[wendy123]

Hi, Folks -- I am new to this site. I am a singer and voice teacher who is working more and more with MT singers. Of the very experienced and successful auditioners out there, what is your opinion about the Hal Leonard 16 Bar Theatre Audition books? What do you think of the selections? The tenor book seems OK. What do you think about the others? I don't have the mezzo book in front of me but I recall that there were some pretty dated selections in there.

Can you recommend a site that you respect that lists good audition material for the advanced beginner to intermediate MT singer?

I am a very good technical teacher and have gotten singers into some very prestigious MT conservatory programs, but have always lagged in the repertoire department. It's time for me to get up to speed! I would very much appreciate any advice you have to offer.

Thanks!

Wendy123

[seeemilysing]

those books always have the same old stuff "All that Jazz", "Don't Rain on my Parade", "at the Ballet"...Stuff you should neeever do at auditions. I know everyone uses them but the Singers Musical Theater Anthologys have some really good selections. They do have a lot of overdone oldies but there are also some really good ones in there.

[Chevstriss]

I think if you are auditioning regionally, these books are great. If you are at a professional level in NYC - these selections are all overdone shortly after the books go to press.

[OCUTheatreLady]

My suggestions, as a MT singer, would be to ditch those books. When you have a book of set 16 bars, you can get "screwed over." (Excuse my words) Many times at auditions, if they like you, they'll ask to hear more. With a 16 bar or 32 bar book, you cannot continue for lack of more music. Also, these books are dated music. If you want to get a book of good MT songs, look in The Definitive Broadway Collections or Musical Theatre Anthology Books. Hope this helps!!