🎶 Singers Who Live in the Middle — This One’s for You!
Let’s face it — not every voice is meant to belt to the rafters OR float up to a shimmering high C.
Some voices live gloriously in the middle: warm, expressive, flexible, and REAL!
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a belter, but I’m not a soprano either,” welcome to the mezzo-soprano club.
Did you know that statistically, most female voices are mezzo sopranos? They are, so you’re in good company! Although mezzo sopranos are often powerhouse belters (Aretha Franklin, Adele, Idina Menzel, Barbra Streisand….soooo many!), many of us are NOT!
These 11 non-belter musical theatre songs for mezzo sopranos prove that you can captivate an audience without a single BIG NOTE…(or high note!)
1️⃣ “When He Sees Me” – Waitress
A more current fan favorite for good reason — quirky, honest, and sitting perfectly in the middle. It’s all about phrasing and character work, not volume. Dawn is SUCH a fun role for my singers to play around with!
2️⃣ “How Can I Wait? ” – Paint Your Wagon
I LOVE this up-tempo Golden Age piece. It’s a VERY overlooked gem of a song, and great for younger performers, too!
3️⃣ “Times Are Hard for Dreamers” – Amélie
Dreamy and heartfelt, it lives in that gentle conversational mix. The storytelling shines brighter than any high note ever could. I’ve had sopranos and belters try this piece,too- it is a song that easily works for many voice types !
4️⃣ “Pulled” – The Addams Family
Yes, it can be belty and I know you’ve heard it done that way–but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it playful, character-driven, and light in the mix — you’ll win them over with HUMOR…not decibles!
5️⃣ “Home ” – Beauty and the Beast
Emotional, sweeping, and written right in that comfy middle. A solid choice to add to your repertoire, as everyone should have a Disney theater piece..or two!
6️⃣ “What It Means to Be a Friend” – 13
Perfect for teens or young adults with mid-range voices. It’s earnest, modern, and totally singable without strain.
7️⃣ “What More Do I Need?” – Saturday Night
For those who love a Sondheim challenge without the soprano acrobatics you might see in “Green Finch”. It’s talky, clever, and musically satisfying, because…well….it’s Sondheim!
8️⃣ “In My Dreams ” – Anastasia
Ooooh, everything Anastasia sings is PERFECT for the non-belter mezzo-soprano! This piece stands out to me and my singers for the sheer drama . What a killer acting piece!
9️⃣ “Once Upon a Dream”– Jekyll and Hyde
Beautiful ballad! There is plenty of soaring melody in this song, but it’s gorgeous with or without belting.
🔟 “I Like Him” – Drat! The Cat!
A comedic gem that sits squarely in the middle. It’s flirty, funny, and perfect for showing off acting instincts without high-note pressure. Take a chance on this cute song!
11️⃣ “Still Hurting” – The Last Five Years
Iconic, heartfelt, and written for a true mid-range. It’s powerful in its vulnerability — no belt required, just emotional honesty. Jason Robert Brown is a master of that, right?
🌟 Final Notes on These Songs
Mid-range singers, your voice isn’t “in between” — it’s the bridge between light and power. These songs celebrate that range, letting you lead with authenticity and storytelling, instead of sheer force.
Because when your voice tells the truth?
It’s always enough.
I am here for you to polish these songs, or any other songs you’re wanting to sound and feel great. I’ll help you get to the technical stuff, but just as importantly we’ll connect with emotion and character, too!
Ready to do this? Book with me now!