Answer: Most music schools or university departments of music expect to hear two or three songs from a 17 or 18 year old or high-school senior. Some conservatories specify specifically the type and genre of the songs auditioners should prepare. If they do not specify what to prepare, then the following is a trustworthy guide:
1. One song should be an English or American Art song, E.g., Loveliest of Trees by John Duke
2. One song should be in a foreign language, perhaps one from the “24 Italian songs and arias” anthology.
3. One song can come from Music Theatre (Broadway Musical) or operetta (nothing heavy from an opera at this age).
These songs should “show off” the capabilities of your voice. Therefore, the songs should not all be fast, or all be slow or explore only one part of your range - they should vary from one another and demand different things from you the singer. When doing music theatre you should feel free to move (in place) and “act out” the emotions of the piece as you would envision doing on stage.
Be sure that anything you sing in a foreign language has been thoroughly coached - so that you SOUND authentically Italian (or German or French - whatever the language is). Always express and communicate the meaning of the text.
Hope this is helpful, and best wishes.
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