Are some of the girls you work with too old—or simply too tall—to play Annie anymore, but still not quite old enough to sing about devastating heartbreak, failed marriages, or a lifetime of regret?
Welcome to the tween musical theatre song dilemma– if you’re a vocal coach or musical director, no doubt you’ve faced this!
It can be surprisingly difficult to find songs for this age group. A singer may have outgrown the adorable little-kid repertoire, but many traditional teen and adult audition songs still feel too mature. We need material that challenges them without asking a 12-year-old to pretend she has been emotionally destroyed by a cheating cad.
And here is the other super super super important part: the girls need to actually enjoy singing the songs.
These are 13 musical theatre songs I regularly use with tween girls in my vocal studio. I have had excellent results with all of them. Not only can they work beautifully for auditions, competitions, showcases, and recitals, but my students genuinely love singing them.
1. “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music
This song is a classic for a reason.
Believe it or not, even though “My Favorite Things” is fairly simple and extremely well known, it has helped several of my students land roles. It gives a young singer room to show personality, storytelling, musicality, and a lovely natural voice without needing to screlt (scream+ belt)
Sometimes the best audition choice is not the most complicated song. It is the song the singer can perform confidently!
2. “I Got the Sun in the Morning” from Annie Get Your Gun
This upbeat Golden Age song still works wonderfully for tween singers.
And no, they do not need to perform it like a miniature Ethel Merman, ’cause that would be concerning!
A young singer’s natural voice, cheerful energy, and upbeat personality are more than enough to make this song successful. It is bright, charming, easy to understand, and a great introduction to classic musical theatre material.
3. “Everlasting” from Tuck Everlasting
This musical needs more love!
“Everlasting” is a beautiful contemporary musical theatre song, and Winnie is an extremely age-appropriate character for a tween performer. The story gives young singers something meaningful to connect with without requiring them to portray adult romantic experiences they have not had.
It is thoughtful, melodic, and particularly effective for singers who are natural storytellers.
4. “Live Out Loud” from A Little Princess
“Live Out Loud” is uplifting, emotional, and full of hope.
Once again, do not worry about a tween singer being extremely belty. The most important thing is that she sings the song with heart, commitment, and her own natural vocal abilities. It’s especially key they don’t force it vocally when their voice is in development mode!
A giant adult-sized belt is not required to communicate excitement or strength–ever. Let the singer tell the story instead of trying to imitate someone else’s much older voice.
5. “Some Things Are Meant to Be” from Little Women
This is originally a lovely duet, but there is also a solo version that works beautifully for tween girls.
It is gentle, melodic, and emotionally sincere. The song allows a young singer to explore more sensitive material without throwing her into an overly mature romantic storyline.
It is simply so pretty—and an especially nice choice for a recital, showcase, or singer with a sweet lyrical voice. This musical is just fabulous!
6. “My Grand Plan” from The Lightning Thief
High-energy, uptempo contemporary musical theatre goodness!
“My Grand Plan” gives a young performer the opportunity to show humor, personality, frustration, determination, and plenty of character. It is particularly effective for confident performers who enjoy acting through a song.
It also feels modern and relatable without sounding like generic pop music.
7. “What It Means to Be a Friend” from 13
Jason Robert Brown knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote 13. The entire musical is a goldmine for tween performers.
“What It Means to Be a Friend” deals with relationships and social struggles that actually make sense for this age group. Young singers can connect to the lyrics because friendship drama, loyalty, and figuring out where you belong are very real parts of being a tween.
The song is very specific, theatrical, and wonderfully age appropriate.
8. “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia
“Journey to the Past” is one of those rare songs that can work for many different types of voices.
It can suit a singer with a big, powerful sound, but it can also work beautifully for someone with a sweeter or more lyrical voice. The key is allowing the student to sing it in a way that fits her own instrument rather than copying a particular performer.
Yes, it is popular—but it is popular for a reason!
9. “I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music
Yes, this is another song from one of the most famous musicals of all time.
But you know what? “I Have Confidence” is both singer-friendly and tween-friendly. The lyrics are optimistic, the story is easy to understand, and there are plenty of opportunities for personality and movement.
And yes, when performed well, this song can absolutely help a young singer get cast.
10. “The Secret of Happiness” from Daddy Long Legs
Paul Gordon writes gorgeous music, and “The Secret of Happiness” is a wonderful example.
This uplifting song sits nicely in the middle voice and has a beautiful, memorable melody. It feels thoughtful and expressive without becoming too heavy or mature.
My girls love, love, love this one.
11. “A Most Unusual Day” from A Date with Judy
This charming song comes from an old MGM musical, but it still feels completely adorable for a budding tween soprano.
It is light, joyful… and a little bit unexpected. It can be an excellent choice for a young singer who enjoys classic material but does not want to perform one of the same five Golden Age songs everyone else is singing.
It is also a lovely opportunity to show a clear upper register without forcing a tween singer into adult operetta material.
12. “Gotta Go My Own Way” from High School Musical 2
Pop Disney at its finest!
“Gotta Go My Own Way” is heartfelt, honest, and incredibly relatable for young singers. It gives them a chance to explore some emotional material, but the lyrics and situation still feel appropriate for their age.
It is also familiar enough to be immediately appealing without being impossible to personalize.
13. “If Only” from Descendants
“If Only” is a very singable contemporary ballad with a strong melody and plenty of opportunities for emotional connection.
I know I have said this several times throughout this article, but seriously—my girls LOVE this one too.
It feels modern, it is not excessively difficult, and it allows a young singer to create a meaningful performance without pushing her voice beyond what it is ready to do.
The Best Tween Song Is the One That Fits the Singer
There is no single “correct” sound for a tween musical theatre performer.
Some young singers have naturally powerful voices. Others are light, lyrical, quirky, warm, or character-driven. A tween does not need to manufacture a giant belt or sing material intended for a 35-year-old woman to be impressive.
The best song will:
- Fit her current vocal abilities
- Give her a story she can understand
- Allow her personality to come through
- Feel appropriate for her age
- Make her genuinely excited to sing
Because when a young singer truly enjoys her song, you can usually see—and hear—the difference. Trust me!
Are you struggling to find the right musical theatre song for a young singer?
Choosing repertoire is one of my favorite parts of teaching, and the right song can make an enormous difference in a student’s confidence, vocal growth, and audition results. Schedule some time with me here. I’d love to help you!