Finding a good musical theater song for a baritone can be ANNOYING. How do I know this? Well, I coach enough baritones to hear how frustrated they are. Not to mention, I have been interacting with quite a few on social media lately, and they voice the same concerns!
A lot of “baritone song” lists are full of songs for old men, villains, or songs that are secretly tenor songs in disguise (LOTS of that, especially these days. Does ANYONE write for a lower voice anymore? Hello! They exist!)
So let’s talk about easy musical theater baritone solos that are actually useful..meaning, songs that would work for study or performance. In other words: musical theater baritone songs for the real world!
And by “easy,” I do not mean boring. No way! You know me better than that! I mean singable, actable, and manageable — songs that help a singer sound good without forcing them into vocal panic..’cause that is the last thing anyone needs to be able to relax and tell the story.
What Makes a Good Easy Baritone Song?
A good easy baritone solo usually has:
- A comfortable range
- A clear melody
- Lyrics that give you something to act
- Room for personality
- No high notes that scare you
- No need to manufacture fake trauma
The goal is not to pick the hardest song in the book. Nope.
The goal is to pick the song that helps you sound like yourself — only better! I tell my singers all the time that you don’t want difficult songs. You want to be able to slay, even on your worst day.
1. “Fallin’” from They’re Playing Our Song
This is a terrific choice for a baritone who wants something charming and conversational.
It has a relaxed pop-theater feel without being vocally intimidating. The singer gets to be funny, open, sincere, and a little awkward in the best possible way.
This is not a song about showing off. It is a song about being likable and real.
Best for: younger baritones, romantic comedy energy, and singers who need to stop stiffly “performing” and start actually connecting. I used this song with those new to auditioning , with great results!
2. “Real Live Girl” from Do Re Mi
This one is classic, sweet, and oh so singable. Have you noticed that the best baritone songs are from ages ago? Why oh why, I ask you, do they NOT write for baritones anymore….? Anyway…..
“Real Live Girl” has that old-school musical theater charm without asking the singer to climb a vocal mountain. It is also a good reminder that simple does not mean dead behind the eyes.
The singer still needs warmth, a lot of personality, and a little sparkle. Otherwise, it can turn into musical theater BLAH.
Best for: classic baritone sound, clean phrasing, and singers who want something wholesome but still charming that people will love to hear.
3. “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music
Yes, everyone knows it. Yes, it is simple. No, that does not mean it is easy to do well.
“Edelweiss” is completely exposed. There is nowhere to hide. The melody is clear, the text is gentle, and the singer has to actually mean what they are saying.
This is a wonderful song for breath, legato, sincerity, and stillness. It is SO not flashy, but when it is sung honestly, it works, and works beautifully.
Best for: lyrical baritones, beginners, classical-leaning singers, and anyone who needs to practice simplicity without becoming boring. This is good for baritones of all ages.
4. “Marian the Librarian” from The Music Man
Now we get some serious personality!
“Marian the Librarian” is great for a baritone who has comic timing, clear diction, and the ability to handle rhythm like a pro.
It gives the singer something playful and active to do. The trick is to stay crisp without becoming frantic.
Also, Harold Hill needs charm. Please do not make him a creepy.
Best for: character baritones, comic timing, diction, and rhythmic clarity.
5. “I Won’t Send Roses” from Mack and Mabel
This one is more emotionally mature, but still very manageable vocally. I have used it with younger performers as well.
“I Won’t Send Roses” sits well for many baritones and gives the singer a lot to act. The key is restraint. This is not a giant sob-fest. It is a man telling you exactly who he is, and that is what makes it hurt.
If the singer overplays it, it gets heavy fast. If he keeps it honest, it can be beautiful. I have heard from lots of baritones that adore this song, and use it for auditions.
Run to YouTube to check out Brian Stokes Mitchell singing it. Oh my.
Best for: mature baritones, acting-focused singers, and performers who can handle emotional honesty without chewing the scenery.
6. “Long Before I Knew You” from Bells Are Ringing
This is yet another lovely Golden Age option with warmth and elegance.
It is romantic without being overly dramatic, and it gives the singer room to work on phrasing, tone, and connection. It also has that classic musical theater sound that is useful for lessons, recitals, and certain auditions.
This is a good choice when you want something polished, sincere, and not painfully overdone.
Best for: classic baritone sound, romantic material, and singers who want something graceful and singable.
7. “C’est Moi” from Camelot
“C’est Moi” is a wonderful choice for a baritone who needs something bold, funny, and character-driven.
It is not “easy” because you can phone it in. You cannot. The song needs confidence, clarity, and a sense of humor…the humor is KEY! But vocally, it is much more manageable than many of the big dramatic baritone pieces.
The singer has to commit to the ridiculousness. He is basically announcing, “Good news, everyone. I am perfect.” That only works if you understand the joke.
Note: Camelot is a GIFT for baritones. SO many great solos!
Best for: confident baritones, comic/classic auditions, and singers who need to practice bold character choices. Are you auditioning for Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast” any time soon? This is your song, my friends.
8. “Try to Remember” from The Fantasticks
This is one of those songs that looks simple on the page but requires real presence.
“Try to Remember” is gentle, lyrical, and very approachable. It is a great song for working on line, breath, and storytelling. The danger is getting too precious with it.
Do not wrap every phrase in sentimental fog. Keep it clear. Keep it honest. Let the song do its job. It’s timeless for a reason.
Best for: lyrical baritones, recital settings, and singers who need to work on sustained phrasing. This works well for all ages, although there is something special about this when sung by an older singer.
9. “They Were You” from The Fantasticks
This is another beautiful, simple option from The Fantasticks.
“They Were You” gives the singer a chance to be reflective and sincere without needing a huge vocal range or dramatic breakdown. It is a great reminder that a quiet song can still have emotional power.
Like “Edelweiss” and “Try to Remember,” this one depends on honesty. If the singer tries to “act serious”, it can backfire. If he simply tells the truth, it works. Always.
Best for: younger baritones, lyrical singing, emotional connection, and clean, honest storytelling. A singer on Instagram told me this song also worked for him in an a cappella audition!
Final Thoughts
Easy baritone songs are not throwaway songs!
In fact, they are often the songs that teach singers the most. When a song is not vocally or dramatically intimidating, the singer can actually focus on the stuff that matters: acting, phrasing, diction, breath, timing, and connection. You know…showing us…..you!
A good baritone song does not have to prove everything in 32 bars.
Sometimes the best choice is the song that fits, tells the story, and lets the singer sound like believable .
Hope you found one on this list that you love! If you did and want help with it, I’m here. Schedule a lesson with me now!