Top 15 best audition songs for kids of all ages (2023)

"Children" is an undefined age; A child who can audition can be any age from 5 to 16 years old. And what suits a 5-year-old probably won't suit a 16-year-old. It is therefore a difficult task to decide which are the best prelude songs for children. So I have to break it down a bit into age groups.

Also, there's a bit of a problem with defining things by age. It's possible for a 13-year-old to get a role as an 8-year-old if he looks and sounds perfect for the role. Having said that, I assume that if the child wants to audition for a younger role, they will adapt the song accordingly.

A choice or no choice

I also assume you have the freedom to choose your own song for the audition. Where the casting people are looking for a pleasant voice and aren't specific, that will be the case.

However, there may be times when you have two or three to choose from. That's because they're looking for a specific type of singer, either by tone or style. In this case you have no or fewer possibilities to choose your own song.

It's best to always go with your own prepared song just in case they decide to throw it at you. Or when they can't decide between you and another applicant and ask you to sing an extra song.

Some considerations when choosing

I don't want to dampen performance, but sanity is the best idea. If you're allowed to choose your own song, don't try to sing a song just because you like it. That's usually a recipe for disaster.

Keep in mind that although you may think you can, you probably won't be able to sing like some of your musical heroes. Choose something to sing based on the following points:

• Preferably choose a well-known song.
• Make sure it's in a key that you can sing comfortably.
• Make sure you know the song very well.
• Choose a song that is appropriate for your age.
• Stay away from the more intense genres.
• Check if they have requested a specific song style.

So I'm going to break the age groups into three sections: under 8, 8-12, and 12-16. It will likely be possible for a singer to drop down an age category if they choose to do so. That means a 12-16 year old can also sing a song from the 8-12 grouping.

I will also keep the songs mostly theatrical or with a theatrical style. Since this will likely be an audition for a stage or film performance, I made my choice to include both. Some will come from stage shows that have been filmed, like most.

The best audition songs for kids under 8 years old

If you wish for a star - Disney's Pinocchio

When people think of Disney movie songs, they will always think of these first. Typical of Disney in its production, this song comes from the 1940s adaptation of the story of Pinocchio.

The original version had Cliff Edwards cast as Jiminy Cricket. It has been recognized as such an influential piece that it is first heard with the opening credits. But also in the final scene of the film.

A song that allows you to demonstrate vocal control and also express a little emotion in the words.

Beauty and the Beast - Disney's Beauty and the Beast

A memorable song from a film that became hugely popular when it was released in 1991. There were two previous versions of this story. One was produced for television in 1976. The other was part of a group of fairy tales in 1984. However, it is the Disney version that we know best today.

It's an old fairy tale, as popular as Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty. Angela Lansbury played the voice of Mrs. Potts as she describes the relationship between the two main characters. It's a story with a message that's often overlooked.

How two people overlook their differences, learn to accept them, and then both change for the better. It sends the message that love is timeless and timeless and as old as time itself. If you get this right, then it becomes aGreat audition song for kids.

So Long, Farewell – The Sound of Music

The first of four songs from what many consider to be the greatest musical of all time. It certainly includes somegreat songs for kids to sing at an audition.

The Sound of Music was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein and published in 1959. It was a stage show and also toured. But it's the original film version that shines above all other versions.

This is one of only two songs written primarily for children. They perform it first at a party for the guests quite early and again at the end. It offers you the opportunity to represent different age groups with your voice, potentially impressing those you audition.

Castle on a Cloud - Les Miserables

A song set in the 1820's sung by little Cosette as she works. In her imagination she dreams of a castle in the clouds where she is loved and all the children can play freely and be happy.

The song is interrupted by the lady of the house, who sends her out to fetch water. An emotional song and agood song option for a child's audition.

Once you get on with the song, it's ideal for demonstrating your vocal ability. And if you're so inclined, playing the role would also be beneficial.

Really Yummy - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Truly Scrumptious is a fictional character appearing in the film and stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It was released in 1968 on the back cover of similarly successful films in a similarly light-hearted manner and was written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

The character doesn't appear in the original book, but the filmmakers wanted some romantic interest. It's sung by three people, but it's easy to handle. It is later reworked as a counterpoint to another song near the end.

A song that is easy to sing and well known does not require too much understanding.

The best audition songs for kids 8-12 years old

My favorite things – The sound of music

Another memorable song from this musical that has a bittersweet backstory. Hammerstein was battling cancer in 1958 while writing with Rodgers. He wrote down a list of all his favorite things and things for which he was grateful.

It became the basis of this memorable play/movie song. Another song that will go down well in an audition and another song that showcases your vocal ability.

Look at yourself - Oliver

You may prefer a song to lighten the mood and add some fun to the audition. There's nothing wrong with that if you choose the right song, and this song is exactly that. It could be described as a light-hearted romp.

It's sung by the Artful Dodger for Oliver Twist, who doesn't know what's going on. They want Oliver to join their gang of pickpockets. Oliver was a Lionel Bart classic loosely based on the book by Charles Dickens.

It was Dickens' second novel about the life of poor children in Victorian London. It's sometimes referred to as the "Revboys Progress." AFunny song for children to sing in audition, and you can play the roles if you like.

Yellow Submarine - The Beatles

You might want something more up to date. Yellow Submarine was an animated film by The Beatles. The song "Yellow Submarine" was written by Lennon and McCartney and sung by Ringo in the film.

Not really a theatrical song. But having something like this available can show you have a wide range of music and skills.

Who is buying – Oliver Twist

We return to Charles Dickens' history of London's Victorian slums to record this song. If this is your first time seeing the musical and not the film, this is a standout song. While there are multiple singers in the stage song, all the voices can be taken by one person.

It's just a song about different people selling their wares on the street. The melody is very touching and the content very thoughtful.

A great song for an audition because it's a song that captures emotions and allows the singer to portray them.

A dream is a heart's desire - Disney's Cinderella

A charming song from the 1950s Disney version of Cinderella. The song was written by Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston. It's a charming little song with Cinderella sitting and encouraging her animal friends. She tells them that they must never give up on their dreams.

A nice tune if you're looking for something that isn't as well known as some of the songs we've recorded so far.

The best audition songs for 12-16 year old kids

I'm sixteen and I go to Seventeen - The Sound of Music

Back to the Austrian mountains for this song by Sound of Music. It talks about puberty and how awkward it feels to grow up. Liesel sings it to her "close" friend Rolf, telling him that she believes she can count on his guidance. That's because he's a "full year" older than her.

A well constructed song about a young girl on the verge of womanhood and a great audition option.

I would do anything - Oliver

Heading back to Victorian London again for another memorable Lionel Bart song by Oliver. It starts with Nancy and the Artful Dodger talking, but then soon segues into the song. Others have parts in the song and it becomes conversation. However, it's okay if one person sings all parts.

It is ainteresting song to singbecause it gives you performance options. It's a mid-tempo song, but can also be sung very slowly and sympathetically.

What a feeling – Flashdance

If you feel like the part you're going to audition for requires you to demonstrate some uptempo skills, there's nothing better than that. A great song with a great chorus from the 1983 movie Flashdance.

If you can pull it off, it's bound to get feet tapping. And with a song this powerful, you can give it your all.

Maybe - Annie

This is the first song sung in the film and it's quite touching. Annie reads a letter that she was abandoned by her estranged parents. In the song, she wonders what they could be like and hopes that one day they will come back for her.

Again a good song for an audition but you have to be able to generate the right amount of emotion. It's a bit easy to go overboard with a song like this. If you do that, everything gets a bit cheesy and won't do you any favors.

Edelweiss – The sound of music

Let's finish this look at theBest audition songs for kidsby returning once more to the Sound of Music. While this is a great song to sing, don't get bogged down with some of the misconceptions about it.

The edelweiss is a small white flower found in the Austrian mountains that is also found in Germany and Switzerland. It is important to the Austrian people, but not nationalistic as is often portrayed. This flower had nothing to do with any war themes.

The song Edelweiss was not written until 1959. So it was not in use at the time the play is presented. However, it is a great song to sing with a lot of feelings and emotions. When sung well, it's a head turner, as was the case in the film The Sound of Music.

Looking for great kids music?

We can help. Check out our articlesFunny songs to sing with children, DieThe best songs to sing along to,Fun music activities for kids,Easy echo songs for schools, DieThe best karaoke songs anyone can sing, AndTypes of vocal timbrefor more information on great children's songs.

You might also like our detailed reviews of theBest Live Vocal Microphones, DieBest dynamic microphones, DieBest cheap microphone under $50, DieThe best karaoke microphones, DieBest microphones for recording vocals, and theThe best microphones for the iPadYou can buy 2023.

The Best Audition Songs For Kids - Final Thoughts

Some great songs for kids to sing when auditioned and allowed to choose their own material. I've tried to make a varied selection so for every part you audition for there will be a song that might suit you. Much luck.

And until next time, make your voice heard.