Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 6/28/2011

Question
Hello, I am going to be in a pageant in August and I want to sing an up beat song that will blow the judges away. I want to get a head start on a song, but i just don't know what song to sing. I am an Alto/Mezzos. I need a song that that would be good for my voice range. PLEASE HELP!

Answer
Hi there, Catherine...And thanks for writing.

Congratulations on the pageant!  

There are many ways to find a song.  I can point you in a direction toward where to find songs only as it is difficult for me to determine through the internet like this what the best song is for your voice.  I do not know you nor do I know your experience or your ability.  Telling you which song to sing would actually be a disservice to you because I may give you a song that is totally not suitable for your event or for you personally.  So it is important that I give you some tips on how to find one on your own.  These tips though are sure to help you on your way.

First, it is important that you know what you are looking for:
*You want a song that you like.  
*You want a song that you can understand and identify with.
*You want a song that is going to be in your range but also challenge you.
*You want a song that is also going to show what you can do with your voice but that will not be too difficult to get together.
*You want a song that is up beat (this is what you said above).

With these 5 guidelines in mind, here are some ideas of where you can find a song:
*Talk with a drama teacher or a voice teacher in your school about helping you find one.  Indicate the 5 guidelines above. Tell them also your range.  They may have some ideas.
*Think about a musical that you love and watch the musical for a song that you like, understand and that suits your voice and your range.  Sing along with the music and determine your choice.
*Go to the library and listen to mezzo and alto songs from musicals.  Most of the time, the songs are categorized by the range that the song is in.  It takes some time to listen to songs and find one that you like.  However, it is possible to find one this way too.
*Talk to other people that you know or who know you about what you would like to do.  They may have some suggestions.

I know that most likely this is not the answer you were looking for.  However, it is essential that you understand that I desire to help and to see you succeed.  This is the best way that I can from here.

Does that help you?


Wanda