What a Piece of Work Is Man / How Dare They Try (from "Hair"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gives singers and pianists direct access to one of Broadway's most culturally significant scores. MacDermot's melodies are immediately memorable and emotionally direct, making these songs rewarding to perform whether you're tackling the showstopping ensemble numbers or the quieter character moments. The mix of rock sensibility with genuine theatrical craft means there's something here for teaching song interpretation across multiple styles.

These songs pulse with the optimism, rebellion, and raw emotion of the era that shaped them. You'll find moments of lyricism and vulnerability alongside explosive ensemble celebration, all grounded in music that feels alive and conversational. The combination of personal reflection and collective joy runs through every track.

This collection serves pianists and singers preparing solo material from Hair, whether for auditions, recitals, or classroom performance. It's equally valuable for music educators introducing students to a landmark score that bridges popular music and musical theater, and for performers seeking contemporary material with genuine substance and cultural weight.

• Balance the rock elements in the accompaniment with clarity in the vocal line. These songs live in a style that's conversational and direct, not operatic, so resist the urge to oversing.
• Pay attention to the rhythmic freedom MacDermot builds into many of these melodies. Songs like "What a Piece of Work Is Man" contain rubato and syncopation that reward careful listening to recorded versions before finalizing your interpretation.
• Handle the ensemble passages and choral moments with a sense of unity and purpose. Many of these songs are built on collective voices, so even when singing a solo version, maintain the communal energy that makes Hair resonate.
• Explore the harmonic language surrounding your part. MacDermot uses jazz and pop chord progressions that can guide your phrasing and help you find the emotional landing points within each phrase.

Consider programming a solo or duet from Hair alongside other contemporary musical theater to demonstrate how the genre evolved beyond traditional Broadway sound. These pieces also work well in thematic programs exploring 1960s culture, social movement, or the intersection of popular and theatrical music. Individual songs can anchor a recital focused on American musical storytelling.

• singing in a conversational, contemporary style without sacrificing vocal technique
• interpreting rhythmic freedom and rubato within a rock-influenced harmonic language
• understanding ensemble arrangement and how to voice parts effectively
• recognizing and performing jazz and pop chord progressions
• translating cultural and historical context into emotional performance choices