This year marks the 10th anniversary of Musical Theatre Resources, and one of the most popular topics I continue to get asked about is theatre songs for kids. Notably, I released a repertoire guide featuring 500(!) musical theatre & film songs for children a few years ago. That guide and others are available to purchase in the MTR Store. However, in honor of the site’s ‘decennial’ anniversary, I thought I would take a moment to highlight fifty great songs from that guide here (among many other fabulous pieces).
The musical theatre and film songs below are generally appropriate for children up to about age 13 (aka mostly treble voices regardless of gender). The majority are solos, but some do feature multiple singers. I tried to choose a fair amount of songs that aren’t as well known– though there are standards included to round out the bunch (it never hurts for young singers to learn classics!). All of these pieces range in difficulty and maturity level, so I recommend voice teacher discretion as always. If you find this list useful, please strongly consider purchasing the full guide to support my continued work. Thanks for your support as always, and cheers to ten years!
1. “Home” from Wonderland (2011)
Music by Frank Wildhorn; Lyrics by Jack Murphy | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
2. “What If” from The Addams Family (2010)
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
3. “Ring of Keys” from Fun Home (2015)
Music by Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics by Lisa Kron | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
4. “When I Get My Name in Lights” from The Boy from Oz (2003)
Music & Lyrics by Peter Allen | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
5. “Quiet” from Matilda (2013)
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
6. “Electricity” from Billy Elliot (2008)
Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Lee Hall | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
7. “Six Hours As a Princess” from Children’s Letters to God (2004)
Music by David Evans; Lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
8. “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” from A Christmas Story (2012)
Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
9. “Big and Loud“ from Cats Don’t Dance (1997)
Music & Lyrics by Randy Newman | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: Tunescribers
10. “I Need to Know” from Tarzan: The Musical (2006)
Music & Lyrics by Phil Collins | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: Vocal Selections
11. “I Always Knew” from Annie Warbucks (1993)
Music by Charles Strousse; Lyrics by Martin Charnin | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
12. “She’s in Love” from The Little Mermaid (2008)
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Glenn Slater | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
13. “What It Means to Be a Friend” from 13: The Musical (2008)
Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
14. “Proud Corazón” from Coco (2017)
Music by Germaine Franco; Lyrics by Adrian Molina | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
15. “The Girl I Mean to Be” from The Secret Garden (1991)
Music by Lucy Simon; Lyrics by Marsha Norman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
16. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from The Lion King (1994/1997)
Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Tim Rice | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
17. “Everlasting” from Tuck Everlasting (2016)
Music by Chris Miller; Lyrics by Nathan Tysen | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
18. “Middle of a Moment” from James and the Giant Peach (2010)
Music by Benj Pasek; Lyrics by Justin Paul | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
19. “Sing Your Own Song” from Dear Edwina (2008)
Music by Zina Goldrich; Lyrics by Marcy Heisler | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
20. “I Like It” from A Bronx Tale (2016)
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Glenn Slater | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
21. “Born to Entertain” from Ruthless (1992)
Music by Joel Paley; Lyrics by Marvin Laird | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
22. “Almost Nearly Perfect” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2017)
Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
23. “Writing Down the Story of My Life” from Junie B. Jones (2005)
Music by Zina Goldrich; Lyrics by Marcy Heisler | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
24. “It’s Possible (McElligot’s Pool)” from Seussical (2000)
Music by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens & Dr. Seuss | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
25. “Castle on a Cloud” from Les Misérables (1985)
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg; Lyrics by Alain Boublil & Herbert Kretzmer | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
26. “New Kid in the Neighborhood” from Captain Louie (2005)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
27. “Broken Old Doll” from A Little Princess (2005)
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: Vocal Selections
28. “Reluctantly” from Monstersongs (2017)
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: SheetMusicDirect
29. “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana (2016)
Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
30. “Big Mole” from Lost in the Stars (1949)
Music by Kurt Weill; Lyrics by Maxwell Anderson | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
31. “Gee, I’m Glad I’m No-One Else But Me” from Anne of Green Gables (1971)
Music by Norman Campbell; Lyrics by Elaine Campbell| Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
32. “Getting Tall” from Nine (1982)
Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
33. “When You’re Alone” from Hook (1991)
Music by John Williams; Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: SheetMusicPlus
34. “Not While I’m Around” [child actor version] from Sweeney Todd (1979)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
35. “I Know Things Now” [child actor version] from Into the Woods (1987)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
36. “Gary, Indiana” from The Music Man (1957)
Music & Lyrics by Meredith Milson | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
37. “Somewhere Out There” from An American Tail (1986)
Music & Lyrics by James Horner, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
38. “Neat to Be a Newsboy” from Working (1978)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
39. “I Like Danny” from Freckleface Strawberry (2010)
Music & Lyrics by Gray Kupper | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: Vocal Selections
40. “Where Is Love?” from Oliver! (1962)
Music & Lyrics by Lionel Burt | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
41. “For a Moment” from The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea (2000)
Music & Lyrics by Michael Silversher & Patty Silversher | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
42. “Noah Down the Stairs” from Caroline, or Change (2004)
Music by Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics by Tony Kushner | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
43. “Maybe” from Annie (1977)
Music by Charles Strouse; Lyrics by Martin Charnin | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
44. “Round-Shouldered Man” from The Secret Garden (1991)
Music by Lucy Simon; Lyrics by Marsha Norman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
45. “Let’s Get Together” from The Parent Trap (1961)
Music & Lyrics by Richard Sherman & Robert Sherman | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
46. “Little People” from Les Misérables (1985)
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg; Lyrics by Alain Boublil & Herbert Kretzmer| Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
47. “If Only You Would Listen” from School of Rock (2015)
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Lyrics by Glenn Slater| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
48. “I Want More” from Lestat (2006)
Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Bernie Taupin | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: SheetMusicDaily
49. “Miracle of Judaism” from Falsettoland (1990) & Falsettos (1992)
Music & Lyrics by William Finn | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: see full score
50. “Let Me Entertain You” from Gypsy (1959)
Music by Jule Styne; Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
51. “Like Magic” from Leap of Faith (2012)
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Glenn Slater | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: see full score
52. “Animal Crackers in My Soup” from Curly Top (1935)
Music by Ray Henderson; Lyrics by Ted Koehler & Irving Caesar | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
53. “I’m Feeling Fine” from Bugsy Malone (1976)
Music & Lyrics by Alan Parker | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: SheetsDaily
54. “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman (2017)
Music Benj Pasek; Lyrics by Justin Paul | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: Songwriter Website
55. “Naughty” from Matilda (2013)
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
56. “Expressing Yourself” from Billy Elliot (2008)
Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Lee Hall | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
57. “Silly Old Hat” from Children’s Letters to God (2004)
Music by David Evans; Lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
58. “Counting Down to Christmas” from A Christmas Story (2012)
Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
59. “Apology“ from Anne of Green Gables (1971)
Music & Lyrics by Norman Campbell; Lyrics by Elaine Campbell | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: see full score
60. “I Won’t Grow Up” from Peter Pan (1954)
Music by Mark Chaplan; Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
61. “Tomorrow” from Annie (1977)
Music by Charles Strousse; Lyrics by Martin Charnin | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Power Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
62. “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid (1989/2008)
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Glenn Slater | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
63. “The Lamest Place in the World” from 13: The Musical (2008)
Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
64. “When Will My Life Begin?” from Tangled (2010)
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by David Slater | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
65. “Round-Shouldered Man” from The Secret Garden (1991)
Music by Lucy Simon; Lyrics by Marsha Norman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
66. “Home” from Beauty and the Beast (1994)
Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Tim Rice | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
67. “Good Girl Winnie Foster” from Tuck Everlasting (2016)
Music by Chris Miller; Lyrics by Nathan Tysen | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
68. “On Your Way Home” from James and the Giant Peach (2010)
Music by Benj Pasek; Lyrics by Justin Paul | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
69. “On the Fridge” from Dear Edwina (2008)
Music by Zina Goldrich; Lyrics by Marcy Heisler | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
70. “Where Are You Christmas?” from The Grinch (2000)
Music & Lyrics by James Horner, Will Jennings & Mariah Carey | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
71. “To Play This Part” from Ruthless (1992)
Music by Joel Paley; Lyrics by Marvin Laird | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: see full score
72. “A Letter from Charlie Bucket” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2017)
Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
73. “When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” from Finding Neverland (2015)
Music & Lyrics by Gary Barlow & Eliot Kennedy | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
74. “Alone in the Universe” from Seussical (2000)
Music by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens & Dr. Seuss | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
75. “Crossing a Bridge” from Anastasia (2017)
Music by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
76. “Home Again” from Captain Louie (2005)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicaNeo
77. “Live Out Loud” from A Little Princess (2005)
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: Vocal Selections
[Character is age appropriate, but the song is not easy vocally and often sung by adults!]
78. “I’ve Got No Strings” from Pinocchio (1940)
Music by Leigh Harline; Lyrics by Ned Washington | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
79. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from Frozen (2013/2018)
Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
80. “In My Own Little Corner” from Cinderella (1957)
Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyris by Oscar Hammerstein II | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
81. “Dites-Moi” from South Pacific (1949)
Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
82. “Getting to Know You” from The King and I (1951)
Music by Richard Rodgers; lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
83. “My Best Girl” from Mame (1966)
Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
84. “Be Kind to Your Parents” from Fanny (1954)
Music & Lyrics by Harold Rome | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Music: MusicNotes
85. “I Know It’s Today” from Shrek (2008)
Music by Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
86. “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” from A Christmas Story (2012)
Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
87. “Soon” from Thumbelina (1994)
Music & Lyrics by Barry Manilow | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
88. “Dreams to Dream” from An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
Music & Lyrics by James Horner & Will Jennings | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
89. “Hey It’s Me” from Freckleface Strawberry (2010)
Music & Lyrics by Gary Kupper | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: Vocal Selections
90. “Who Will Buy?” from Oliver! (1962)
Music & Lyrics by Lionel Burt | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
91. “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia (1997/2017)
Music by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
92. “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music (1959)
Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
93. “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from Annie (1977)
Music by Charles Strouse; Lyrics by Martin Charnin | Song Type/Tempo: Comedic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
94. “The Age of Not Believing” from Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Music & Lyrics by Richard Sherman & Robert Sherman | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Sung by an adult in the film, but frequently sung by children out of context]
95. “Reflection” from Mulan (1998)
Music by Matthew Wilder; Lyrics by David Zippel | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
96. “I’m Wishing” from Snow White (1937)
Music by Frank Churchill; Lyrics by Larry Morey| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
47. “Candle On the Water” from Pete’s Dragon (1977)
Music & Lyrics by Al Kasha & Joel Hirschhorn| Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
98. “Like Other Girls” from Daddy Long Legs (2015)
Music & Lyrics by Paul Gordon | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Uptempo | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
99. “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella (1950)
Music & Lyrics by Mack David, Al Hoffman & Jerry Lingston | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Character is slightly older, but the song is vocally and emotionally appropriate for a mature young singer]
100. “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan (1999/2006)
Music & Lyrics by Phil Collins | Song Type/Tempo: Dramatic Ballad | Sheet Music: MusicNotes
[Sung by an adult in the film and musical, but frequently sung by children out of context]
Need more kid song ideas? Check out my full children’s repertoire guide with over 500(!) songs here. Other repertoire guides are also available in the MTR Store.