Competitions are highly anticipated events for Vanilla Vocal students throughout the year. Regardless of age or singing level, our students enthusiastically participate in these competitions, which serve as valuable stepping stones for gaining stage experience. Apart from the incredible opportunity to perform, one of the most valuable takeaways from these competitions is the feedback and critique on your performances, providing valuable insights into areas for improvement. We actively participate in a range of competitions, including Kraalkunstefees, Garsfontein Kunstefees, Kids with Talent SA, SATCH, Eisteddfod, and Talent Africa.

Choosing the right song for a competition can be challenging, especially considering factors such as age and vocal range. Most competitions require competitors to perform four songs from different genres. To assist you in this process, here are a few tips and considerations:

1. Vocal range suitability: It's important to select a song that aligns with your vocal range. If a song is too high or too low, your vocal coach can help transpose the backing track. However, if the song exceeds your three-octave range and requires four octaves, transposing won't be sufficient.

2. Age appropriateness: Opt for a song that you can personally relate to and that resonates with your audience. It's crucial for your listeners to connect with the message of the song, rather than solely focusing on pitch. If you can't establish a connection with your chosen song, chances are your audience won't either.

3. Genre proficiency: While versatility is encouraged, everyone has a genre or style that suits them best. I believe singers should explore various genres, even if they specialize in opera. It's an opportunity for personal growth and artistic development.

4. Contextual appropriateness: Selecting the right song for each occasion is key. If you're performing in a competition, it's best to choose songs that showcase your talent and skills. For weddings or parties, opt for songs that resonate with the audience's preferences. Background music requires easy-listening and cheerful songs, whereas when you're the center of attention, entertaining songs are more fitting. Finding the right songs for different occasions may take time, but your singing mentor will be there to guide and support you throughout the process.

At Vanilla Vocals, we understand the significance of song selection, and we're committed to assisting you in finding the perfect songs for your competitions and performances.