There’s a lot to consider when deciding if a new song is a good fit for you: Does it suit your vocal range? If not, can (and should) you change it the key so it does?
Here’s the process for deciding whether or not you should change the key.
1. Determine the (actual) original key. Before trusting what you find online, remind yourself: the internet sucks and it lies. Don’t automatically believe something marked as the “original key.”
Many older songs may have been performed in multiple keys over the years. The song “Someone to Watch Over Me” was first performed in A-flat Major in “Oh, Kay!” (1926), then in B-flat major in “Crazy for You” (1992), and most recently in B-Major when sung by Kelli O’Hara in “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (2012). There may actually be several “original keys” to consider.
So, go back to the recording of the version you want. Play the opening vocal line on a keyboard along with the recording. Use your ear—are they the same? If not, determine if it’s too low or too high. (If you can’t tell, email your coach.)
This is always something you want to do before heading into a
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