This blog is my breakdown of the six most common types of songs you can expect in your favourite musical. From the beginning of music theatre writing, composers and lyricists discovered that some song types proved quite useful for particular places in a production to shape and round the story and plot. As the years have gone by, contemporary music theatre writers have left the “standard” format and explored other, flexible song forms. However, these types of songs have proved continually useful because they are so entrenched in the audiences perception and as such have become important parts of most musicals.

Find a list of amazing Kander and Ebb songs. Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb collaborated for more than forty years, one of the longest-running and most successful creative partnerships in Broadway history. Together they wrote over twenty musicals and many film scores. Their two most successful works, Cabaret and Chicago, had critically acclaimed Broadway revivals and were made into Oscar-winning films. Their work specializes in spotlighting social and political themes in period settings. Their songs are fabulous for learning voice techniques and they have an amazing variety for all types of singers.

A frequently asked question in my studio is: “How should I select songs that best suit my own voice?”  I am often asked to assist and guide in repertoire selections for my students.

It’s really important to keep learning new repertoire in a variety of genres. If you are consistently working on your technique and building healthy singing methods, your voice will develop optimal tonal outcomes which can be utilized in a variety of styles. Singing in different genres can increase your vocal abilities and skills. Don’t be afraid to explore. Expand your identity as a singer.

Here is a list of CRUCIAL THINGS TO CONSIDER when choosing a repertoire.