Write down the scenes in which you need a musical number. Include a short description of the scene, such as the mood and the cast members who are participating, to help guide you in your musical choices.
Jot down a style suggestion for the music for each scene, such as a slow ballad, a lively pop song or a classic theater number, which can help narrow your prospects. For example, consider whether the scene denotes a lively, full cast dance number or a solemn, yet passionate dance between two love interests in the production.
Listen to various prospects for each area of musical need in the production.
Listen closely to the lyrics of the songs or read the lyrics, if applicable, to determine if they are all appropriate for the play.
Time the music to evaluate if the piece is too long or too short for the time slot designated to the dance number. Decide if the music can be edited if it proves to be too long for a dancing number. Check that the introduction and closing of the music does not drag on, which can make for awkward entrances and exits into the dance number.
Count the music, which is typically counted in eighths in dance choreography, and begin visualizing and choreographing steps to the music to see if your ideas for steps and combinations suit the music.
Calculate the total time of all of the songs for the dance numbers in the production, including any edits, to ensure the dance numbers do not make the show run too long.