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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!
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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
And if you’re trying to land a specific character part as a comedic actress, you’ll want to consider these comedic audition songs:
Who doesn’t love a classic Disney tune? Here are some great songs for altos to sing at auditions:
Looking for some good songs for altos to sing for auditions – that are perhaps a bit more upbeat? Consider these top tunes!
Here are some audition songs for altos that are right out of the golden ages!
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, check out the additional suggestions for your alto audition. These are also some of the best alto pop songs for auditions!
If you prefer classical music, here are some of the best audition songs for altos to consider.
This beautiful aria showcases the depth and richness of an alto voice. It has a slow and emotional melody that allows you to fully showcase your vocal abilities.
This is a playful and upbeat piece that is perfect for showcasing your range and technical skills. The melody is catchy and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on your audition panel.
While this piece is typically reserved for male tenors, it can be adapted for an alto voice. The powerful and emotional melody is sure to leave your audience in awe.
Prefer to sing without accompaniment? Here are some of the best songs.
This classic song has a simple yet catchy melody that is perfect for an acapella performance. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase your ability to harmonize.
This song’s minimalistic arrangement and catchy melody make it a great choice for an alto audition. The song’s powerful lyrics also allow you to show off your ability to convey emotion through your voice.
This upbeat and uplifting song is perfect for an acapella group audition. The song’s strong rhythm and melody make it a great way to showcase your ability to sync with others.
If you’re planning on singing in a choir, these are some of the best songs to consider.
This soulful classic is a great way to showcase your range and vocal control in a choir audition. The song’s simple and repetitive melody also makes it easy to learn and memorize.
This iconic song is a great choice for a choir audition. The song’s beautiful harmonies and emotional melody is sure to leave an impression on your audience.
This powerful and emotional duet is often performed by a soprano and tenor, but can be adapted for an alto voice. The song’s beautiful harmonies and dynamic range make it a great choice for a choir audition.
If you are a teenager, you might want to consider some of these songs.
This iconic ballad is a great way to showcase the power and range of your voice. The song’s emotional lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to leave a lasting impression.
This hauntingly beautiful song is perfect for teenage girls with a unique and emotive voice. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your ability to convey emotion and connect with your audience.
This upbeat and dynamic song is a great way to showcase your range and vocal control. The song’s catchy melody and iconic chorus make it a great choice for a teenage girl’s audition.
Looking for something a bit more modern? Here are some contemporary audition songs for altos.
While the most important thing is that you choose a song you enjoy and are comfortable with, there are some alto songs that may be overperformed during auditions. If you want to avoid those, you may want to skip songs from popular musicals like Les Miserables and Wicked.
Some other songs to avoid include:
Any of these audition songs for altos should suit you just fine – but be sure to choose one that matches your personality, vocal range, and unique singing style!
No matter which one you choose from our list of the best audition songs for altos, you’re sure to make an impression. No matter what, do your best and have fun! And, if you want some extra help, you can take music lessons with a professional music tutor.
Final Tip: Remember that in musical theater, your song choice is usually dependent on the role for which you’re auditioning. Also, there may be a specific song type you’re required to perform so make sure you follow that if asked.
Do you have any more suggestions for good alto audition songs? Let us know in the comments section below.
2023-09-29T13:54:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd