Audition Keys

[Starburst]

Posted: 7/19/05 at 1:55am

Question about audition songs.

So we all know it's asking for trouble walking cold into an audition with a complicated Sondheim piece or something with 6 sharps. My question is what's an acceptable number of sharps/flats you could get away with in an audition?

I ask for general knowledge. I thought I was going to have to transcribe something from Eb (3 flats) to E (4 sharps) and if that'd be alright. Would 4 sharps/flats be the limit in most cases, not knowing your accompanist at all?

[wildcat]

Posted: 7/19/05 at 2:02am

The most important thing is that it's in the right key for your voice.

[Jon]

Posted: 7/19/05 at 6:27am

Speaking as a pianist who's played hundreds of auditions, I'd guess that most pianists are like me - I prefer "flat" keys to "sharp" keys. For some reason, flat keys are easier to play - the piano keys feel more comfortable under my fingers.

My favorite keys to play in: F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db
Keys I'm in the middle about: C, G
My LEAST favorite keys: D, A, E, B, any key with more thatn five sharps or flats