The Best Audition Songs for School of Rock – By Character

When considering audition songs for School of Rock, it’s fitting to choose a rock song from musical theatre or non-musical theatre repertoire that aligns with the tone of the show and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.

Because School of Rock is a 2015 musical with 70s and 80s rock influences, the audition songs below are drawn from contemporary musicals and classic rock repertoire. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed to ensure it matches the show’s style.

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Step 1: Review Audition Info

Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (uptempo, rock, etc.). For School of Rock auditions, you might even be asked to play an instrument. Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.

Note: If given the option, I would suggest using a backing track rather than bringing in sheet music for the rock songs below.

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Step 2: Study the Show

Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about School of Rock.

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Step 3: Pick an Audition Song

Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.

Based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.

When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.

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Audition Songs for School of Rock

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✨ Want audition material that gets you noticed? Explore monologues, songs, and guidance on finding your casting lane inside The Theatre Trip Archive on Patreon!

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Dewey Finn

“Cold As Ice” – Foreigner [1970s/non-theatre]

“Hot for Teacher” – Van Halen [1980s/non-theatre]

“I’m Not That Guy” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson [censor profanity]

“Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones [1980s/non-theatre]

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Rosalie Mullins

“If This Is What We’re Fighting For” – The Beautiful Game

“My House” – Matilda

“The Man With the Child in His Eyes” – Kate Bush [1970s/non-theatre]

“To Build a Home” – The Bridges of Madison County

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Summer Hathaway

“Come to the Fun Home” – Fun Home

“Cool Kid” – Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical

“I Got Nerve” – Hannah Montana [2000s/non-theatre]

“Sticks & Stones” – Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical

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Ensemble (Altos)

“A Note From Linda” – The Wedding Singer

“Shadows of the Night” – Pat Benatar [1980s/non-theatre]

“Kiss Me Deadly” – Lita Ford [1980s/non-theatre]

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Ensemble (Baritones)

“Rebel Yell” – Billy Joel [1980s/non-theatre]

“Second Nature” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

“Whatsername” – American Idiot

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Ensemble (Basses)

“C’est La Vie” – Emerson Lake & Palmer [1970s/non-theatre]

“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” – Crash Test Dummies [1990s/non-theatre]

“Something About Her” – Pretty Woman

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Ensemble (Contras)

“Bouncing Off the Walls” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

“Step One” – Kinky Boots

“Turn Off the Dark” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

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Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)

“Love Is a Battlefield” – Pat Benatar [1980s/non-theatre]

“Separate Ways” – Journey [1980s/non-theatre]

“What About Love?” – Heart [1980s/non-theatre]

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Ensemble (Tenors)

“Good Kid” – The Lightning Thief

“Heaven Can Wait” – Meat Loaf [1970s/non-theatre]

“We’re Not Gonna Take It” – The Who’s Tommy

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Ensemble (Trebles/Children)

“Electricity” – Billy Elliot

“I Like It” – A Bronx Tale

“No Matter What” – Whistle Down the Wind

“Ring of Keys” – Fun Home

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Step 4: Select a Monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for School of Rock:

• “Actor!” in Audition Monologues for Young Men➝

• “Hi God” from The Winter Guard Play

• “The Drama Department” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝

• “Unusually Dramatic” from Punk Rock

• “Wanted: A Superhero Sister” in Kids’ Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny➝

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Step 5: Audition Prep

Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.

Join Theatre Trip’s free Patreon Tier for:

☑ Your Audition Prep Checklist
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Grab your free printables here →

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School of Rock Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in School of Rock, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for character research purposes.

* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.

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Act 1:

“I’m Too Hot For You” – No Vacancy

“When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock” – Dewey

“Horace Green Alma Mater” – Students, Teachers

“Here at Horace Green” – Rosalie

“Variation 7” / “Children of Rock” – Dewey, Ned

“Queen of the Night” – Rosalie

“You’re in the Band” – Dewey, Students

“If Only You Would Listen” – Students

“In the End of Time (A Cappella Version)” – Dewey

“Faculty Quadrille” – Teachers

“In the End of Time (Band Practice)” – Dewey, Students

“Stick It to the Man” – Dewey, Students

“In the End of Time (The Audition)” – Dewey, Students

“Stick It to the Man (Reprise)” – Dewey, Students

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Act 2:

“Time to Play” – Summer, Students

“Math is a Wonderful Thing” – Dewey, Students

“Where Did the Rock Go?” – Rosalie

“School of Rock (Band Practice)” – Dewey, Students

“Dewey’s Confession” – Dewey, Rosalie, Patty, Ned, Parents

“If Only You Would Listen (Reprise)” – Tomika, Students

“I’m Too Hot for You (Reprise)” – No Vacancy

“School of Rock” – Dewey, Students

“Stick It to the Man (Encore)” – Dewey, Students

“Finale” – Company

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