Even if you’ve picked out the perfect song to sing for your audition, it’s normal to feel nervous! But take a deep breath — if you’ve got the below 11 things down pat, you’re on the right track…
So you’re gearing up for your big vocal audition…nervous? Don’t be! You’re going to do great! Not convinced? Check out these 11 telltale signs that you’re going to nail that audition… (in GIFs, of course!)
How Do You Audition for Vocals?
The audition process for vocals can vary depending on the specific requirements of the position you are applying for. However, there are some general tips that can help you to prepare for your audition and make a good impression:
- First, be sure to warm up your voice before singing. This will help to prevent strain and improve your vocal range.
- Practice your breathing techniques. Proper breath control is essential for Singing correctly and can help you to project your voice.
- Choose a song that shows off your vocal range and abilities. You want to select a piece that will impress the judges and demonstrate your talent.
- Finally, be confident in your performance. Remember that you have been practicing and you are prepared. Allow your natural personality to shine through and enjoy the experience.
With these tips in mind, you will be ready to give a great audition for vocals.
Still feeling unsure of yourself? Ask your vocal teacher for tips – and be sure to check out the video below for even more helpful advice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKrbmhQlfj4
11 Signs You’ll Rock Your Vocal Audition
Auditions are a fact of life for a serious singer. After all, they are the job interview for the performer! If you’re wondering how to prepare for a singing audition, I’m here to help you with some important singing audition tips.
Although auditions can seem daunting, there are plenty of things you can do to feel confident. Here are 11 signs that you’re going to rock your vocal audition!
1. You are rested.
True, it may be harder in this day and age to get the suggested eight hours of sleep every night, but the more quality sleep you have the night before, the better! A relaxed body means better sound, as there will be a lot less tension.
2. Your materials are together.
This means your sheet music is in the right key and clearly marked for the accompanist. The pages are also back-to-back and neatly organized in a binder. If you’re using sound files, they should be easily accessible and cued up at the correct time.
3. You know your lyrics backwards and forwards!
Confidence is key, and knowing that you REALLY have your songs down pat will help you soar through the audition!
4. You’ve done a good warm-up.
This means at least 15 to 20 minutes or so of light vocal exercises. It’s best not to do too much more than that, as you risk tiring yourself out. Think basic lip trills, hums, and sirens — you can never go wrong with those! It doesn’t needs to be anything fancy.
5. You are dressed appropriately.
This means you look professional, but you are also not restricted in any way by clothing or shoes that are too tight, which can affect your breathing and overall comfort level. Remember — a comfortable body means free tone!
6. You’ve picked songs that are right for your voice type.
The tessitura of each song fits you like a glove. These songs are so worked into your voice that someone could wake you up at 3am to have you sing them— and you’d still sound good! That’s when you know you have the perfect audition songs for your voice.
7. The “coast is clear” – meaning your throat and sinuses!
You’re free of congestion and excess phlegm. This means your vocal cords will come together nicely to make beautiful sounds. Problems with congestion? Please don’t panic. Just do more lip trills and sirens!
8. You’re hydrated.
This is one of the most important singing audition tips to keep in mind. There’s nothing worse than the feeling of a dry throat when you have to sing! Just make sure you didn’t over-hydrate, because that can dry out your vocal folds, too.
One of my favorite things to suggest to singers is to cut an apple into quarters: this has the perfect ratio of water as well as citric acid to break up any light congestion. It’s the perfect pre-audition snack!
9. You know what you’re singing about.
Now this is a biggie! Singing the right notes, rhythms, and words is essential, but what good is all of that if you aren’t connecting dramatically? Those that choose to be compelling over perfect are almost always those that get hired!
10. You realize that the audition starts before you begin singing.
This means being kind and respectful to any audition monitors, stage managers, and definitely to your accompanist, should you be working with one! You never know who has the final say in whether or not you get hired or cast. Smile, be friendly, and be prompt! Being a diva will get you nowhere.
And lastly….
11. You are prepared to have FUN.
Yes, I said it. Auditions can indeed be fun. You are going to rock any vocal audition you do if you treat it like an intimate performance, rather than something you have to do.
How Do I Improve My Voice Before an Audition?
Now that you know what it takes to ace your vocal auditions, the question is how do you get there. If you’re wondering how to prepare for a vocal audition, these tips are for you.
Stay Hydrated
This one is crucial! Be sure to drink plenty of water leading up to your audition. Staying hydrated will help keep your vocal cords moist, which will in turn prevent them from drying out and cracking during your performance.
Take Time to Warm Up
Just like athletes need to warm up their muscles before a big game, singers need to warm up their voices before an audition. A common warm-up exercise is to hum through a scale, ascending and descending in pitch. You can also try trilling on different vowels (i.e., “brr-ee-oh-oh”).
Choose the Right Song
When choosing a song to sing for an audition, be sure to select something that is age- and range-appropriate. There’s no use belting out a high C if the character you’re auditioning for is a 12-year-old boy! Additionally, make sure the song demonstrates both your vocal prowess and acting ability. The perfect audition song will show off your range, emotion, and personality all at once.
Practice
As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. If you want to ace your audition, take the time to rehearse your song until you know it inside and out. In addition to practicing at home by yourself, try recording yourself singing so you can listen back and identify any areas that need improvement. With enough practice, you’ll be confident and prepared come audition day.
Get Some Rest
Last but not least, be sure to get plenty of rest leading up to your big day. A good night’s sleep will help ensure that your voice is rested and ready to go for the big performance.
What Are the Best Songs for Vocal Audition?
If you’re planning on auditioning for a musical theater production or any other type of singing performance, choosing the right song is essential. The best songs for vocal auditions will show off your range, express emotion, and tell a story. They should also be well-known enough that the audition panel will be able to recognize them.
With all of this in mind, here are five of the best songs for vocal auditions:
- “Defying Gravity” from Wicked: This song is perfect for showing off your high range and belting skills. It’s also a great choice if you want to convey a message of empowerment.
- “For Good” from Wicked: This duet is perfect for showcasing your ability to harmonize with another singer. It’s also a touching song about the lasting impact that friendship can have.
- “Somewhere” from West Side Story: This classic ballad is ideal for conveying emotion and telling a story through song. It’s also a great way to show off your lighter, more delicate side.
- “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables: This song is perfect for showing off your dramatic range. It’s also an excellent choice if you want to convey a message of hope and resilience.
- “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera: This grandiose ballad is ideal for showing off your vocal range and power. It’s also a great choice if you want to convey a message of romance and passion.
The Best Vocal Auditions All Have These Things in Common
With these singing audition tips, you’ll have an easier time dealing with the butterflies that try to creep up. If you are not already working with one, a voice teacher is also essential for preparing you for your auditions. There are so many great instructors with backgrounds in rock, pop, musical theatre, and more. He or she can help you find the songs that fit your voice, as well as coach you further in the essentials listed above!
Break a leg! Remember that auditions do get easier the more often you do them… so get out there and show them what you’ve got!
Post Author: Molly R.Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly here!
Suzy S.