Extraordinary (From "Pippin"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gathers Schwartz's songs in their original keys from authentic vocal scores, eliminating the guesswork that comes with transcriptions from recordings or second-hand arrangements. Singers preparing for auditions or performances gain access to the exact versions Schwartz intended, complete with audition tips and 16-bar cut suggestions that respect the dramatic arc of each song. For voice teachers and coaches, having multiple Schwartz titles in one volume streamlines lesson planning and makes it simple to build a cohesive audition package around his distinctive theatrical voice.

Schwartz's melodies stay with you long after you stop singing. His songs move seamlessly between introspection and theatrical storytelling, often finding humor and humanity in moments of vulnerability or awkwardness. Whether you're delivering a comedic character song or a tender ballad, his music invites specificity and emotional honesty, creating performances that feel both crafted and genuinely alive.

Singers preparing auditions for musical theatre programs, casting directors, and performers building their recital repertoire will find dozens of performance-ready selections across a variety of vocal ranges and character types. Voice teachers and coaches use this collection to assign material that develops both technique and theatrical interpretation, while singers studying Schwartz's compositional style benefit from having authentic scores and historical context in one resource.

• Study the lyric-melody relationship closely. Schwartz frequently sets words in unexpected places within the bar, requiring you to balance the natural speech rhythm of the text with the melodic contour. This tension is intentional and central to the song's character.
• Use the harmonic progression as an emotional roadmap. Many of his songs modulate or shift harmonic color to track the character's emotional journey; playing or singing through chord changes helps you identify these turning points and shape your performance accordingly.
• Reference the original cast recording after you've learned the song from the score. Comparing your interpretation to the source gives you context for phrasing and dynamics without letting the recording dictate your choices.

Include a Schwartz song in a musical theatre showcase or cabaret when you need material that demonstrates range and character work in a single package. For voice studios, assign selections from this collection to singers at different levels of experience; the variety of keys, ranges, and dramatic demands makes it easy to find something appropriate for each student. Directors preparing singers for musical theatre auditions will appreciate having audition cuts and historical context readily available, speeding up the preparation process.

• Singing legit musical theatre style with clear diction and balanced resonance
• Interpreting lyrics as character monologues and dialogue
• Managing key relationships between melody and harmonic progression
• Building audition-ready arrangements using suggested cuts
• Accessing the comedic and dramatic subtext in character songs
• Navigating Schwartz's signature phrase shapes and breath points