Best Alto Songs: Audition, Karaoke, & More!
Are you an alto vocalist seeking to unleash your full potential? Navigating the vast landscape of vocal performance can be daunting, but with the right repertoire, you can not only shine but also leave a lasting impression. Whether you're preparing for an audition, honing your karaoke skills, or simply seeking to expand your musical horizons, this guide will serve as your comprehensive resource for discovering the best songs tailored for altos.
The alto voice, known for its rich, warm, and often powerful lower register, holds a unique place in the world of music. Singers with this vocal type often find themselves drawn to a wide array of genres, from the soulful depths of jazz and blues to the soaring heights of musical theatre and the infectious rhythms of pop and rock. The key to success lies in selecting songs that complement your natural strengths, allowing you to showcase your vocal abilities and captivate your audience.
To further clarify, let's delve into a hypothetical, yet illustrative, example. Let's consider the legendary Etta James, a voice synonymous with the alto range. Below is a table summarizing her influential career, offering insights and a glimpse into the kind of information you can find when researching songs and vocalists for altos.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jamesetta Hawkins |
| Born | January 25, 1938, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Died | January 20, 2012, Riverside, California, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Genres | Blues, R&B, Soul, Jazz |
| Known For | "At Last," "I'd Rather Go Blind," "Something's Got a Hold on Me" |
| Vocal Range | Alto |
| Influences | Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan |
| Awards | Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |
| Signature Songs | "At Last," "I'd Rather Go Blind" |
| Associated Acts | Chess Records |
| Website | Etta James Official Website |
Finding the perfect audition song is a crucial step. It's a pivotal moment, a chance to not only showcase your vocal ability but also your understanding of character, style, and performance.
Consider the musical's style, your personal strengths, and the character you are trying out for. This meticulous approach can dramatically increase your chances of success. Fortunately, there's a wealth of resources to aid you in finding the right song, including extensive lists of audition pieces from Broadway, pop, and contemporary musicals.
The right song will showcase your ability to navigate the alto register, especially lower tones. There are many songs that can sit comfortably in an alto's range and allow them to belt out these lower tones with ease. This applies to numerous genres.
The challenge often lies in the sheer volume of choices. Youll find everything from beloved Broadway ballads to timeless rock anthems, each capable of highlighting different aspects of your vocal and performance capabilities.
Lets explore a few specific examples, categorizing them by genre and style, to give you a clearer idea of the possibilities that await:
Here are some potential choices from different eras to ignite your creative process.
For rock singers: with more pop/rock musicals entering the scene, its becoming increasingly common to keep a prepared rock song in your back pocket.
Jazz songs for altos often provide opportunities for improvisation, allowing singers to showcase their creativity and musicality. This is a perfect way to showcase your skills to a diverse audience.
These are just a few of the great audition songs for altos. There are many more out there. Your individual vocal style will make them even more unique.
Jazz and blues provide opportunities for improvisation and vocal stylings, which help develop a singer's creativity. Exploring jazz and blues songs can be a fantastic way for altos to showcase their unique vocal qualities and style.
Here are some songs that are suitable for different audition settings:
- "\u201csomewhere\u201d by West Side Story".
- "\u201cnobody makes a pass at me\u201d by Pins Are Needles.
- "\u201cthe music that makes me dance\u201d by Funny Girl.
These songs all give you a chance to highlight the range and talent of your voice. They are also great for those looking to offset the frantic feel of some auditions.
It is often useful to tailor your song choice to the character you\u2019re auditioning for, but with that in mind, here are some of the best alto audition songs for musical theatre to show off your vocal range and make a real impression:
Many singers find it useful to create a curated playlist based on tempo. With more pop musicals entering the scene, its becoming increasingly common to keep a prepared pop song in your back pocket.
Whether you're preparing for an audition or simply seeking to enjoy your alto voice, the music world has something for you. Many songs offer a unique musical experience. Finding the right song for you takes time and practice.
