Top 5 Full Length Male Up-tempos To Prepare for Your Next Master Class

Written by Alexandra Muscaro

December 18, 2017

So often in this industry, it seems as if no one ever wants to hear a song longer than 32-bars. That is why it is such an amazing treat when a performer has the opportunity to prepare and perform a full-length song in a professional setting. The setting: a master class. In college, most of the time a guest instructor will ask the students to prepare a full-length song to workshop. But what kind of song is best to bring into a master class setting? Lucky for you, we have gone through our entire collection and have selected the top 5 full-length male up-tempos perfect for helping you get the most out of that master class!

1. “Fight the Dragons” from Big Fish



This song is a musical powerhouse! The director will love working with you on this song because there is so much to deconstruct and discover within the lyrics. This song will not only show off your wonderful acting skills, but it will also show off your killer range as well!

Get the sheet music here.

2. “If You Were Gay” from Avenue Q



It is impossible to not have fun while singing and listening to this song! Most likely, everyone else in the master class will bring in heavy ballads, so you will be a much needed breathe of fresh and funny air. The director will really help you focus on the comedy within the piece, and you will walk away a much stronger and smarter actor from working on this song.

Get the sheet music here.

3. “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’” from Oklahoma!



For the rest of your performance life, you will always need a Golden Age song prepared and ready for any moment. Working on a Golden Age song in a master class setting will be extremely helpful, because the director will most likely have a strong understanding of the piece and therefore help you make the song relatable and easier to understand. Also, this song is one of the most joyful and classic Golden Age pieces you could ever hope to find.

Get the sheet music here.

4. “Sweet Transvestite” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show



The point of a master class is to challenge yourself and to grow as a performer because of that challenge. If you are looking for a challenge and to step out of your comfort zone, this is the song for you! The director will most likely admire your bravery in bringing in this piece and will help you expand your performance abilities.

Get the sheet music here.

5. “Nice Work If You Can Get It” from Nice Work If You Can Get It



When you sign up for a master class, you want to bring in material that will help you grow as a performer. This song is another great Golden Age song that would be extremely beneficial to workshop. This song, while it is very charming and sweet, can be very difficult to connect with. And the director’s job is to help you do just that!

Get the sheet music here.


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Alexandra Muscaro is from Tampa, Florida, and moved to New York to follow her dreams. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a dual concentration in Performance as well as Theatre History and Performance Texts with a Minor in Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. When she’s not rehearsing, dramaturging a developing play, or studying for theatre history, you will find her at the Metropolitan Museum of Art…specifically the Egyptian exhibit. Or check your local coffee shop and you may find her with her nose in a book. You can visit her website at alexandramuscaro.com.
Thumbnail: Photo by Marius Christensen on Unsplash