably get sick of hearing the same pieces over and over again.

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Karen Kennedy

Jan 17, 2010

This list that you have compiled doesn’t help the professional singer at all, There is sooooo much music out there, why repeat?? Why not investigate other genres like song cycles and arias from little known or performed operas, and don’t mix voices!!! “Summertime” sung by a man??????? I agree 100% with John Johnson…ditto on his remarks. PS I am a lyric/dramatic soprano singing in Ecuador, so any piece works, since opera is a “new experience” for most here. However, it is essential for any singer to sing according to his/her voice type, and the coach is always the best judge of a person’s capabilities on that “score” (pun intended). Seek and Ye shall find!

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FUZZ Roark

Jan 17, 2010

As a Producer and Musical Theatre Director — if anyone auditioned with songs from this list — I would pretty much disqualify them in the audition process — unless they presented a TOP of the line audition.

I have had so many young actors (male & female) audition with inappropriate songs – and for roles that are totally wrong — can you imagine an 18 yr old size 4 auditioning for Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd) – with a breathy head voice — seriously!

Singing Actors — know the role – know the show —- and DON’T audition with a song from the show unless it is requested .

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Martha Bennett

Jan 18, 2010

I have to agree with all the previous comments. Your lists are not good for auditions. However, I really appreciate MusicNotes for getting this discussion started. I have taught singing and coached students for auditons for over 30 years. And as a performer I too have had to look for good audition pieces so I know how difficult it can be. The bottom line is that you want to find a song that is a good song muscially, that shows off your voice and talent as well as it possibly can, that makes you memorable, and that doesn’t get lost in a sea of “Gimme, Gimme(s)”, etc.
And on top of all that you have to find something that shows the auditioners what they want to hear and see from you!
The classical list is just all wrong, but that’s too big of a hornet’s nest to get into here. Thanks so much for trying though–keep it up MusicNotes!
If you’re looking to hire someone to help you with this, I’m interested! )

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- Susan
  
  Jan 18, 2010
  
  Agreeing with all above comments. As a vocal teacher and musical theater director I feel as though I am beating a dead horse with these tunes. A few suggestions of less know pieces my students have enjoyed…
  “I Still Believe in Love” from They’re Playing Our Song
  “The Tree” from The Me Nobody Knows
  “The Girl I Mean to Be” from Secret Garden
  “Waitin’ for the Light to Shine” from Big River
  I’d love to see suggestions from others
  
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LilRomeo

Jan 18, 2010

How about Astonishing from Little Women

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malcolm banham

Jan 24, 2010

Good to see a lively debate following my comment. Another thing I’d like to see in an audition songbook is suggested editing for songs that are too long. Frankly, most directors, etc. only need 1-2 minutes (and indeed may only be able to spare that long!) to make up their minds about a voice. A song like, say, ‘I dreamed a dream’ is a non-starter for many reasons: too long, nothing exciting happens till about bar 33 – and it’s been done to death, thanks in part to SUBO!

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Jeanne

Jan 29, 2010

As a mature person auditioning for solos for Adult choirs/cabaret shows I have liked: “If You Love Me”(Hymme A L’amour); “Can’t Help Lovin’ that Man”from Showboat;”I Will Wait for You” from the Umbrellas of Cherbourg; “All Love Can Be “from film A Beautiful Mind; “Almost Like Being in Love; ”And this is My Beloved” from Kismet; “As Long As He Needs Me”from Oliver; “Speak Softly, Love” from the Godfather”Why Can’t you Behave; “Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love; Moonfall” from the Mystery of Edwin Drood.
See The “Singer’s Musical Theater Anthology Soprano(have all voice type editions)Vol 2-Hal Leonard.
Jeanne

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Michele

Feb 08, 2010

I found the comments posted very helpful, can someone suggest an audition song for a 10 year old female. Something that isn’t overdone.
Thanks!

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charmaine mutsau

Feb 18, 2010

i hate having to spend hours looking for a song for whatever performance…this makes life easier:)

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Malcolm Banham

Mar 01, 2010

re Michele (Feb if it’s a more lyrical number you want, how about ‘When She Loved Me’ from Toy Story 2. Lovely song!

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