Why Music Choice Matters in Tap

Tap dance is unique—it's both visual and auditory. Your feet become instruments, complementing and conversing with the music. The right track doesn't just keep time; it inspires creativity, enhances rhythm, and can even help you develop your signature style.

Pro Tip

Always choose music with a clear, consistent beat when practicing fundamentals. Save the complex time signatures for when you've mastered the basics.

Genre Guide: Finding Your Rhythm

Jazz Classics

The historical foundation of tap dance. Jazz provides swinging rhythms and improvisational opportunities that are perfect for tap.

Essential Jazz Tracks

"Take the A Train" - Duke Ellington
"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" - Duke Ellington
"Sing, Sing, Sing" - Benny Goodman
"Airmail Special" - Ella Fitzgerald

Why it works: The syncopated rhythms and swing feel in jazz music naturally complement tap rhythms, allowing for both precision and improvisation.

Big Band & Swing

With driving rhythms and powerful brass sections, big band music provides a strong foundation for energetic routines.

Swing Favorites

"In the Mood" - Glenn Miller
"Jumpin' at the Woodside" - Count Basie
"Chattanooga Choo Choo" - Glenn Miller
"One O'Clock Jump" - Count Basie

Blues

The slow, steady tempo of blues music is perfect for practicing clean, clear sounds and musicality.

Blues selections

"Stormy Monday" - T-Bone Walker
"The Thrill is Gone" - B.B. King
"Sweet Home Chicago" - Robert Johnson
"I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" - Muddy Waters

Contemporary & Pop

Modern tap often incorporates current hits, bringing a fresh feel to the art form and connecting with younger audiences.

Modern Grooves

"Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
"Can't Stop the Feeling" - Justin Timberlake
"Happy" - Pharrell Williams
"Shake It Off" - Taylor Swift

Why it works: Pop music's clear, steady beats and popularity make it accessible for both dancers and audiences, while allowing for creative interpretation.

Building Your Practice Playlist

Warm-up Playlist (Slow to Medium Tempo)

  • "Come Away With Me" - Norah Jones (120 BPM)
  • "Feeling Good" - Nina Simone (110 BPM)
  • "The Girl From Ipanema" - Stan Getz (120 BPM)
  • "At Last" - Etta James (120 BPM)

Technique Practice (Medium Tempo)

  • "Hit the Road Jack" - Ray Charles (140 BPM)
  • "Minnie the Moocher" - Cab Calloway (130 BPM)
  • "Sunny Side of the Street" - Tommy Dorsey (135 BPM)
  • "Let's Do It" - Ella Fitzgerald (138 BPM)

Performance Energy (Fast Tempo)

  • "Mr. Pinstripe Suit" - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (200 BPM)
  • "Zoot Suit Riot" - Cherry Poppin' Daddies (195 BPM)
  • "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" - Thelonious Monk (180 BPM)
  • "I Got Rhythm" - George Gershwin (190 BPM)

Tips for Matching Music to Your Skill Level

Beginners

Start with slower tempos (90-120 BPM) and simple 4

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