Aug 19 / Molly McLinden

13 Beautiful Contemporary Musical Theater Songs for Soprano

Contemporary musical theatre is verrrry pop-y, rock-y, and overall....belty! 

A lot of my young musical theater nerds listen to original Broadway cast recordings of older , "golden age" shows and don't know quite what to think- it's a different sound , for sure! One of my young singers told me he thought the original Oklahoma! was very "opera-y", and wasn't sure he liked it....ha! 

Broadway soprano Laura Benanti joked that voices like hers and Audra McDonald's were going in a museum, because there just aren't many like theirs left (which is a shame!)

Hey, I love me some big belting, but it does indeed seem like that is the only voice being written for in today's musical theatre world.  But what if you're *not* a belter?

Sopranos, I've got you!

...and I understand your frustration! And so do some of the singers I work with. 

Believe it or not , there ARE still composers out there that appreciate a legit soprano sound , and although great contemporary musical theater songs for sopranos are harder to find- they exist.

Here are 13 beautiful contemporary musical theater songs for soprano!

I Don't Need a Roof- Big Fish
This one has been very popular with my sopranos. So melodic!

What Only Love Can See- Chaplin
You may not know this one, as the musical (sadly!) did not do too well. Give it a listen, you will love it!

No One Else- Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
I am in love with this piece! The vocal line and dynamic changes make it a challenge, but wow is it gorgeous! A strong head register AND chest register are necessary for this piece.

When He Sees Me- Waitress
What's this? A contemporary soprano song that is also...funny?
Yes! Dawn's cute solo will put a smile on everyone's face when you sing it.  Whether you have a more pop sound OR legit sound, this should fit comfortably in your voice. 

All That Matters- Finding Neverland
Sylvia's music in this musical is FANTASTIC! This is definitely a show worth getting to know. Wonderful score.

Love Never Dies- Love Never Dies
This is a BIG, showy number that sits very high. So in other words, it's VERY soprano-y!

Far Too Late- Bad Cinderella
Mezzos and sopranos can do a fantastic job with this lovely and simple ballad.

The World Above- The Little Mermaid
The Broadway version added in two great songs perfect for more legit voiced sopranos. This one is lovely!

With You- Ghost
I'm not the biggest fan of musicals made from most movies, but this is really a wonderful, moving piece for sopranos!

The Beauty Is- The Light in the Piazza
Lots of beautiful legit soprano music in the score of this wonderful show!

To Build a Home- The Bridges of Madison County
This show may not be well known either, but the score by Jason Robert Brown is well worth checking out!

A Little Bit Less Than- It Shoulda Been You
Yup, another gem from a fantastic littler show well worth knowing!

Raining- Rocky the Musical
Ok, so I rolled my eyes when I heard they made a musical out of the iconic movie, Rocky.  But you know what? A student brought me this song, and it's actually really great! You need a really good lower register for this one as well.

I really , really hope that you like what you hear in this list of NON belt-y soprano musical theater songs ....contemporary edition! 

And! If you found a song or two that ya really like and want to polish? Well, I am here for you. So, schedule a lesson already!


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