What’s on your life playlist?

I was looking for something that I had posted on FB and came across a playlist of my life that I had done for a group called The Singer’s Journey, facilitated by Peter Jacobson of Total Vocal Freedom. These are all from 2015, I believe, and relate to my development as a singer and as a human.

Musical Awakening – Entire score of MARY POPPINS, Julie Andrews/Dick van Dyke

A-Ha! Moment  – Don’t Rain on My Parade, FUNNY GIRL, Barbra Streisand (I’ve talked about this before)

First Performance – My Way, Frank Sinatra (I wonder why I chose this – it seems particularly appropriate now, but not so much when I was 14)

Growing up – Help me (or any other song on the Court & Spark CD), Joni Mitchell. Not so much because I was in love with anyone in particular but because I was in my room listening to it obsessively for most of my teen years.

Divorce/Breakup – My favorite year, Michael Feinstein – actually written by Michele Brourman, which I just found out today, and I’m including her performance as well, because she doesn’t get enough credit

2nd Wedding – Make our garden grow, CANDIDE (I’ve posted this piece before as well, and it was the closing piece on my final studio showcase when I moved from Milwaukee)

Moving on – I’d rather be sailing, A NEW BRAIN (using the Norm Lewis version from the original production instead of the more recent one because it’s the one I knew at the time I was writing this)

But I think if I were to think about moving on, I’d use this song instead – maybe it’s because Sondheim’s passing is still so raw for me, maybe it’s because I’ve fallen in love with it – but I think I like the idea of continuing to move on with purpose instead of sailing somewhat aimlessly.

I find this a really interesting exercise – a sort of “personal musical theater,” like creating a cabaret, only about your life.

What’s on your life playlist? And why? Has it changed over time? What are the songs in your personal key of life? Feel free to comment below – I’d love to hear. 

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If you need help finding songs for your own playlist (or audition book, whatever you want to call it), contact MVS. I have some openings for the rapidly-approaching new year!