DO:

        Present your music in a binder or photocopied on card stock

        Photocopy so that everything is legible, including all the notes on the bottom of the page and the chord symbols (if any) at the top of the page

        Clearly mark any tempo, meter or key changes

        Clearly mark the beginning and end

        Clearly mark anything unusual you may do within the body of the song (breaks, sudden stops, monologues, etc.)

        Bring a copy of your monologue if it precedes the song in the audition

        Time your songs in advance

        Sing songs that show off your talents as a singer and musician – belt vs. legit, pop vs. classical, good sense of rhythm

        Sing songs that show you off as an actor – what is your point of view, what are you trying to say

        Sing songs that you can sing in your sleep

        Check with your voice teacher, coach or pianist in advance to see how it sight-reads

DON'T:

        Ask the pianist to play out of a song book, a score or anything that needs to be propped open. Supply photocopies in a binder or on card stock

        Ask the pianist to transpose 

        Present music from fakebooks

        Sing a song for the first time at an audition

        Sing a song that you have not already sung with a pianist

TRY NOT TO:

        Sing to a cassette tape or CD. Live accompaniment is always better

        Ask the pianist to play a song with multiple meter changes (e.g. 3/4 to 5/4 to 4/4)

        Updated December 2009