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Songs for Beginners

For beginner singers, the choice of songs plays an integral role in each student’s progress. Many of my beginner students request song suggestions. Below are popular songs that I recommend if you’re just starting out with voice lessons.

Popular Songs for Singing Beginners

Popular Songs for Singing Beginners

ChildrenTeens and Adults
Somewhere Over the RainbowOne Call Away- Charlie Puth 
Take me Out to the Ball GameOne Thousand Years- Christina Perri  
Mary Had a Little LambCan’t Help Falling in Love- Elvis Presley 
I’m a Little Tea PotHallelujah- Leonard Cohens 
Hokey PokeyShake It Off- Taylor Swift  

Rhythm Patterns

Children who are 6-8 years old do best with songs that have a predictable melodic line. For example, choose a repeating chorus that lines up with the verses of the song. And songs with lyrics that are repetitive and easy to learn are good choices for beginning kids songs.

Vocal Range

Children between ages 3-5 have roughly a 6 note key range from middle C to A. Children 6-8 years have a wider range of about an octave, 8 notes from middle C to treble C. Once children are 9-11 years old, then they have the ability to sing from Bb (right by Middle C) up to treble E. Before and after puberty, vocal range also changes. And with teens and adults, the vocal range varies based on if they are tenor, baritone, bass, alto, or soprano.

Style of Song

When working with teens and adults, the repertoire of songs broadens. It’s important to pick songs that help develop a singers’ breath, artistry, technique, and vocal range. For example, One Call Away, One Thousand Years, and Can’t Falling in Love using both upper and lower registers. The tempo is slow enough to focus on good tonal production and helps develop breath control. These songs also help with simple diction and phrasing along with learning the basics of diphthongs. Songs like Shake it Off by Taylor Swift are upbeat but repetitive. Because of the repetitive nature of the songs, it allows the singer to focus on style and adding their own spice while performing it.

Of course, picking appropriate songs is not just related to age but also preference of style and taste. Certain singers have a proclivity towards a certain genre of music. And within that genre, there are many beginning levels songs for jazz, rock, blues, pop, classical, Indi rock, and musical theater.