The "Do's" and "Don'ts" of Voice Lessons

-Meredith Manley

This week I’m writing the blog specifically for our voice students and their parents- I call it the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of voice lessons. I find that many parents have good intentions when it comes to helping their child become a better singer, but reading through this list will ensure that you’re on the right track!

Do’s List:

1. Seek a qualified teacher- do your research before you hire a teacher to start working with your child. What is their training/background? Do they lean toward teaching a certain style of repertoire? Can they teach both technique and stage presence? Make sure your teacher is well-rounded and can teach many different skills!
   
2. Understand how the voice works- the voice is a very delicate instrument, especially for children. How does it operate? You can learn more here.
   
3. Explore different genres- there are so many styles of vocal music: musical theatre, classical, pop, jazz, etc. I always encourage my students to have a variety of pieces in their repertoire, and exploring different styles helps identify which types of pieces are the best fit for their voice.
   
4. Help your child choose age appropriate songs- this is a biggie for my students inclined to learning pop music: I am extremely picky when it comes to choosing songs. I tell my students that songs cannot have any bad words and that it must make sense for a child to sing (aka no “adult content”). If there is a line or two that is not age appropriate, we can rewrite the line or replace the bad word, which usually makes everyone happy. It is fine to sing these songs at home or in the car, but it is not appropriate to work on them in voice lessons or perform them on stage.
   
5. Encourage as many performance opportunities as you can - this is so important! Compared to piano, I find that vocal performances feel more raw- the instrument is part of YOU, and singing is very personal. I also think that there is an element of safety in a piano performance because the piano provides a type of barrier between you and the audience. When you are singing, you face the audience straight on and portray a character, which adds an element of vulnerability. When a student is given more performance opportunities at home, the quicker they will feel more comfortable performing in front of a larger audience. Always applaud for your child, and make sure you read through the “Dont’s” list before giving feedback!
   

Don’ts List:

1) Don’t encourage your child to sing a particular way without consulting your qualified teacher: if something sounds wrong or off when listening to your child sing, ask the teacher about it instead of correcting your child. You may be instructing them to do something that can be harmful their voice.
2) Don’t tell your child they cannot sing well because they don’t sing every note in tune: part of voice lessons as a beginner is learning to sing in tune with a nice tone. So many children who have potential to become great singers were told by a parent that they didn’t sound good when they sang. So if you hear a couple of wonky notes, don’t worry! It takes time to develop intonation.

We are all guilty of these “Don’ts”, so use this as an opportunity to start fresh! Understanding your child’s goals in voice lessons is key to being a supportive parent, and as always, communication with your teacher is a must for success.