<p>Being a Bass is somewhat stressing me out. In the realm of MT, it seems as if the tenor&baritone/soprano/alto thrive... but not so much for the baritone&bass. I'm wondering how I am able to do my best for the auditions... while lacking the belty tenor voice which SEEMS to be a major advantage. I can hit a low D easily... but can barely pull off an F sharp in which after that I am forced into a falsetto. Honestly, I am not chastising my gift... I am proud of having a lower voice. Yet, in all the competition, am I in a huge gap or are these conservatories/universities truly looking for diversity? I just see so many tenors in MT... which concerns me a bit.</p>
<p>Every program needs basses. Every mt program does, in fact, if you are indeed a good bass, at 17 or 18 you probably have the best chance of any of us. Every program needs someone or even a few that can hit that low F. And think about it this way, you're not even competing with all of of those young tenors because you are in a class of your own, and there are a lot of belty high tenors. A bass is a great thing to be for college auditions! Know what you can do and do it well, and don't worry about the rest, because you can't change your voice and what you were born with.</p>
<p>And by all means, if you haven't already done your auditions, be sure to choose songs that show off your low range. Don't even attempt to hit that high F sharp if it's shaky.</p>
<p>Do not despair. I re-state he-art - every program is looking for bass and/or bass baritones - they are needed and in greater demand than tenors. I don't know exactly why - but tenors seem more drawn to mt - and there are many of them - there is something of a supply slump in bass/baritones - so your relative value is actually increased!</p>
<p>"Marry Me" by Kander & Ebb is a good song for a bass.</p>
<p>And also, an F sharp is not that low! For a bass that is an impressive note to hit, in my opinion.</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat you are bud. I thought for years that being a baritone/bass would hinder me for college auditions and a successful career. I luckily got into mostly all of my choices and my top school. I didnt sing anything over an F in auditions. The perfect 16/32 cut can change your whole view on auditions. Sing what your comfortable with. Theres ALWAYS a need for a good bari/bass, how many tenors can say that?</p>
<p>Don't worry about it.</p>
<p>= )</p>
<p>...My son ...is finding this out as well..he can hit the higher notes but his voice has the best quality in his lower register....and it was noted (as a negative)..at one audition.....I think we should have selected songs that featured this..quality...at another audition...luckily...he sang scales and did pitch tests..and the director...told him this( in an interview)...so I am hoping..it was something they found out...that wasn't obvious in his audition..that works to his benefit. After reading some of the posts..it may be so. Anyone ..know of any other songs that are nice for audition that features a big range? DaRetro..work out that falsetto...just went to a show..that had someone like you..he was amazing..</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. I was kind of concerned since there are just so many tenors out there... it almost seems like all the good bass/baritones steer away from MT and go forth in Vocal Performance. I have not discussed this topic with my vocal coach yet since she has currently been out of town... and how I just got developed this sort of fear since auditions are looming around during the fall/spring... but now I'm pretty sure she'll give me a similar responses. Thanks all :)</p>
<p>My son who was MT and switched to VP (tenor) says that the true bases are in demand and usually get some merit $$. I think because so many MT guys are tenors they have a shortage of bass/baris. Good Luck! Also at your age don't be surprised if your voice changes - up!</p>