Finding pop-rock repertoire is the most daunting thing that some voice teachers and vocal coaches encounter. Let’s put a positive spin on it and embark on a thrilling adventure in search of the perfect pop-rock repertoire!

Welcome to the world of musical treasure hunting, where you can channel your inner Amelia Earhart or Marco Polo. Prepare yourself for a journey filled with excitement, exploration, and the discovery of hidden gems.

I'm Heather, The Pop Rock Coach (aka The Rep Goddess) and I'll be your captain on this extraordinary voyage, making sure you not only survive this repertoire exploration, but also enjoy it!

I'm prepared and excited to be your guide today because I've had the incredible opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of music from a young age, and I surround myself with it everyday. Today, I've been immersed in the captivating tunes of Spanish Instrumental Guitar. Yesterday, it was the enchanting melodies of Hip Hop Musicals. During my weekend gardening sessions, the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock serenaded me. And tomorrow, I plan to indulge in the mesmerizing voice of Stevie Nicks. My love for the music continues to grow, and I can't wait for you to join me!

As a performer, I classify myself as a soul blues singer with my own unique style, delving into artists ranging from Aretha to Avett Brothers and Adele. It took time to truly refine the type of music I wanted to sing and write, but now I have a solid foundation from which to pursue my goals as a performer. And when I do veer off the path, which I often love to do, I always find solace in returning to my musical roots. I traverse multiple generations within the same genre, occasionally venturing into other musical realms.

I'd love to teach you the method I've been using throughout my career to find my style and songs, which has also proven helpful for my students.

Let the adventure begin!

Find Your Starting Point

When working with clients, especially during repertoire sessions, my primary goal is to help them discover a genuine starting point—a type of music that resonates deep within their souls, reverberates throughout their bodies, and fills them with an insatiable desire to sing it over and over again. It's not just about choosing repertoire based on vocal range or what their friends have sung. It's about selecting music that truly moves them! I want every singer to feel empowered through the songs they sing and to form a genuine connection with their chosen repertoire because, when they do, the listener—us—also feels that connection!

Now, I have a confession to make. Every time I come across a post in a Facebook group or a Slack channel asking for repertoire suggestions, and it goes something like this: "Need Rep help: I have a great talented student with a vocal range from A to Z, and we need something fun and upbeat. They've already sung 'list of songs that every other singer has sung,' so something other than that would be great." I can't help but cringe a little inside. My immediate response is a cascade of questions: What do THEY want to sing? Who do they admire? What's the purpose behind this performance? How will it be presented? Is the person more introverted or an extroverted showboat? And so many other questions!

To me, song choice is THE most crucial starting point and should be approached with genuine thought, rather than merely ticking off a box. As a professional, it's rarely a one-and-done situation. You'll be singing these songs repeatedly, and if you don't genuinely like them or can't connect with them, trust me, the audience will know!

Get More Clues

With that in mind, I'd love to share some of the questions I ask my Rock Out Your Rep clients during our sessions together. These questions are designed to empower you as a teacher, helping you to get to know your students better and enabling them to form a deeper connection with the songs they sing. And let's not forget, it should be FUN!

What do you LOVE to sing?

This is the ultimate question, my friends. What makes your heart sing? Which artists bring out your passion? Which albums do you listen to on repeat? What genre fills you with excitement as you discover new artists? There are no right or wrong answers here. Each person's response is unique and a reflection of their individuality! Sometimes, it takes a little prodding to get people to think about it, and many confess that it's the first time they've ever considered such a question. Shocking, isn't it? Yet, this question serves as the starting point for their personal singing journey. There may be instances in a singer's career where they won't have a choice of what song to sing, but when they do have that choice, it should always be a song they LOVE TO SING!

Who has your dream career?

I wish I could recall the brilliant teacher who first shared this idea, but alas, their name escapes me, and I offer my sincere apologies. So here's the concept: Identify performers in your field who are living your dream. These are the individuals who perform in shows you aspire to be in, create the kind of music you long to make, collaborate with artists you admire, and grace the stages you aspire to conquer. The more specific you can be, the clearer your path becomes, enabling you to find music that aligns not only with your current abilities but also with your growth and development as a performer.

For instance, in my case, Bette Midler embodies my dream career...from her soulful, Janis Joplin-inspired music in "The Rose" to the theatrically mesmerizing "Divine Miss M," and the jazz-infused melodies of "For the Boys" and her Rosemary Clooney albums. Oh, and let's not forget her portrayal of Dolly Levi in "Hello Dolly"! I can envision myself embodying each of these touchpoints—I perform Janis Joplin, infuse my performances with theatricality, and my dream musical theater role is none other than Dolly Levi!

Now, it doesn't have to be an exact match, but identifying a performer whose career path resonates with you can guide you towards songs that not only suit your current abilities but also aid in your growth and development as an artist.

What did your parents listen to? Who were their favorite artists?

I adore posing this question because, more often than not, even when a client struggles to name their own musical influences, they can easily recite their parents' favorite artists. I firmly believe that the music our parents listened to, and subsequently exposed us to, has a profound impact on our own musical preferences, even if it's not immediately apparent.

All too frequently, singers feel obligated to perform songs from the current catalog of popular music. However, that isn't always the case! If a client tells me their parents were avid fans of '70s Soft Rock, I happily suggest songs by Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Brothers, or Linda Ronstadt. Nine times out of ten, the response I receive is, "OMG! I LOVE that song! My parents and I used to listen to it all the time!"

Follow the Map

Now that you're armed with more insight into your students' likes and desires, let's embark on the quest for repertoire! The basic map of repertoire treasure hunting falls into these categories. Choose one or combine several that best suit your journey:

Internet Deep Dive

Plunge into the vast sea of the internet, scouring YouTube covers, artist websites, and music blogs for inspiration. Set off on a musical treasure hunt!

Sheet Music Safari

Embark on an expedition to your expansive bookshelf of sheet music or explore local music stores and online retailers in search of the perfect scores.

Spotify Serenade

Create countless playlists on Spotify, spending hours meticulously curating a collection of songs that showcase your students' talents.

Forum Frenzy

Dive headfirst into music forums and discussion boards, seeking recommendations from fellow musicians and teachers. Embrace the challenge of sifting through varying opinions and deciphering which suggestions truly fit your students' needs.

The Shortcut

You've done an excellent job so far! You've asked the right questions, invested time in getting to know your students better, and armed yourself with resources to find better repertoire.

The truth is, even armed with information about what you or your student wants to sing and the different avenues to find new repertoire, it's still a hunt! And for some, it can be an adventure they'd rather avoid.

If you'd rather spend your energy guiding and inspiring your students, or even reclining on a beach hammock with a cold beverage, let me do the work for you! I can help you Rock out Your Rep for yourself or your students.

With just one consultation and a tailored questionnaire, I'll prepare a comprehensive Spotify playlist overflowing with 100 songs from an array of genres and artists, meticulously handpicked to meet your students' every need. With Rock Out Your Rep, you'll discover the true magic of connection, as your students thrive in the embrace of songs they genuinely love to sing.

If you’d like more information about scheduling a Rock out Your Rep session for yourself or for your studio/individual students, visit www.rockoutyourrep.com today and let’s start our own adventure!

Conclusion

So there you have it, my fellow adventurers! Finding Pop-Rock repertoire for yourself or your students doesn't have to be a treacherous journey through uncharted waters. With the right mindset, a thoughtful approach, and a dash of creativity, you can navigate the vast sea of musical options and discover hidden treasures that resonate deeply with your students.

Remember, it's not just about ticking off boxes or following trends—it's about finding songs that make your heart sing and allow your students to shine. So, arm yourself with the knowledge of their musical preferences, follow the map of repertoire hunting, and consider the shortcut of Rock Out Your Rep.

Now, my dear friends, go forth and embark on your musical adventure, and may the melodies guide you to the pop rock repertoire of your dreams!