Insights and updates from the founder of MTforMT

Tempo is often linked to character mood or pacing within a song. Faster tempos might signify urgency or excitement, while slower ones can...

Syncopation, where emphasis is placed on off-beats or unexpected parts of a rhythm, is a common feature in musical theatre. It adds...

For actors who primarily work with dialogue, transitioning to music can feel like a shift in mindset. But understanding music theory can...

A cappella performances require strong pitch accuracy since there’s no instrumental accompaniment to lean on. For performers, this can be...

Some musical scores can feel overwhelming at first glance, especially in modern musicals with complex rhythms, harmonies, and key...

In musical theatre, every role matters. Ensemble members, in particular, play a critical role in establishing the world of the show,...

There are plenty of myths out there about music theory, especially for theatre performers. Some believe theory is only useful for...

Callbacks can be nerve-wracking, especially when new music or harmonies are involved. The pressure to learn and perform quickly can be...

In musical theatre, vocal technique and musicality often go hand-in-hand, but they’re not the same thing. Vocal technique is all about...

When diving into a new role, actors often focus on their character’s backstory, motivation, and dialogue. However, in musical theatre,...

Performers in musical theatre are frequently confronted with musical challenges, from memorizing complex harmonies to adjusting on the...

A musical theatre score is more than just notes on a page; it’s a vital part of the storytelling. Every chord progression, tempo marking,...

Auditions are already high-stress situations, but when you’re also handed a new piece of music to sight-read, it can feel like the stakes...

Music theory might sound like something only musicians need to worry about, but for theatre performers, there are five key concepts that...

Musical notation is often seen as a kind of foreign language, especially by those who don’t consider themselves "musicians." But as a...

In the world of musical theatre, performers face an interesting challenge: not only must they bring a character to life, but they also...

As a music director here in New York, I've had the privilege of working with countless talented vocalists and performers, each bringing...