<p>So I'm a primarily a high-mezzo belter. I do have a pretty good head voice and am currently working on developing a more legit sound with my voice teacher, but I don't think I'm going to be at the "competitive" level with my legit sound when my auditions come up in a few months. Would it be completely awful if I did auditioned with two belt songs, for both my up-tempo and ballad? Of course I would make sure they were contrasting in every other aspect, and that different ranges of my voice were showcased. I just want to make sure I'm putting my best foot out there, and I feel that if I were to sacrifice one of my songs to a more classical sound I wouldn't be offering my best work; whereas with my belt song I KNOW I can kick some ass.
Thoughts?</p>
<p>Do what makes you feel comfortable. You’re instinct is right, you don’t want to show them what you don’t do well. Keep working on your legit sound and take one or two songs that show that sound quality with you in your book. That way if you are asked, you can show them you have that ability. Also do your research at the schools you are applying to. For instance, SUNY Fredonia has no one comfortable with teaching belters on their faculty (unless that has changed in the last several year, which is possible.) Therefore, I would not apply there as a belter. However, U of Arts, CCM, Oklahoma City University, Westminster Choir College, East Carolina, and of course Shenandoah all have faculty who are accustomed to teaching the belt voice and do it at a very high level. Find those kind of schools to audition for and you should be fine.</p>
<p>How do you find out about what types of singers the school’s faculty is comfortable in teaching? Is that something on the websites? It sounds like important information.
Thanks!</p>
<p>A lot of times, the best way to get to know a school is to set up a visit at the school and with the Theatre department in particular! You can call the department to schedule this. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>I would suggest you have 16-32 bars of something prepared that shows your soprano voice so you can do it if asked (either a capella or with music). My daughter was asked at 2 auditions to sing something more in her soprano/legit range. She ended up singing “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” Some schools may just want to hear what your voice sounds like in that range. Better to be prepared than to have to come up with something off the top of your head…</p>