What makes a “good” song? A good audition song? When is a song a good audition song? Some songs work well in a cabaret set but don’t work in an audition room or translate beyond our small theatre community. Certain songs strike an emotional chord in many people, others are more unique to a particular songwriter, individual or a smaller segment of the population. Simply put, some songs are so personal they can seem indulgent. When I think of examples of pop songs that connect on a large scale, I think of Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are.” Who doesn’t want to be cared for unconditionally? Or Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely?”… Anyone who has had a baby or even held one can relate to the wonder of new life. Eric Clapton wrote a universal anthem for loss and mourning with “Tears In Heaven.” And of all the amazing songs to come out of our Broadway songbook, “Seasons Of Love” from Rent has broken through every barrier to ask – and answer – what love is.
New York City Singing Teacher
“Rock the Audition”
I recently attended a brilliant master class called “Rock The Audition” with Sheri Sanders, which focused on choosing and preparing rock and pop songs for the rock musicals – some say “juke box musicals”. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they’re here to stay and I want all of my students to be ready for anything. I’ve always made sure my students had plenty of pop songs in their books and we’ve been having a great time incorporating Sheri’s ideas into lessons. This was one of several courses I’ve taken since becoming a member of NYSTA – the New York Singing Teachers Association. Learning isn’t just for students… the best teachers know there’s always more to know!