Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 12/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

My mom used to help me prep songs for auditions when I was a child.  I would like to audition for some local theater in my area and I'm not sure where to turn to for this type of help (my mom has since passed away).  Is it possible for me to learn the song based on the soundtrack and still be prepped with sheet music?  (I unfortunately don't play an instrument).

Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hi there, Jerusha...And thanks for writing.

I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing.  It sounds like she was a very important person in your life and helped you a great deal.  That's a great legacy to have left.

Yes, you can learn with a soundtrack and you can be prepped with sheet music as long as the sheet music is the same as the soundtrack.  Introductions and versions of the songs sometimes make it difficult to be well prepared because they are different.  But it is possible.

Does that help you?

Wanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

That does help; thanks very much for the response.  One question: any way I can find sheet music that matches the soundtrack?  Or do I buy both and just hope for the  best? ;)

Thanks again,
Jerusha

Answer
Hey there, Jerusha...Thanks for writing back.

There is a chance that the music and soundtrack will match.  However, they are slim.  Every artist does their own arrangement.  So it is hard to find a matching pair.  

What I would suggest is buy the sheet music for piano at a music store if possible (purchase a version that is medium to easy in difficulty if possible or find someone in the store you are buying it in to tell you whether or not it is medium to easy).  

Then find a piano player and rehearse with them.  That way, you are ready for the audition no matter what.

Does that help?

Wanda