The best audition cut should start in the middle of your range.

Verses are usually too low.

Most often the best place is the bridge to the end.

Then you also have a good ending to your cut because it’s the end of the song.

Near the end of the cut you should show a high note.

Not you’re absolute highest note, maybe a step below.

Then you have a maximum of two bars after the high note to wrap it up.

Think of your book like your closet. Find songs that fit you.

You only need one song for each category i.e. folk, pop, country, legit… Unless it’s what you do best. You should have an uptempo, ballad, and comedy song in your specialty genre.

- Ryan Scott Oliver

@ryanscottoliver

ryanscottoliver.com