OUTROS
Not every song hands you a clean ending — but every audition needs one. If the material doesn’t resolve on its own, it’s your job to shape an ending that feels intentional, complete, and dramatically satisfying.
WHEN THE SONG DOESN’T END
A lot of songs, especially in pop/rock/R&B, are built to loop or fade.
I’m a Broadway audition coach, and that works for recordings — not for auditions.
In the room, you need a clear finish.
Something that tells us: the thought has landed.
START WITH THE FEELING
Before you touch the music, ask the real question:
What is the last feeling you want to leave us with?
That answer should guide every musical decision you make.
PLAY WITH TEMPO
One of the fastest ways to shape an ending is through speed.
A quick button — cutting off sharply — can feel decisive, punchy, even abrupt.
Delaying the ending with a fermata can create weight and finality.
Or you can stretch the tempo, slowing down to pull the moment into something more reflective or emotional.
Same lyric, completely different impact.
CHANGE THE CHORD
The harmony you land on changes the story.
Ending on the tonic gives you resolution — it feels finished.
Ending on a major chord can create lift or triumph. A minor chord can create sorrow or a villainous feeling.
Using a suspended or unresolved chord leaves the audience hanging — perfect for tension or ambiguity.
You’re not just ending the song. You’re deciding how it feels to end.
USE SUSTAIN AND SUPPORT
You don’t have to stop when the lyric ends.
Sustain the note while the accompanist continues underneath you.
Let the harmony carry the emotion forward while your voice holds the thought.
That extension can deepen the moment without adding more text.
BUILD WITH REPETITION
Repetition can help you earn the ending.
Echo a phrase. Extend a word. Add a rhythmic variation.
Each pass builds intensity or clarity, guiding the audience toward the final moment.
Then land it.
COLLABORATE, DON’T GUESS
This isn’t something you have to figure out alone.
Work with your accompanist, your coach, or an arranger to shape the ending.
Write it into your music so it’s clear and repeatable.
If it’s not on the page, it’s not guaranteed.
🥜 IN A NUTSHELL
If the song doesn’t give you an ending, create one. Choose the feeling first, then shape the music to land it.
READY FOR A DEEPER DIVE?
Check out my video on intros, where I discuss how to capture a feeling right from the start of your song.
