🎤 1. Choose Songs That Fit Your Voice, Not Someone Else’s

A common mistake singers make is choosing songs that are “popular” or “impressive,” instead of choosing songs that fit their vocal identity.

Your rep should highlight:

• Your natural tone

• Comfortable range (not just highest notes)

• Your emotional strengths

• Your artistic point of view

If a song doesn’t feel natural in your body or voice, it’s the wrong rep — no matter how famous the singer is.

👉 Explore how we help students find their vocal identity in our Programs.

🎵 2. Pick One Song for Technique & One Song for Storytelling

A strong audition package usually includes two contrasting songs:

• One that shows technical control (breath, tone, agility)

• One that shows interpretation and emotional connection

This combination allows adjudicators to see both your skill and your soul.

Examples of contrasts:

• Pop ballad + upbeat pop/R&B tune

• Acoustic storytelling song + dynamic belting song

• Contemporary musical theatre + indie-pop tone piece

👉 Work with our Mentors to balance your repertoire list.

🎶 3. Avoid Overdone Songs

Some songs are performed so often that adjudicators immediately tune them out.
Examples (depending on genre):

• “Rise Up” – Andra Day

• “Gravity” – Sara Bareilles

• “All I Ask” – Adele

• “Let It Go” – Frozen

• “When He Sees Me” – Waitress

• “On My Own” – Les Misérables

Instead, choose rep that still plays to your strengths but stands out.

Bonus tip: Search for songs you love from lesser-known artists or B-sides.

🎤 4. Select Material Appropriate for Your Current Level

Choose songs you can perform consistently — even on a rough day.
Adjudicators prefer clean, confident singing over risky, inconsistent performances.

Checklist:

• Can you sing this song beautifully without straining?

• Does it show your best qualities within the first 30 seconds?

• Does it sound like you — not like the original artist?

If the answer is yes, you’ve found the right rep.

🎧 5. Prepare Cuts & Backing Tracks Early

Most auditions require:

• 32-bar cuts

• One-minute versions

• Track-ready versions

Rehearse early with:

• Piano tracks or pianist (if the audition has a live accompanist)

• Acoustic guitar versions

• Metronome to lock in timing

Cut your songs in ways that preserve emotional arc and vocal payoff.

👉 Learn cut preparation and performance technique in our Programs.

🌟 6. Build a “Rep Binder” You Can Grab Anytime

Every singer should have a rep book or digital folder with:

• 10 audition-ready songs

• 5 showcase songs

• 1 personal “signature song”

• Updated charts and tracks

• Notes on tempo, key, and interpretation

This makes you ready for last-minute auditions and performance opportunities.

Conclusion

Choosing the best audition songs for singers is about more than sounding good — it’s about choosing material that represents who you are as an artist. When you select songs that fit your voice, tell your story, and highlight your strengths, you walk into any audition with confidence.

At HVS Conservatory in Los Angeles, we help singers build powerful audition books that open doors.

👉 Want help choosing the perfect rep? Apply Now.