Yes, My Heart: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures Merrill's gift for writing singable, dramatically honest music across a range of moods and styles. The inclusion of songs from both major productions and lesser-known shows gives singers access to material that feels fresh in audition rooms while maintaining the vocal and dramatic standards of professional theatre. The contextual notes and cut suggestions transform this from a songbook into a genuine coaching resource.

These songs pulse with the theatrical energy and melodic generosity of mid-century Broadway. You'll find moments of genuine vulnerability nestled alongside wit and humor, with orchestrations that range from intimate to exuberant, all written in keys that let the singer breathe and shine.

This collection serves aspiring musical theatre singers preparing for auditions as well as experienced performers looking to deepen their working repertoire. Vocal coaches and accompanists will find it equally valuable as a teaching and rehearsal resource.

• Study the historical commentary provided for each song; understanding the character's circumstances and the show's style will inform your interpretation choices and help you stand out in auditions.
• Use the 16-bar cut suggestions as starting points, but experiment with different sections during practice to discover which cuts best showcase your range and strengths.
• Pay attention to the chord symbols while working with an accompanist to ensure the songs sit comfortably in your passaggio and maintain their intended harmonic language.

Build a recital or audition set by pairing contrasting Merrill songs from this collection with material from other composers. The variety of characters and emotional contexts means you can construct a program that showcases your range both vocally and dramatically.

• Interpreting legit musical theatre vocal style across multiple song types
• Selecting and executing effective audition cuts
• Understanding character motivation and dramatic context in performance
• Managing transitions between uptempo and ballad material
• Collaborating effectively with accompanists using chord symbols and original key signatures