Gliding (From "Ragtime"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection delivers Broadway repertoire in its original keys and authentic arrangements, removing the guesswork that often comes with finding reliable versions of these songs. For singers preparing auditions or recitals, having the authoritative transcriptions alongside audition tips and 16-bar cut suggestions transforms this from a songbook into a practical coaching tool. The breadth of vocal ranges accommodated across multiple volumes means every voice type can access material that sits naturally in their range.

These songs carry the elegance and narrative depth that define Stephen Flaherty's compositional voice. Each piece feels polished and intentional, whether it's an intimate character moment or a soaring emotional peak. Singing from this collection places you inside some of Broadway's most carefully crafted storytelling, where every melodic gesture and harmonic choice serves the emotional truth of the scene.

This collection serves singers preparing for musical theatre auditions, recitals, and competitions who need trustworthy, performance-ready arrangements of Broadway standards. Voice teachers and coaches will find it invaluable for matching material to students' ranges and providing guidance on interpretation. Professional singers building audition books and cabaret repertoire will appreciate the authoritative transcriptions and the historical perspective accompanying each piece.

• Study the contextual notes provided for each song; understanding the character's dramatic arc and emotional journey shapes your interpretation in ways that pure technical execution cannot.
• Use the 16-bar cut suggestions as a starting point for audition prep, but sing full versions in practice and performance whenever possible to develop stamina and ownership of the complete arc.
• Balance the elegance of the vocal line with the harmonic sophistication in the piano part; these songs reward singers who listen to and respond to what the accompaniment is doing beneath the melody.
• Reference the original cast recordings to hear how these songs live in their theatrical context, then make deliberate choices about what elements you'll honor and what you'll make your own.

Program individual songs from this collection in voice recitals to anchor a Broadway or contemporary musical theatre section, using the contextual notes to deepen your program notes and audience engagement. In a studio setting, use these pieces as core audition preparation material for intermediate to advanced students, working through the provided cut suggestions and audition tips as part of your coaching. These arrangements also work well for accompanying student recitals or showcases, as they maintain the theatrical character of the original while remaining accessible to skilled collaborative pianists.

• Interpreting lyrical content and dramatic context to inform vocal choices and phrasing
• Reading piano/vocal scores with attention to harmonic language and accompaniment patterns
• Sustaining longer vocal lines and managing breath across phrases written for theatre rather than classical repertoire
• Preparing audition cuts and understanding how to shape material for time-specific performance contexts
• Collaborating with pianists to balance vocal expression with harmonic and textural support