Whats the best approach for choosing repetoire for the DipABRSM singing? Should I be going for a variety of styles and periods to show versatility, or should I be singing pieces which "go together" better in terms of how a real recital would be, and therefore choosing pieces in a styles which brings out the best in me? Some of the pieces on the singing list are quite short so it takes quite a lot to fill 35 mins.

Suggestions/ideas anyone?

I did the DipABRSM Performing (singing) last year.

When I compile a program I take in considderation that a performer must be able to perform in mor than 1 or 2 geaners. Compile a well balanced program from 1600 up to modern songs. I sang 12 or 13 songs for the programme.

Hope it helps you.

I'm not a singer, nor do I have a dipABRSM, but the marking criteria do say something like 'in a wide range of styles' for each mark band. You do need to demonstrate at this level that you're versitile and put can together a varied programme, so try to choose things that cover the range of styles and show off the variety of which you are capable.

Another note: in particular for singing it seems that the programme note word limit is quite difficult to keep to; other instrumentalists can usually choose a 20 minute long sonata and thus have fewer pieces to write about. You may want to consider in your choice of songs that the more shorter ones you choose the fewer words you have available to write about each one; songs don't seem to be as long as instrumental pieces so you need to be aware of the lack of available words!

i've got quite a few.... bach, mozart, rossini, schumann and many more....i can't remember...

It's true that the programe notes word limit is a challenge but I don't think it should be a primary criterion by which you choose your repertoire. The lengths of works you incorporate will depend on your stamina as much as anything. And don't forget, when you're calculating the timings, to leave enough time for your accompanist to close one book and open another between songs. It sounds obvious, but it's where I almost came unstuck.

Cheers

Katyjay