It's Possible (McElligot's Pool): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gathers the most singable, character-rich moments from Flaherty's catalog in one resource. A singer or pianist can move fluidly between styles, tonalities, and dramatic contexts, which means you're not locked into programming similar material back to back. The harmonic language rewards pianists who understand voice leading without becoming needlessly complex.

These songs feel expansive yet intimate. Some moments swell with hope and theatrical grandeur; others settle into quiet reflection or wry humor. Throughout, there's a sense that the characters and their stories matter, that music and lyrics are working together to illuminate something true about the human experience.

This collection works for intermediate to advanced pianists accompanying singers at auditions, recitals, or showcases, as well as solo singers preparing audition material or thematic recitals. It's equally useful for teachers building a library of contemporary musical theater material that spans different character types and emotional ranges.

• Study the lyrical phrases before diving into the harmonic accompaniment. Flaherty's melodies often sit high in the range and benefit from breath planning that honors the text rather than just the bar line.
• Balance dynamics carefully in the quieter pieces. Songs like 'Once Upon a December' and 'Alone in the Universe' rely on restraint and vulnerability; resist the urge to push the volume.
• Use the provided chord symbols as a foundation, not a ceiling. Many arrangements can support tasteful reharmonization or simplified voicings depending on your skill level and setting.
• Lock tempos early. Several of these songs sit in tricky rhythmic spaces where the accompaniment and vocal line can easily drift apart without a clear pulse agreement.

Feature individual songs in themed recitals exploring character archetypes, coming-of-age moments, or resilience. Alternatively, program several selections in sequence to showcase the range and flexibility of a singer's instrument and interpretive skills. The breadth of this collection makes it especially valuable for audition prep and for music theater-focused studio or school showcases.

• Reading rhythm in mixed meters and syncopated figures
• Sustaining legit vocal tone in a contemporary musical theater context
• Interpreting character and emotional subtext from song lyrics and harmonic choices
• Accompanying singers with dynamic and harmonic control
• Navigating key changes and modulations within a single song
• Building expressive musical phrasing across large intervals and wide ranges