Landing that dream role hinges on a killer audition, and for altos, choosing the right song is half the battle. Finding the best songs for altos to audition with can feel overwhelming, with countless options vying for your attention. This carefully curated list cuts through the noise, offering a diverse selection of pieces showcasing the rich depth and expressive power of the alto voice. Whether you're aiming for a musical theatre production, a choir audition, or a solo performance, we've considered factors like vocal range, emotional impact, and the ability to demonstrate technical skill. This isn't just a list of songs; it's a strategic guide to help you confidently present your unique vocal talents and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Prepare to discover songs that will highlight your strengths and ultimately, help you secure that coveted spot.
| Song | Artist | Listens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Winner Takes It All | ABBA | 156M+ |
| 2. Cabaret | Liza Minnelli | 6M+ |
| 3. People | Barbra Streisand | 4M+ |
| 4. Show Off | Sutton Foster | 884K+ |
| 5. Tell Me on a Sunday | Marti Webb | 397K+ |
| 6. Losing My Mind | Dorothy Loudon | 389K+ |
| 7. There Are Worse Things I Could Do | Stockard Channing | 372K+ |
1. The Winner Takes It All
Vocal Range: "The Winner Takes It All" features a soaring, dramatic melody perfectly suited to the alto voice, showcasing its power and emotional depth in the higher register while offering moments of intimacy in the lower.
Emotional Depth: The song's poignant lyrics about loss and acceptance provide a rich emotional landscape for an alto to explore, allowing for nuanced expression and dramatic interpretation.
Memorability: ABBA's instantly recognizable melody and powerful arrangement make this a song that judges will remember, giving the performer a significant advantage in an audition setting.
2. Cabaret (Liza Minnelli - 1966)
Vocal Range and Style: "Cabaret" offers a thrilling range for altos, showcasing both powerful belt notes and delicate, nuanced phrasing in the lower register. The dramatic arc of the song allows for impressive vocal control and emotional expression.
Dramatic Impact: This iconic song provides an excellent platform to demonstrate acting ability alongside vocal prowess, making it a strong choice for showcasing versatility. The character's emotional journey is rich and allows for nuanced portrayal.
Memorability and Recognition: Liza Minnelli's legendary performance ensures that this song is instantly recognizable, instantly impressing judges and audiences alike. Its familiarity doesn't detract from the opportunity to make it your own.
3. People
Vocal Range: "People" sits comfortably within the alto range, offering ample opportunities to showcase vocal control and power without requiring extreme high notes.
Emotional Depth: The song's poignant lyrics and melody allow for a nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and empathy, crucial for demonstrating interpretive skills in an audition setting.
Technical Challenges/Opportunities: The dynamic range and phrasing in "People" provide a chance to demonstrate your ability to handle both delicate pianissimos and soaring crescendos, impressing judges with vocal versatility.
4. Show Off
Vocal Range: Show Off features a comfortable and effective range for altos, showcasing both lower register strength and a soaring high belt that's both powerful and controlled.
Dramatic Potential: The song's narrative arc allows for a compelling portrayal of character, providing opportunities to display a wide array of vocal and emotional expression perfect for an audition.
Memorability: Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it instantly memorable for judges, increasing the likelihood of a positive impact.
5. Tell Me on a Sunday (Marti Webb - 1979)
Vocal Range: "Tell Me on a Sunday" sits comfortably within the alto range, offering ample opportunities to showcase vocal control and emotional depth.
Emotional Depth: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone provides a powerful platform for conveying vulnerability and strength, key qualities audition judges look for.
Dramatic Arc: Its narrative structure allows for dynamic interpretation, building intensity and showcasing vocal versatility throughout the performance.
6. Losing My Mind (1971)
Vocal Range: "Losing My Mind" offers a compelling range for altos, showcasing both lower register depth and soaring high notes, perfect for demonstrating vocal control.
Emotional Depth: The song's melancholic yet powerful melody allows for nuanced emotional expression, providing an opportunity to display interpretive skills.
Memorability: Its dramatic arc and memorable phrasing will leave a lasting impression on the audition panel, making it a strong choice for showcasing talent.
7. There Are Worse Things I Could Do (1978)
Vocal Range: "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" sits comfortably within the alto range, offering ample opportunities to showcase vocal control and depth.
Emotional Nuance: The song's sophisticated melody and lyrics allow for a nuanced portrayal of complex emotions, ideal for demonstrating interpretive skills.
Dramatic Potential: Its dramatic arc, moving from vulnerability to defiance, provides a strong platform to showcase acting ability alongside vocal talent, a key asset in many auditions.
8. Maybe I Like It This Way (2000)
Vocal Range: "Maybe I Like It This Way" sits comfortably within the alto range, offering ample opportunities to showcase vocal control and depth.
Emotional Nuance: The song's introspective lyrics and melody allow for a nuanced portrayal of complex emotions, perfect for demonstrating interpretive skill.
Memorability: Its relatable theme and memorable melody will leave a lasting impression on the audition panel.
9. Time Heals Everything (1983)
Vocal Range: Bernadette Peters' rich alto voice is perfectly suited to this ballad, showcasing a comfortable and expressive range ideal for showcasing vocal control and artistry during auditions.
Emotional Depth: "Time Heals Everything" offers a compelling narrative of heartbreak and resilience, providing ample opportunity to demonstrate emotional nuance and vocal storytelling.
Musicality: The song's melodic phrasing and dynamic range allow for a nuanced performance, highlighting breath control and interpretive skill, key components of a successful audition.
10. As We Stumble Along
Vocal Range: "As We Stumble Along" showcases a comfortable range ideal for alto voices, with plenty of opportunities for showcasing both lower register richness and agile upper notes.
Emotional Depth: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone allows for a nuanced and expressive performance, perfect for demonstrating emotional control and vulnerability.
Technical Challenges: While accessible, the melody includes subtle phrasing and dynamic shifts that will highlight a singer's interpretive skills and musicality, making it a strong choice for showcasing technical prowess.
11Lost in the Brass
Lindsay Mendez
2010
12Moments in the Woods
Joanna Gleason
1987
13Not for the Life of Me
Sutton Foster
2002
14A Way Back to Then
Heidi Blickenstaff
2006
15Stars and the Moon
Jessica Molaskey
1995
16I’m Not At All in Love
Janis Paige
1954