Here are practical tips for band directors, music directors, vocal teachers, and high school music programs to enhance their pit orchestra performances during the fall and spring musical seasons. These tips apply to educational institutions at all levels, from middle school and high school to collegiate and higher education.

It can be tempting, exciting, and thrilling at the thought of jumping into the recording studio to record a concept album. After all, there’s something incredibly exciting about hearing your score come to life and sharing it with the world. But is it the right move for every project? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of recording a concept album before your musical hits the stage.

In my work with new musicals in development and theatre composers, I often am asked if the musical should have a cast album first, or work towards a staged production. Certainly if you're writing a musical, the staged production is the end-goal, no? A cast album is a tempting idea, especially if you’ve poured your heart into creating a new musical and want to share your songs with the world as soon as possible. Let's explore reasons for and against recording a cast album before you receive a staged production.

Ever wondered what makes a musical sound like a musical? In my latest blog post, I break down some of the key musical techniques that are commonly used in theater, such as the minor iv chord and shifts into double time. Whether you're a composer, a theater fan, or just curious about what sets this genre apart, this post takes a straightforward look at the elements that give Broadway its distinctive sound. It’s about understanding how these techniques come together to create the music we instantly recognize as musical theater, without all the extra flair.

Enhance your skills as a music director in musical theatre with these 10 essential tips! From mastering vamps and managing mixed meters to perfecting dramatic timing and pit arrangement, this guide provides practical insights to help you lead your ensemble with precision and confidence. Learn how to teach your ensemble cut-offs, handle tempo changes, and optimize your keyboard programming for a seamless and compelling performance. Dive in to discover how to elevate your next production and ensure every note resonates with your audience.

Do you have a script, score, and some recordings but aren't sure where to turn next with your musical or play? Then keep reading! Over the past several years, a community of producers, theatre enthusiasts, investors, and dedicated thespians has been working together to assist emerging writers in refining, sharing, and staging their shows. I've put together a list of 5 exceptional organizations in 2024 that are truly making a difference for theatre creators.

Here are my top audition songs for altos, whether it’s for a community theatre or a professional musical audition gig. I have broken them down into two categories: Classical (pre-1960) and Contemporary (post-1960); and within those categories, I have separated them into ballads and uptempo selections.

If you're a Bass or a Baritone looking to stand out in musical theatre auditions, I have the perfect songs for you. It's actually quite difficult to find the perfect audition song for a lower range, especially given the higher vocal requirements in contemporary musical theatre for men and the limited availability of scores for bass-baritone voices.

Are you a tenor searching for a standout audition song for an upcoming musical theatre audition? Keep reading... With such a vast collection of tenor songs online, it can be difficult to choose. That's why I've curated my top musical theatre audition songs for tenors as an accompanist and music director.

Are you a Soprano in need an audition song to set you apart from the rest of the crowd? There is no shortage of great songs for Sopranos in the musical theatre cannon, so picking the one that will give you an edge is what I'm aiming for. Here are my personal audition picks for Sopranos.