Finding the Right Song for Your Voice

Have you ever tried singing a song you love, only to feel like it just doesn’t suit your voice?

Maybe the notes feel too high or too low, or the style doesn’t quite fit your tone.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone!

Finding the right song for your voice is like finding the perfect pair of shoes: it needs to fit well, feel comfortable, and highlight your best features.

Why Song Choice Matters

Picking the right song can make the difference between a performance that sounds amazing and one that feels like a struggle.

When a song fits your voice, you’ll feel more confident, sound more natural, and most importantly, enjoy singing it!

So how do you find that perfect song? Let’s break it down.

1. Know Your Vocal Range

Your vocal range is the set of notes you can sing comfortably. If a song has too many notes outside your range, it can strain your voice and make singing feel exhausting.

The key to avoiding vocal fatigue is choosing songs that sit in your sweet spot—the area where your voice sounds its best and feels the most effortless.

How to Find Your Range:

Try singing along to a piano, guitar, or an app like SingSharp or Vocalist Lite.

Start at a comfortable note and go lower until your voice starts to crack or feel weak. That’s your lowest note.

Then, slowly go higher until your voice feels strained or tight. That’s your highest note.

What to Do With This Info:

Once you know your range, look up the vocal range of songs before you attempt to sing them.

Websites like Musicnotes or Singing Carrots provide key information on a song’s range, which can help you determine if it fits your voice.

If you love a song that’s outside your range, you can transpose it to a different key so it better suits your voice.

It’s also important to remember that range can change over time.

With regular vocal exercises and practise, you might be able to extend your range and sing songs you couldn’t before!

2. Identify Your Vocal Strengths

Not every singer is built for every song, and that’s okay!

Some voices are rich and deep, like Adele’s, while others are light and airy, like Billie Eilish’s.

Your unique vocal qualities play a big role in determining which songs will sound best when you sing them.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I have a bright, high voice? Try pop songs with clean, clear melodies that let your upper register shine.
• Is my voice warm and deep? Jazz or soul might suit you well, as they emphasise rich, expressive tones.
• Do I have a raspy tone? Rock songs could be your sweet spot, especially ones that require a gritty vocal texture.
• Can I belt powerful notes? Musical theatre or power ballads may be a great fit, as they require strong, resonant vocals.

Understanding your strengths also means recognising what doesn’t work for you.

If you struggle with fast, complex lyrics, rap or fast-tempo songs may not be the best choice.

If your voice naturally leans towards a soft, breathy tone, trying to force a powerhouse belt might not sound or feel right.

Tip: Try recording yourself singing different songs. Sometimes, what sounds good in your head isn’t what actually suits your voice best! Compare different styles and listen for the ones where your voice feels most natural and expressive.

3. Pick a Style That Feels Right

Singing should feel like an extension of yourself.

If a song’s style doesn’t match your personality or vocal style, it won’t feel natural.

No matter how much you love a song, if it doesn’t fit who you are as a singer, it may not be the best choice for you.

Genres to Consider:

• Love soft and emotional songs? Try folk or acoustic pop, where gentle storytelling takes center stage.
• Like powerful, dramatic songs? Look into musical theatre or R&B, as they allow for big vocal moments and emotional depth.
• Have a playful, quirky voice? Indie, jazz, or blues might be your thing, offering unique melodies and rhythms that can showcase your individuality.
• Enjoy energetic, fast-paced singing? Rock, punk, or hip-hop might be perfect for your vocal style, allowing for rhythmic delivery and high-energy performance.

It’s also okay to mix things up. Just because you usually sing classical doesn’t mean you can’t explore jazz, and just because you love pop doesn’t mean you can’t try an indie song.

Experimenting with different styles will help you discover what truly suits you and may even expand your vocal abilities.

One great way to test this is to listen to artists with similar voices to yours and see what kinds of songs they sing.

Pay attention to what makes their voice work in those songs—do they use breathy tones, powerful belts, or soft vibrato?

Try applying the same techniques to your own singing and see if it feels comfortable.

4. Pay Attention to the Lyrics

A song isn’t just about notes—it’s about the story you’re telling.

If you don’t connect with the lyrics, it’ll be harder to deliver an emotional and convincing performance.

Singing is about more than hitting the right pitch; it’s about communicating a feeling and making the audience believe what you’re singing.

Ask yourself:

• Do these lyrics mean something to me? If you don’t personally relate to the words, you may struggle to sing them with conviction.
• Can I express this song authentically? If a song feels too forced or unnatural, it may not be the right choice.
• Would I feel comfortable performing this in front of people? If the lyrics feel too personal or too distant, you might not be able to fully commit to the performance.

A great singer can take a song and make it their own by bringing genuine emotion into their performance.

That’s why some cover songs sound just as powerful (or even more so) than the originals.

It’s not about copying someone else—it’s about interpreting the song in a way that feels true to you.

Try reading the lyrics of a song like poetry before you even start singing.

If the words move you, chances are you’ll be able to deliver a more heartfelt and compelling performance.

5. Experiment and Have Fun!

The best way to find the perfect song? Try different ones!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres, tempos, and keys. Every singer has their comfort zone, but stepping outside of it can lead to exciting discoveries about your voice.

Ways to Experiment:

• Sing Along with Different Artists: Even ones outside your usual style. You might find unexpected strengths!
• Try Different Tempos: Sometimes, a fast song sounds better when slowed down, or a ballad feels more natural with an upbeat twist.
• Use Karaoke Tracks: This removes the original singer’s voice so you can focus on how the song fits YOUR voice.
• Sing in Front of a Friend: Sometimes, others can hear things you don’t and can offer valuable feedback.

Finding the right song isn’t just about technical fit—it’s about what excites you and makes you want to keep singing.

Some songs will naturally bring out the best in your voice, while others may feel like a struggle.

The goal is to find the ones that make singing feel effortless and enjoyable.

Develop Your Voice with London Singing Institute

If you’re committed to finding the right song for your voice and want expert guidance to refine your technique, professional training can make all the difference.

At London Singing Institute, we specialise in adult singing lessons in London, offering structured, high-quality vocal training tailored to each singer’s unique style and strengths.

Our experienced instructors provide personalised lessons across various genres, including classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop, and rock, helping you discover your true vocal identity.

Whether you want to build confidence, expand your range, or prepare for performances, we ensure that every lesson is designed to bring out the best in your voice.

If you’re ready to take your singing to the next level and find the perfect songs to showcase your voice, contact us today to start your journey with adult singing lessons in London!

Final Thoughts

Finding the right song for your voice is about more than just hitting the notes—it’s about finding a song that showcases your strengths, suits your personality, and makes you feel confident.

The best singers aren’t the ones who can sing the most difficult songs—they’re the ones who know how to pick the right songs and make them their own.

So go ahead, explore, and sing your heart out!