8 Dazzling Audition Songs for Altos [Videos]

8 Dazzling Audition Songs for Altos [Videos] Sign up successful Old Standards: “Stormy Weather” here’s a classic torch song with lots of emotion and a truly gorgeous vocal line, making it the  perfect audition song for an alto interested in jazz. It was written by Harold Arlen, who composed the music for “Wizard of Oz”. There are many fantastic renditions out there, but Lena Horne’s is one of the best: “River of No Return”   this is a song from the Marilyn Monroe movie of the same name. This is a lovely song that is rarely performed because it sits very, VERY low perfect for true alto voices! Pop/Rock: “Constant Craving” who doesn’t love this song? It’s an interesting hybrid of jazz and pop.  k.d. lang’s flawless performance definitely inspires. This song can go anywhere an audition for a band, a cabaret show… you name it! “I Feel the Earth Move” from Carole King’s album “Tapestry” was made for pop/rock altos. All of her songs on this album are excellent, but this is one of the uptempo songs for some contrast. Not only is this a great audition song for bands, talent shows, and open mics, but it also works for musical theatre, since there is now a Broadway show (“Beautiful”) that features all Carole King songs! Musical Theatre: “If He Really Knew Me” this is a very moving ballad from “They’re Playing Our Song” by Marvin Hamlisch. Its perfect for musical theatre altos who consider themselves more pop-ish, rather than brassy belters. The other plus to this song is that audition panels usually love hearing it, since it’s far from overdone! “I’ve Got The Sun in the Morning” this older show tune from Irving Berlin’s beloved “Annie Get Your Gun” is uptempo and just plain fun! A wide variety of lower-voiced ladies have performed this (including Doris Day and Reba McEntire!), but here is the original performer, the great belter Ethel Merman: Classical: “Stride la vampa” this is only for mature altos who have studied and performed for many years! Verdi is definitely meant for the professionals. This very dramatic operatic aria from “Il Trovatore” will show off your trill, your low chest notes, and your acting chops as well. Here is the great Marilyn Horne, who happens to have ALL of that and then some! Of course, the best resource for repertoire is your voice teacher! He or she really knows your voice and abilities, and can work with you in finding the perfect audition songs for altos to best show you off, musically, vocally, and dramatically. Part of the fun of being a singer is discovering the repertoire that speaks to you, and there are many qualified voice teachers out there who would love to help you with that especially you wonderful, rare altos! The dazzling doesnt stop here!  Click here for even more songs to sing. Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013.  Learn more about Molly  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Will Murphy

How to Create a Last-Minute Study Plan for Finals

How to Create a Last-Minute Study Plan for Finals Finals season is upon us. Even though you may have already been tested on much of the material that will appear on your finals, you will need to develop a greater understanding of that material in order to earn a high score on the final. Developing a plan to approach your exams can not only help you stay organized as you study, but can also help you reduce some of the stress that comes with reviewing mass amounts of detailed information. But what can you do ifyour finals are less than a weekaway? Check out these tips on how to create a last-minute study plan for finals: 1. Develop a list of all of the topics on which you will be tested A good place to start studying for your finals is to develop an understanding of how much you will have to master and how much time you have to study. Begin by taking stock of each course in which you are enrolled. Which concepts will you have to review? Which concepts are the most in-depth, and which will you spend the least time on? Make a list of review topics for each of your subjects, prioritizing the more difficult and prominent topics. 2. Plan ahead by studying for each subject over several days, instead of cramming The worst position to be in is to stay up until the wee hours of the morning to cram the night before a final exam. Avoid this by using a planner or calendar to plan which topics youll tackle each day. For example, on one day you might study differential functions from calculus, another topic from chemistry, and two additional units from history. Studying all of your subjects over a longer period of time gives you plenty of time to revisit difficult topics and adjust your study habits if necessary. Plus, research indicates that your brain better retains information when it intakes new material over shorter periods of time, rather than an hours-long cram session. Also, many students may intend to study for, say, math and literature on one day, but end up focusing entirely on one subject, without moving on to the next. Planning ahead helps alleviate this problem. If you know a particular subject will take up a great amount of study time, plan for it. Take into account your needs and test dates to make sure you dont put off studying for any subject. 3. Take notes on concepts youll need to review closer to the test As you study, take notes on topics that you know will require some last-minute review before your final. Make sure these notes are organized and comprehensive, but are concise enough to review in the day or two before your exam. You can also tailor your review to your learning style by drawing illustrations, mind maps, or graphics if you are a visual learner, for example, or reading your notes aloud if you are an auditory learner. [RELATED: How to Identify Your Study Style] 4. Complete practice problems for each of your topics The best way to get ready for a finalespecially one that involves quantitative problemsis to answer questions and solve problems concerning the topics you will be tested on. For example, when preparing for a final in your College Algebra class, you should take the time to solve college algebra practice problems that correspond with each unit you are reviewing. Even in non-math courses, like American History, you may come across practice questions to supplement your review. Testing yourself before the real exam is the best way to put your knowledge to use and hone your critical thinking skills. [RELATED: How to Analyze Practice Test Results] 5. What to do the night before a final exam Ideally, youve been studying for weeks, but you could also use a last-minute refresher. What do you do? If you listened to our advice and took notes on difficult topics to review, you can use these notes as a last-minute review sheet to hone your understanding. Review your notes and then go to bed earlya rested mind and body help you perform the best you can on test day. It may seem like finals sneak up on you, but you can control the process with forethought, focus, and review. Start your study plan for finals today, and see the results by test day.