Must-Have Music to Elevate Your Routine
You’ve got your taps on, you’re standing in the center of the studio, and you’re ready to dance. But something’s missing. The right music. The truth is, the soundtrack to your tap routine isn’t just background noise—it’s your partner, your metronome, and your inspiration all rolled into one. The perfect track can transform good steps into great choreography, elevating your performance from technical to transcendent.
Whether you’re practicing in your garage, choreographing for a class, or prepping for a stage performance, this curated list of timeless classics and modern gems will provide the rhythmic foundation you need to make your taps sing.
The Classics: Swing, Jazz, and Big Band
You can’t talk about tap without paying homage to the legends. This era birthed the art form, and its music is built on solid, clear rhythms that are a joy to dance to. The swinging brass sections and steady walking bass lines are a tap dancer's best friend.
The Essential Classics Playlist
- "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" Duke Ellington
- "Sing, Sing, Sing" Benny Goodman
- "Jumpin' at the Woodside" Count Basie
- "Take the 'A' Train" Duke Ellington
- "Fascinating Rhythm" George Gershwin (Various Artists)
Pro Tip: Listen for the "comping" (accompaniment) of the piano or rhythm guitar in these tracks. Their syncopated chords are perfect for layering with intricate cramp rolls or time steps.
Modern Jazz & Funk: Finding New Grooves
When you want to bring a contemporary edge to your routine, look to the funk and modern jazz masters. These tracks often feature complex, syncopated bass lines and drum breaks that challenge your musicality and allow for incredibly creative phrasing.
The Funk & Modern Jazz Playlist
- "Chameleon" Herbie Hancock
- "The Chicken" Jaco Pastorius
- "Cantaloupe Island" Herbie Hancock
- "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" Cannonball Adderley
- "Watermelon Man" Headhunters
Unexpected Gems: Pop, Soul, and Beyond
Don't limit yourself! Some of the most inventive tap choreography today is set to music far outside the traditional jazz canon. The key is finding songs with a strong, consistent beat and interesting textures.
The "Outside the Box" Playlist
- "Uptown Funk" Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- "Valerie" Amy Winehouse
- "Superstition" Stevie Wonder
- "Seven Nation Army" The White Stripes
- "Thank You, Next" Ariana Grande (try the a cappella version for pure rhythm!)
Pro Tip: Instrumental or acoustic versions of pop songs can be goldmines for tappers. They often strip away overwhelming production to reveal a killer rhythm track underneath.
Building Your Own Practice Playlist
The best playlist is the one that makes you want to move. Use these songs as a launching pad. Pay attention to tempo (BPM). Start with slower tracks to clean up your technique, then gradually move to faster ones to build speed and endurance.
Most importantly, listen actively. Don't just hear the melody; dissect the rhythm. Where is the snare drum hitting? Can you dance to the bass line? How does the rhythm guitar part interact with the drums? The more you listen, the more you'll find incredible rhythmic layers to play with in your dancing.
Find Your Rhythm
At its heart, tap is a conversation between you and the music. The tracks listed here are merely starting points for that dialogue. The ultimate goal is to internalize the rhythm so completely that your feet become an inseparable part of the song. So put on your headphones, press play, and let the floor do the talking.
Now get out there and make some noise!
