Is your child constantly humming a tune, dreaming of the spotlight, or just loves a good story told through song? Then diving into the world of musical theatre might be exactly what they need! Finding the best musicals for kids can be a thrilling adventure, opening doors to creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love for the arts.
Whether they’re aspiring Broadway stars, looking for fun new songs to learn, or simply want to explore their vocal talents, having the right resources is key. We’ve scoured the stage and compiled a list of fantastic musical theatre collections designed specifically for young performers. These resources offer a wonderful gateway into the magic of show tunes, helping kids develop their singing, acting, and performing skills. Let’s explore some top picks that’ll have your little one ready for their curtain call!
1. Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection | Volumes 1 and 2
This fantastic duo provides an extensive treasure trove of songs, making it a perfect all-in-one package for any young musical theatre enthusiast. Combining both Volume 1 and Volume 2, it offers a broad range of tunes from classic to contemporary children’s shows, ensuring your child won’t run out of material anytime soon. It’s ideal for kids who are serious about singing and want a robust library at their fingertips, helping them explore different vocal styles and storytelling through song.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive song selection from various children’s musicals
- Includes vocal lines with piano accompaniment
- Suitable for a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to intermediate
- Perfect for both practice and performance
Pros:
- Excellent value getting both volumes together
- Wide variety of songs keeps kids engaged
- Great for long-term vocal development
- High-quality arrangements
Cons:
- Might be a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners
- No included audio for immediate listening/practice without external devices
User Impressions: Parents and vocal coaches consistently praise this combined collection for its sheer volume and quality of songs. Users love that it grows with the child, offering pieces that remain challenging and fun as their skills improve. It’s often recommended as a go-to resource for young singers.
2. Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 1 Book/Online
Ready to start their musical journey? Volume 1 of the Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection is a superb entry point, specially curated for young vocalists. What makes this particular edition shine is the included online audio, which is an absolute game-changer for learning! Kids can listen to professional accompaniments, helping them nail pitches, rhythms, and interpretations before even stepping to the piano. It’s truly one of the best musicals for kids resources for building foundational skills.
Key Features:
- Volume 1 Book with Online Audio access
- Pages: 122
- Instrumentation: Voice
- Instrumentation: Piano Accompaniment
Pros:
- Online audio is invaluable for practice and learning
- Excellent starter collection for young singers
- Features age-appropriate and fun songs
- Clear and easy-to-read sheet music
Cons:
- Limited to one volume, so kids might quickly outgrow the song selection
- Online access might require an internet connection
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the convenience of the online audio, stating it drastically improves their child’s practice sessions. Many describe it as the perfect beginner’s guide, providing just enough material without being overwhelming, making it a top choice for introducing children to musical theatre.
3. Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology | Children’s Edition
For the more serious young singer, the “Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology | Children’s Edition” is a gold standard. This anthology is a comprehensive collection often recommended by vocal teachers for its professional-grade selection of songs suitable for auditions, recitals, and serious study. It features a diverse range of songs from various shows, giving young performers a robust repertoire to choose from as they hone their craft. It’s definitely one of the best musicals for kids anthologies if you’re looking for quality and depth.
Key Features:
- Format: Book Only
- Pages: 188
- Instrumentation: Vocal
- Instrumentation: Piano Accompaniment
Pros:
- Extensive and high-quality song selection
- Perfect for audition preparation
- Recommended by vocal professionals
- Broad range of styles and challenges
Cons:
- No included audio, requiring a live accompanist or external tracks
- Might be too advanced for absolute beginners
- Focuses more on serious study than casual fun
User Impressions: Vocal coaches and parents of aspiring singers rave about this anthology’s sophisticated song choices and its utility for students looking to take their musical theatre skills to the next level. It’s seen as an indispensable resource for building a strong, versatile audition book.
4. Broadway Presents! Kids’ Musical Theatre Anthology
Bring the magic of Broadway right into your home or classroom with this fantastic anthology! “Broadway Presents! Kids’ Musical Theatre Anthology” comes with a companion CD, making it incredibly user-friendly for young stars who love to sing along. Edited by Lisa DeSpain, it focuses on genuine Broadway tunes adapted for children, offering a taste of the big stage. This collection is perfect for general music education, classroom settings, or just a fun sing-along at home, truly embodying the spirit of Broadway for kids.
Key Features:
- Format: Book & CD
- Genre: Broadway
- Category: General Music and Classroom Publications
- Contributors: Ed. Lisa DeSpain
- Pub Date: 11/2008
Pros:
- Includes a CD for easy practice and sing-alongs
- Focuses on popular Broadway numbers adapted for kids
- Great for group settings and classrooms
- Excellent for developing a love for classic show tunes
Cons:
- Publication date of 2008 means songs might not be the most current hits
- Song selection might be limited compared to larger anthologies
User Impressions: Teachers and parents love the included CD, making it easy for children to learn and perform without needing a live accompanist. It’s often praised for making Broadway accessible and fun for a younger audience, fostering an early appreciation for the genre.
5. Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection: Volume 2 – Book/Online
If your child has already conquered Volume 1 or is looking for fresh challenges, Volume 2 of the Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection is the perfect next step. This edition continues the high-quality selection of songs with the added bonus of online audio, mirroring the success of its predecessor. It’s packed with new tunes to explore, helping young singers expand their repertoire and continue their vocal development. For ongoing musical theatre education, this is easily one of the best musicals for kids resources you can add to your collection.
Key Features:
- Volume 2 Book with Online Audio access
- Pages: 120
- Instrumentation: Voice
- Instrumentation: Piano Accompaniment
Pros:
- Excellent follow-up to Volume 1
- Online audio for enhanced learning and practice
- Expands repertoire with fresh songs
- Continues to offer age-appropriate and engaging material
Cons:
- Requires an internet connection for online audio
- May not be ideal as a standalone first purchase for absolute beginners
User Impressions: Users who loved Volume 1 are equally impressed with Volume 2, noting the consistent quality of song selection and the continued benefit of the online audio. Many appreciate it as a natural progression, keeping their children motivated and excited about learning new songs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What age group are these musical theatre collections best suited for?
A1: Most of these collections are designed for elementary to middle school-aged children, typically ranging from 7 to 14 years old. However, suitability often depends on the individual child’s interest, vocal development, and previous experience with singing or music.
Q2: Do these collections come with sheet music, or just lyrics?
A2: All the reviewed products include full sheet music, featuring vocal lines with piano accompaniment. This allows children (and their accompanists) to learn both the melody and harmony, and understand the musical structure of each song.
Q3: Are these books good for absolute beginners in singing?
A3: Yes, many of these collections, especially Volume 1 of the “Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection,” are excellent for beginners. They often feature songs with accessible vocal ranges and clear arrangements. The online audio resources in some books are particularly helpful for new learners.
Q4: What’s the main difference between “Book Only” and “Book/Online Audio” editions?
A4: “Book Only” editions provide just the sheet music, meaning you’ll need a live accompanist (or separate backing tracks) for practice. “Book/Online Audio” editions give you access to online recordings of the piano accompaniments, which is incredibly useful for practicing at home without needing a pianist.
Q5: Can these songs be used for auditions for school plays or local theatre groups?
A5: Absolutely! Many songs in these collections, particularly those from the “Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology | Children’s Edition” and the “Broadway Presents!” collection, are perfect for auditions. They are typically well-known, age-appropriate, and showcase a child’s vocal abilities effectively.
Q6: How do I choose the right musical theatre collection for my child?
A6: Consider your child’s current skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), whether they prefer to practice with audio or a live accompanist, and their interest in specific types of songs (e.g., general kids’ musicals, Broadway classics). Reading user reviews and checking the table of contents (if available) can also help guide your decision.
Q7: Are there specific types of songs included, like up-tempo or ballads?
A7: Most comprehensive collections aim for a balance of song types. You’ll typically find a mix of up-tempo, energetic numbers and slower, more reflective ballads. This variety helps children develop versatility in their vocal performance and emotional expression.
Conclusion
Picking the best musicals for kids means finding resources that ignite their passion for performance and help them grow musically. Whether you opt for the comprehensive “Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection | Volumes 1 and 2” or the audition-ready “Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology,” each of these selections offers a unique pathway into the vibrant world of show tunes. They’re more than just songbooks; they’re tools for building confidence, fostering creativity, and making dreams of the stage a little more real. So go ahead, choose the perfect collection, and let your child’s voice shine!