Something Of My Own (from Dessa Rose: A New Musical): Piano Vocal

This song captures a pivotal moment of self-assertion and agency within Dessa Rose's arc. The music doesn't settle for sentiment; instead, it builds a character's declaration with harmonic and melodic sophistication that demands real vocal maturity from singers while remaining deeply human and accessible to audiences.

There's a quiet intensity to this moment, a kind of steely determination wrapped in musicality. The piece moves between introspection and assertion, creating space for a performer to inhabit both vulnerability and power within a single arc.

Singers tackling Broadway repertoire with dramatic depth will find substantial material here. This song works for advanced high school performers, college vocal programs, and audition packages where vulnerability paired with strength matters.

• Attend to the relationship between the vocal line and piano accompaniment; Flaherty often layers emotional weight in the supporting voice, so don't let the accompaniment disappear into the background.
• Determine the emotional temperature before the song begins. This is a moment of personal reclamation, not a confession, and that distinction shapes phrasing and dynamic choices throughout.
• Shape phrases through the lyrical content rather than relying solely on marked dynamics. Let the narrative drive your breath points and intensity shifts.
• Test the high passages in rehearsal to locate any register transitions; plan your approach early rather than discovering difficulty mid-performance.

Consider pairing this with other contemporary musical theater selections that explore agency and self-definition, or feature it as a solo recital piece where a singer can command the full emotional weight of the character's journey. It also serves well in audition prep for students exploring Broadway roles requiring both vocal technique and emotional sophistication.

• Navigating contemporary Broadway harmonic language
• Sustaining emotional continuity across multiple phrase lengths
• Balancing lyrical storytelling with vocal technical demands
• Collaborating with an accompanist to shape textural depth