I’m auditioning for colleges everywhere between state schools and conservatories, and I’m curious about any recommendations for coloraturas in specific when it comes to audition repertoire. Of course my private teacher is helping me but I’m wondering what the internet has to say! And yes, I am aware that my voice matures and the whole “don’t peg yourself as a coloratura” thing, trust me I’ve heard it a million times from people who don’t know my voice. I am most definitely coloratura, and part of what i’m looking for in my audition songs/arias are ways to show off my range and agility which are kinda what I have going for me. I can very comfortably sing up to high e flat 7 without whistle register but that’s not really practical except occasionally in cadenzas. So anyway, any suggestions for high sopranos? I realize I can’t choose all showy pieces.
Repertoire is best left to the private teacher (with some “say” from you of course).
And yes your voice may change ( or not). It happens to some. I grew 2 inches in college. I had no idea I was still growing. And no control over it. So…the voice can grow and change in college … just like your height. But at this point it’s neither here nor there. You just need to work with your teacher on appropriate repertoire over the next 6 months.
I would discuss with your teacher “what you got going for you”. I highly doubt it’s your agility alone. You seem knowledgeable so I would guess you have very strong technical foundation and talent. These two elements may be enough to get you many acceptances. If you attempt for “too much show” you could undermine yourself.
For VP auditions my D had a different set of desires from yours. But in the same way wanted to do something different which would be authentic to her background and interests (mainly adding a musical theatre piece as a selection). She would never select that song as her first piece. Picking a more standard piece that her teacher thought was right. Only one school asked for the slightly questionable piece…but it was the only school that asked for a third piece. All schools WANTED to see age appropriate standard repertoire. In the end she chose the school that’s asked for that pieces…not for that reason solely…but she took a small risk and it worked out.
My suggestion is to work with your teacher, be conventional in your choices and believe that that is enough. If you NEED a showy choice be sure to really talk that over with your teacher. Maybe there is another more showy choice that will work with who you are now as an artist and make you more confident…but just be sure your teacher hints it’s a good idea.
Note that repertoire choice is always scary. I questioned some of my D’s repertoire for MT auditions as they seemed kind of basic and boring. They were not big belting numbers. She had a friend who did big numbers ( but I did feel like her friend did scream singing but parents in high schools can react positively to this bad technique). My D got several acceptances off what I felt where boring songs. Her friend got one wait list…and did get accepted in the end. So boring songs picked by a teacher can be safe … and get you what you want …acceptances.
Good luck.
Above it should say “your teacher thinks it’s a good idea”. Not hints.