I didnt post a song choice because the poster was looking for songs for a 7- 9 year old. My dd is older, so anything that we would have obviously wouldnt be helpful.

I dont think I said anything "uncool" here. I think my point was misunderstood. I didnt intend to offend anyone by implying their kid isnt talented.

I think if someone wants to help someone else by suggesting songs, so be it.
There is no need to make the person feel like they did something wrong by simply trying to help someone else. That is what happened here, even if it wasnt intended.

first of all, it does not matter if you choose to be secretive or not with what songs your children sing. If you think for 1 minute that your child is the only child singing that song you are sadly mistaken. I know for a fact that a big name vocal coach in new york city gives out the same songs to many different chidren.They all do. they will not tell you that. there are only so many age apropriate songs to be had. casting directors hear the same songs over and again some more than others especially with children. I know, I work for one.If a child can put a different spin on the song then that is when they will stand out.So the next time someone asks for song suggestions dont hesitate to answer.there are already many other kids singing your kids song.

somuchtodo has much knowledge in this field if you would all just stop and listen. imastar you know nothing about the level that somuchtodo is talking about.

I am very thankful to everyone who decided to participate in this discussion and to share information. I feel that it was the right thing to do to come here and ask...

I would think Castle on a Cloud would be one of the songs that is done a lot by that age group, so would avoid it if you have anything else prepared.

Any songs with age appropriate lyrics from the great musical composers, Rogers and Hart, Rogers and Hammerstein, George and Ira Gerschwin, or Cole Porter could be used. It is difficult to suggest specific songs, because it seems you would want a song that would demonstrate you would be comfortable doing a certain role. IMO, you shouldn't feel limited to songs that only have been sung by that age range in a musical...as long as the lyrics can make sense to be song by a 7 - 9 year old, then use the song.

quote:

Originally posted by Linca:
I would think Castle on a Cloud would be one of the songs that is done a lot by that age group, so would avoid it if you have anything else prepared.

Any songs with age appropriate lyrics from the great musical composers, Rogers and Hart, Rogers and Hammerstein, George and Ira Gerschwin, or Cole Porter could be used. It is difficult to suggest specific songs, because it seems you would want a song that would demonstrate you would be comfortable doing a certain role. IMO, you shouldn't feel limited to songs that only have been sung by that age range in a musical...as long as the lyrics can make sense to be song by a 7 - 9 year old, then use the song.

I would love to hear anyone's opinion on the latter part of this post. Do you think it is appropriate to sing a song which, though not from a role which would ever be played by a child, but if the lyrics aren't innapropriate/ could be sung by a child, then it is a good song choice? Is this a common practice. I have often been taught to stick to songs from roles you would be cast in, but what this poster said seems to make sense. Anyone want to chime in?

Why would anyone "chime in."? You've already alienated the moms of kids who are actually working or have worked on Broadway. Maybe Morgin Felicia has an opinion.

What do I have to do with any of this?

I know this is really an old post. Nonetheless, I felt I had to weigh in. I see a lot of good points here about asking a child what song they are singing. I never considered that a person would try to unnerve a child by askig that question - I guess I am naive. I have ALWAYS asked that question specifically because it was - to me - the one question you could ask a child that would put them at ease. I would say "what are you singing?" and whatever the answer was I would always say "Oh I love that song and I haven't heard it in a while but it is so great - now I will be humming it all day....what's your favorute part? etc....on and so on."

When you're in a small room for up to eight hours sitting with the same kids all day it seemed natural. Even at auditions that aren't lengthy it seemed like nice small talk and a sure fire way to make a kid feel good about themselves.

So not everyone who asks that question has had any ulterior motive other than to make your child feel good about themselves and confortable. Why? I guess I am a mom first and a stage mom second.

However, I have asked parents before when their child was in singing because I was just curious and no harm was meant and it's a shame if someone took it that way.

I value the advise here and I promise I will never ask that question again!

Maybe I can help shed a little light on why it really is best NOT to ask questions before an actor goes into an audition, whether the question is directed to a child or an adult. Actors of all ages are usually under the most stress before auditioning and it is a very personal journey for them. Even when they are extremely talented and have been acting for years, auditioning is a whole different experience than performing the job once it's booked. They are usually focused on why they are there and the material they are about to present. Having people asking them questions is extremely distracting and can take the actor away from their focus.

Most people/parents are just being friendly and truly mean well! Trust me, I used to teach preschool and I love talking to kids about anything, especially if it's to make them feel better about themselves. But, I know it's not appropriate at an audition, and it's important to teach your kids this, as well! People who are non-actors don't realize how distracting their questions might be to the actor waiting his/her turn to audition. Unless you've been in the actor's shoes, it's hard to understand what actors go through. The hours of preparation, finding the right material, the right song, learning the lines and becoming the character. Also, some child actors who are new to acting don't always know how to stay focused on their audition, so it's best not to distract them, even more.

It's a continuous learning process for anyone in the industry and it's nice to have this message board here from which we can all continue learn.

It is sad but true that there are absolutely parents (or other kids) out there who talk to and ask questions to other auditioning kids just to psych them out. We always do our best to keep to ourselves, and get focused for the audition. Also, even if you mean no harm by it, it is generally accepted that you DONT ask anyone what they are singing when u are in the audition room. Big no no.

Thanks all for not being hard on me. On some other topics, some of the posts get really mean when posters set off to "set someone straight." I see how this question was taken badly and cringe at all the times i asked it..Oh well...At least I know now.