50+ Best Audition Songs for Altos

If you have a lower female voice and you’re getting ready to sing alto for an audition, you want to pick the perfect song! Luckily, there are dozens of excellent alto songs to choose from. Our list of the best audition songs for altos offers a variety of choices that allow you to pick one you’re comfortable with so that you can rock your next performance.

We will share a variety of musical songs including Broadway, Disney, and classical songs. We’ll also tell you which songs to avoid since they’re often overused in alto auditions. 

If you’d rather check out a video, here’s one that shares good alto songs for auditions. Some of these are on our list below, too!

What Are Some Good Audition Songs for Altos?

These are some of the best audition songs for altos musical theater auditions. Get ready to rock your next audition with these ideal audition songs!

1. “I Want to Go to Hollywood” – Grand Hotel
2. “Somewhere” – West Side Story
3. “I Can Hear the Bells” – Hairspray
4. “The Music That Makes me Dance” – Funny Girl
5. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” – The Little Mermaid
6. “Another Night at Darryl’s” – Witches of Eastwick
7. “A Change in Me” – Beauty and the Beast
8. “How ‘Bout a Dance” – Bonnie and Clyde
9. “A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore” – Bye Bye Birdie
10. “Must Winter Come So Soon” – Vanessa
11. “Here We Are” – Gloria Estefan
12. “Lithium” – Evanescence
13. “Good Enough” – Evanescence
14. “Lacrymosa” – Evanescence
15. “Close to You” – The Carpenters
16. “Rainy Days and Mondays” – The Carpenters
17. “Only Yesterday” – The Carpenters
18. “The Power of Goodbye” – Madonna
19. “Frozen” – Madonna
20. “Live to Tell” – Madonna

Ready to nail that audition? Before you choose your song, be sure to perfect your singing skills with singing lessons. 

Understanding the different musical styles that are out there is key when it comes to choosing the right song for your preferences, personality, and vocal range. Check out this video for more tips:

What Genre is Best for Altos?

The world of music is vast and varied. From pop to opera, jazz to rock, there are limitless possibilities to explore for a singer’s repertoire. But when you are an alto, it can be tough to find the right genre to showcase your voice in auditions. 

Truth be told, you can really sing any genre of song you’d like for your audition. Sing whatever you’re most comfortable with. There are no single best easy audition songs for altos

That said, there are some genres that are best suited for altos. Let’s take a look. 

1. Jazz

Jazz music is a great fit for altos. Jazz vocals tend to include more fluid, smoky, and sultry tones. This means that the alto range is perfect to bring that kind of rich, warm sound that makes jazz music so attractive. 

Jazz vocals also require an exceptional sense of timing and rhythm, which makes them a great way to show off your vocal prowess. Some classic jazz pieces that altos love to perform in auditions include Cry Me a River by Julie London and My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker.

2. Classical

Classical music is a genre that showcases the beauty of a well-trained voice. While opera is usually reserved for sopranos or tenors, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place in classical music for alto singers. 

Bach, for example, favored the alto voice, and many stunning pieces for the alto range are present in his works. Other composers, such as Brahms, Handel, and Vivaldi, have also created beautiful works for alto voices. If you feel that your voice is best suited to classical music, explore these composers to find the perfect piece for your audition.

3. Blues

The blues is another genre that is perfect for altos. The blues music style usually centers around a person’s sorrow or despair, and the vocals need to reflect these emotions. 

Altos are best suited for this genre because they can bring a resonance to the songs, which creates a soulful and richly layered sound. A few blues classics that altos can try to perform in auditions are Bessie Smith’s St. Louis Blues and Etta James’ At Last.

4. Folk

Folk music has an established following, and including it in your repertoire is an engaging way to show your versatility as a singer. Folks songs typically incorporate acoustic guitar, banjo, and fiddle sounds, creating a wholesome and rustic feel. 

When it comes to a folk song, staying true to the emotions conveyed is necessary to bring the true essence of the song. Altos are better suited to folk songs that demand a full-bodied and earthy sound such as Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides, Now and Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence.

5. Musical Theatre Audition Songs for Altos

Musical theatre is the perfect platform for a singer to showcase their vocal range, acting skills and stage presence. 

As a genre, musical theatre involves songs that evoke emotions and reflect the storyline of the show. 

Al Wicked, for instance, has a number of songs with a lower range that are perfect for altos, including I’m Not That Girl and No Good Deed. Chicago is another example of a musical that features several alto songs, including When You’re Good to Mama and I Can’t Do It Alone.

What Songs Are for Altos? 10 Top Broadway Audition Songs for Altos

These are some of the best audition songs for altos who really know how to rock! Many of these are great as 16 bar audition songs for altos – but can also be sung in longer segments, too.

1. “I Want to Go to Hollywood” – Grand Hotel

“I Want to Go to Hollywood” is a good choice for younger singers who want to show off their ability to reach lower notes. It is best used for musical theater auditions requiring something a little more upbeat, or for anyone who feels that jazz is their strong point.

2. “Somewhere” – West Side Story

Another one of the most popular audition songs for altos, “Somewhere” shows off your ability to both act and sing. It also includes a number of reasonably high notes, so it highlights your ability to sing a wide range.

3. “I Can Hear the Bells” – Hairspray

“I Can Hear the Bells” should only be attempted by altos who can really nail this challenging piece. When sung well, it can be the perfect choice for an up-tempo and jazzy audition.

SEE ALSO: How to Sing Better Almost Instantly

4. “The Music That Makes me Dance” – Funny Girl

This beautiful song is one that people are familiar with but not tired of. Not only is this a great audition song for altos, but even actors use it when trying out for dance scenes!

5. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” – The Little Mermaid

This is one of the best Disney songs for altos with a younger voice. It allows you to show off comedic chops and is a really fun song to perform.

6. “Another Night at Darryl’s” – Witches of Eastwick

This is one of the easiest audition songs for altos on this list. “Another Night at Darryl’s” is made up entirely of notes that any alto should be able to easily reach, while at the same time showing off a wide range.

Full of character, this song is not very frequently used (nor are most other pieces from Witches of Eastwick), so it presents a good opportunity for you to “wow” your director!

7. “A Change in Me” – Beauty and the Beast

Although songs from Beauty and the Beast are frequently used in auditions, “A Change in Me” is not used as often. The song starts quite low but rises much higher near the end, so it’s perfect for showing off a good range.

8. “How ‘Bout a Dance” – Bonnie and Clyde

Show off your sassy side with this one! This is a fun alto song to sing and because the show didn’t necessarily take off, you probably won’t be competing with anyone else singing this one.

9. “A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore” – Bye Bye Birdie

This is one of the best audition songs for altos hoping to land an older or more belting role. It’s a showstopper that’ll require you to use your chest voice and let it all out.

10. “Must Winter Come So Soon” – Vanessa

If you’re an alto auditioning for something more classical, this one is an excellent choice! It’s especially great for an alto performing for a classical because unlike other similar choices, it’s in English.

Funny Audition Songs for Altos 

If you have a sense of humor and you’re trying to land a musical theater role that showcases just that, you may want to consider using one of these funny audition songs for altos:

• “Just Around the Corner” – The Addams Family   
• “I Love Play Rehearsal” – Be More Chill   
• “One Hundred Easy Ways” – Wonderful Town   
• “Lost in the Brass” – Band Geeks   
• “Show Off” – The Drowsy Chaperone   

And if you’re trying to land a specific character part as a comedic actress, you’ll want to consider these comedic audition songs:

• “Adelaide’s Lament” – Guys and Dolls   
• “Broadway Baby” – Follies   
• “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes   
• “Good ‘N’ Evil” – Jekyll & Hyde   
• “It’s a Perfect Relationship” – Bells Are Ringing   
• “Mein Herr” – Cabaret   
• “Special” – Avenue Q   
• “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” – Avenue Q   
• “Whatever Lola Wants” – Damn Yankees  

Disney Audition Songs for Altos 

Who doesn’t love a classic Disney tune? Here are some great songs for altos to sing at auditions: