My Playlist to the Stage: Songs that Shaped My Journey as a Classical Singer

There’s something strange about how a playlist can guide you through life. I never thought a mix of jazz, musical theatre, and classical music would take me from a nervous beginner to someone who started to feel more at home on a stage. But here I am, sharing the songs that didn’t just help me perform, but shaped who I am as a classical singer. If you're curious about how a song from Nina Simone led me to the operatic heights of Donizetti, then buckle up—this playlist has a few surprises.

1. "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone

You’d think the first time I stood in front of a big crowd, I’d choose something classical, right? Nope. My first big performance was with Feeling Good by Nina Simone. Bold choice? Absolutely. It was a song that didn’t just ask you to sing—it demanded you own it. And funny enough, that was exactly what I needed at the time. I wasn’t sure of myself. I didn’t have the polished technique or years of experience. But this song allowed me to take a deep breath, stand tall, and channel my inner confidence (even if I was faking it a little). Nina Simone’s defiant lyrics helped me embrace the moment.

What I Learned:

Sometimes, you need to step outside your comfort zone to discover where you truly belong. This song reminded me that confidence on stage isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

Did I hit every note perfectly?

Well, let’s just say the audience felt it, and that’s what mattered.

2. "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables

Next up on my playlist is a piece that marks a turning point for me. Bring Him Home from Les Misérables is the first song I truly connected with emotionally. This wasn’t about showing off my voice; it was about telling a story, feeling every word, and delivering it from the heart.

I actully performed this piece for my college audition. I remember my heart pounding and I was so nervous. The moment I began, something clicked. I wasn’t just singing. I was communicating, and I think that’s why this song showed the potential that was there.

What I Learned:

Technique is essential, but it’s your emotional connection that leaves a lasting impression. When I hit the high notes in Bring Him Home, it wasn’t just a technical achievement—it was a breakthrough in learning how to use my voice to move people.

3. "Cara mio ben" by Giuseppe Giordani

Classical music felt like uncharted territory at first. My first public classical performance? Cara mio ben by Giuseppe Giordani. This piece marked a huge shift for me. I remember standing there, nerves fraying at the edges, wondering if I was ready for classical singing.

But once I got into it, something amazing happened—I felt like I belonged. There was a beauty in the simplicity of Cara mio ben, and in performing it, I realized this was the path I wanted to follow. It was here that I found the confidence to embrace classical music fully.

What I Learned:

Sometimes, the scariest steps are the most rewarding. That moment of vulnerability on stage was terrifying, but by the end, I felt like I had truly arrived.

4. "Where’er You Walk" by Handel

My first aria was Where’er You Walk by Handel. This was my introduction to the beauty and elegance of Baroque music. It’s a piece that demands poise, breath control, and expression, all wrapped in a delicate melody.

The challenge with Handel is finding that balance between technique and emotion. For me, this aria was a crash course in learning how to control my voice while still allowing the music to breathe through me.

What I Learned:

Aria singing is like walking a tightrope—you need balance, precision, and a whole lot of focus. This was a piece where I began to see how technique and artistry could blend into something magical.

5. "Una Furtiva Lagrima" by Donizetti

Una Furtiva Lagrima by Donizetti was the first big aria I tackled. This piece, with its intricate phrasing and deep emotional content, felt like a rite of passage for me. The shift from handling simpler, lighter pieces to something as emotionally intense as this was daunting. But it was also exhilarating. This aria helped me develop not just the technical control I needed, but the ability to convey complex emotions. It was no longer just about sounding good—it was about telling a story that resonated deeply.

What I Learned:

There’s always a point in every singer’s journey where they have to level up, and this aria was that for me. It taught me that taking risks, even with challenging pieces, is how you grow as an artist.