A Little Bit of Good (From "Chicago"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection grounds singers in the actual vocal keys used in Broadway productions, eliminating the guesswork that comes with transposed versions. Kander's theatrical sophistication means every song rewards detailed study of both lyric and music, deepening a performer's interpretive choices. Having authoritative audition cuts and contextual notes for each selection transforms what could be a song book into a masterclass.

Opening these pages connects you to Broadway itself. The music ranges from intimate character moments to expansive theatrical numbers, each one crafted with the specificity that defines great musical theatre writing. You're studying songs that actors have used to define iconic roles on stage.

This collection serves singers preparing for auditions or performances who want authentic versions of Broadway repertoire in their own vocal range. It's equally valuable for voice teachers building a student's musical theatre foundation and for performers who want to move beyond transposed versions to the genuine theatrical material.

• Study the historical context provided for each song. Understanding the character's dramatic situation and the show's era directly informs phrasing and emotional specificity.
• Pay attention to Kander's harmonic language, particularly his use of chromaticism and unexpected chord movement. These moments often carry the emotional weight of the text.
• Use the 16-bar cut suggestions as starting points for audition preparation, but learn the full song first to understand what the cut is omitting musically and dramatically.

Assign songs from this collection as semester-long study pieces for voice students, pairing the repertoire with listening to original cast recordings. A solo concert built from selections across multiple shows demonstrates a singer's range while honoring the theatrical context each song demands. This also serves as essential preparation for college auditions or professional theatre callbacks.

• Authentic Broadway vocal styling and phrasing conventions
• Musical theatre character development through analysis of lyric-music relationships
• Strategic audition preparation using legitimate 16-bar cuts
• Harmonic literacy in Kander's distinctive compositional language
• Understanding historical context and show-specific vocal demands