The Sing Off is in full swing now, with eight talented a cappella groups remaining in the competition after this week’s episode. The show, which is in its third season, features a cappella groups from around the U.S., performing each week in hopes of continuing on to get the grand prize of a Sony Music recording contract and $200,000.
While Glee helped make choir groups “cool” again, The Sing Off has brought a cappella singing to the spotlight. This is truly a battle of the voices, as performers don’t have back-up bands to rely on as a safety net. Collegiate a cappella groups are especially popular, with Oxford University’s Out of the Blue and The Whiffenpoofs of Yale University leading as two of the most notable groups.
If you’re an aspiring vocalist looking to join a cappella group, chances are you’re feeling a bit nervous about your upcoming audition. That’s totally normal! After all, singing in front of a group of strangers can be intimidating!
But don’t worry—with the right preparation and mindset, you’ve got this. Here are some tips to help you ace your a cappella audition.
What Should I Sing for an A Cappella Audition?
So you’re auditioning for an a cappella group? First, congratulations! However, the audition process can be daunting, and you want to make sure you give yourself the best possible chance of success. So what should you sing for your audition?
- Pick something that shows off your range. An a cappella group will have a wide range of vocal parts, so it’s important to demonstrate that you can sing both high and low notes.
- Second, you want to choose a song that highlights your strengths. If you have a powerful voice, pick a song with some big belting moments. If you’re more of an emotive singer, choose something that will allow you to show off your feeling and expressivity.
- And finally, don’t be afraid to have some fun! This is your chance to show off your personality, so pick a song that will let you do just that.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to ace your a cappella audition!
The best tip? Sign up for singing lessons! You’ll learn everything you need to know in order to master this gorgeous style of singing – plus everything you see in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM9TQRoZJdw
What is the A Cappella Audition Process?
The a cappella audition process can vary depending on the group you are trying out for, but there are some general steps that are usually followed.
The first step is usually to submit a recorded audition. This can be in the form of a video or an audio recording, and it is typically around two minutes long. The audition should showcase your vocal range and abilities, as well as your stage presence.
After the recorded auditions have been reviewed, the next step is usually to invite selected candidates to attend an in-person audition. This is where you will sing a variety of songs with the other candidates, and the judges will be looking for vocal blend, tone quality, pitch accuracy, and more.
The final step of the audition process is usually an interview with the directors of the group. This is an opportunity to ask questions and get more information about the group, as well as to learn more about their expectations. Following these steps will help you prepare for a successful a cappella audition.
A Cappella Audition Tips
For those interested in getting into the a cappella craze, eHow contributor Tina Molly Lang gives us some tips for how to succeed at an a cappella audition:
(1) Understand that succeeding at an a cappella audition involves balancing a solo voice with the ability to blend.
While classical training helps, a cappella groups are not necessarily looking for an operatically trained voice. While it is important to hold your own during a solo, a cappella groups like singers who will blend with the sound and harmony of the group. In a cappella groups, it is more important to be a team player than it is to be the best singer. If the group is going flat or sharp, you have to adjust to them, even when they are wrong. A cappella groups also like to have a pure sound. They like straight tone, as opposed to vibrato.
(2) Know that ear training is important.
At the audition, the group might play a progression of notes that you will have to sing back. Alternately, they may play a succession of chords and have you find and sing the middle note. Preparing for the ear-training part of the audition will require longer-term effort. While voice lessons will help your vocal technique, they may not necessarily help in ear training or musicianship. There are many ways to develop a good ear: Listen to different kinds of music, practice chords at the piano and take music-theory classes. Instrumentalists tend to have an advantage in the ear-training section of the audition. Instrumentalists are used to reading more complicated music and hearing different tonalities.
(3) Recognize that a cappella groups also look for a personality fit.
At the audition, they will ask you to prepare a joke. They want to see if you blend with the social dynamic of the group. A cappella groups like fun, outgoing people. Performing a cappella involves not only singing, but also stage presence, humor and the ability to perform off the cuff. That’s why so many a cappella singers also have theatrical training.
You can read the full article here.
(4) Be Yourself
A lot of aspiring vocalists make the mistake of trying to be someone they’re not when they step into the audition room. Don’t do this! Instead, focus on showcasing your own unique talents and abilities. What sets you apart from other singers? What makes you special? Make sure that shines through whenever possible during your audition process.
(5) Be Prepared
A great way to make sure that your voice is at its best come audition time is by doing a few simple exercises beforehand. This can include anything from warm-up scales to tongue twisters or even humming along with some of your favorite tunes. Practicing these exercises regularly will help ensure that your vocal range remains as wide and clear as possible when it comes time for your big moment in the spotlight.
(6) Bring Your Best Song
When it comes to choosing what song to sing for your audition, pick something that showcases both your vocal range and the kind of performer you are. Do some research ahead of time; most a cappella groups have specific genres or styles they prefer, so find out what those are and choose accordingly. It’s also important to pick a song that fits within the allotted time frame given by the group; usually 3-4 minutes is standard but it never hurts to double check beforehand!
What Are the Best A Cappella Audition Songs?
If you are auditioning for an a cappella group, you are likely asked to bring a prepared selection to show off your singing skills. But what songs should you pick? The best audition songs showcase the range and capabilities of your voice and highlight your unique talents. Knowing which songs are best for each voice type can help you prepare for your audition and make sure you shine on stage!
A Cappella Audition Songs for Altos
For altos, the best audition songs should demonstrate their ability to hit low notes while still having clarity in their tone. Some great options include “Bigger Than Us” by Hannah Montana, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, or “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. All of these songs have simple melodies that allow alto singers to focus on their pitch and range.
A Cappella Audition Songs Soprano
Sopranos can show off their vocal prowess with high-energy numbers like “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce or “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. These types of songs will allow sopranos to demonstrate their control over powerful vocal runs as well as their ability to hold higher notes with ease. Additionally, more lyrical selections such as “Ave Maria” or “Someone Like You” by Adele can also be great options for sopranos who want to showcase their beautiful tone quality.
The Best Songs for Tenor A Cappella Group Auditions
Tenors should consider picking up-tempo tunes that require them to display agility while keeping solid intonation throughout the song. Some good choices include Bruno Mars hits such as “Uptown Funk” or Ed Sheeran’s song “Shape of You.” These types of pop tunes will give tenors the chance to show off their range and technical skill in an exciting way.
Best Songs to Audition With for A Cappella Bass Singers
Lastly, bass singers should choose low-register pieces that highlight their rich sound without sacrificing clarity and diction. Soulful classics like Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” or Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” are some excellent choices for basses who want to demonstrate their soulful sound in an audition setting.
Is It Harder to Sing A Cappella?
No matter what style of music you enjoy, singing a cappella can be a challenge. Unlike singing with an instrument or other accompaniment, a cappella singers have to provide all of the musical elements on their own. This can include everything from carrying the melody to providing harmony and rhythm.
In addition, a cappella singers need to have strong breath control and vocal stamina in order to sustain long notes and complex phrases.
As a result, singing a cappella requires a high level of musicianship and vocal skill. For many people, this makes it one of the most rewarding and challenging forms of singing. Once you know this, nailing your a cappella auditions should be a bit easier.
We’re excited to see this music style keep impacting mainstream audiences, and can’t wait to see what’s next. Students and teachers -are you part of an a cappella group? What was the experience like? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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Suzy S.