Choose a Song to Sing at a Talent Show
Choosing a song which showcases your talent in singing can be a hard task. Sometimes it takes months, but hopefully these steps will help you identify quickly, what would be suitable for you.
Steps
- Work out the pitch range of your voice - are you a soprano, alto, tenor or bass?
- A soprano's typical range is Middle C to G/A one octave above this (extremities extend to C if you are a highly pitched soprano) This means (for those not as familiar with these terms) you start on middle C and count 11/12 white keys above this on a piano. Note: Middle C is the closest C to the keyhole of the piano, or where you sit to play it.
- An Alto's range is G (below Middle C) to C one octave above Middle C.
- A Tenor's range is usually (with some variants) E below Middle C to G above Middle C.
- A Bass' range is E one octave below (count down 12 white keys from middle C) Middle C to G below middle C
- As unique as one person is from another in appearance, so to is your singing voice and this means you may be a sub-category of the voices listed above; for example a mezzo soprano will realistically only comfortably reach an E one octave above Middle C, yet have a stronger voice than an alto in its mid-range of E-(one octave above middle C)C.
- Be on the lookout for a song that matches your voice type. Once you know your type of voice, you now know what types of music will suit you. If you are looking for a well known song to sing it will usually come in several editions each written for different types of singers: (High voice, High Female voice, Low Female voice, High Male voice, Low Male voice etc)
- Decide on the genre of the song you would like to sing. If you want to impress the judges with your classical talent, choosing a song from the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) set Graded Pieces is a good way of showing your ability. These also categorize songs into vocal range so it is easier to see which will be suitable for you.
- Choose what era of song you want. If you want to impress the audience by pulling off a well-known song you could choose an old classic, or something really current. Knowing what type of audience to expect is a good thing to consider.
- Look online for song options. Find a song that has this style and try to find related songs. (YouTube has good options)
- Make sure the song fits your voice comfortably and you don't strain yourself!
- Make sure the song will please your audience and yourself.
- Get hold of the music - for the lowest possible cost! There are several websites which (once you know exactly what you want) sell music books and sheet music. Most sheet music (depending on the number of pages) for voice and piano will cost less than 2 pounds.
- Prepare yourself by memorizing the lines once the song is found. Practice until it sounds the best it can be!
Tips
- Always get as much practice in as possible with the accompanist/ your CD backing before the performance. It will make world of difference if you both know exactly what you are doing. This applies particularly to any songs which are sung not exactly as written - like jazz/blues songs or songs with unaccompanied sections.
- Try to look just above the audience's heads when you are singing - it will give the impression you are connecting with them without feeling you are singing at rather than to the audience.
- Know which song you want to sing preferably before you apply to enter a show, as practice time can be spent polishing - not learning!
- Always enjoy the experience and fight through those nerves! Its always good practice to tell yourself you should be having fun in your head as you walk on to perform.
- If you know you are terrible at remembering lyrics, do not be afraid to bring a prompt sheet with you on stage - after all not many other musicians are expected to memorize their pieces for performance!
Warnings
- Keep your song clean.
- It should be about you enjoying yourself, not all about the competition.
- The competition should be seen as a motivation not an aim.
- Mistakes will happen, just keep going and the judges will admire your professional handling of the problem - or they may not even notice.
- If things go wrong at the start always try to pick it up and keep going - the worst thing you can do is ask to start again as it gives the impression that you are not performing for the audience - more for yourself.
- Talent shows should be about the fun and excitement of performing.
- If you are singing with a CD make sure you know how loud to play it - do not be tempted to turn it up so you can't be heard as well, this creates the same problem as above.
- Although prompt sheets are fine, do not let them detract from your performance or ever let them be your sole focus. It is very easy to try to hide behind your sheet music, but the outcome is that the audience feel awkward for you and the judges will not be impressed!
Things You'll Need
- You will need an accompanist in the form of either a CD or a pianist/guitarist etc.
- A clear idea of what type of vocal talent you wish to showcase.
- A good understanding of what is expected at the show you are entering (is it amateur, semi-pro, pro?) (just music? or a variety including comedy and juggling?)
Related Articles
- Pick a Song to Sing in Front of People
- Use Your Singing Talent
- Do an Emotional Song for a Talent Show
