If you are reading this- congratulations! We’ve made it through almost 2 years of global pandemic times. Remember at the start of the pandemic when we were all locked down and starting new, socially distant hobbies? I picked up Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch and started reading on a Kindle for the first time, which are still some of my favorite things to do whenever I have a free minute or two. In addition to finding my own new hobbies, I found an influx of new voice students looking to take up voice lessons as their new hobby. Most of them were brand new singers who had never sung before and were looking for something to learn “on the side”. Singing was their pandemic lockdown hobby and I was happy to oblige! 90% of those new students are still a part of my studio today and I am so lucky to have witnessed their growth first-hand; it’s truly the most rewarding thing in the world as a teacher!
One question that always came up when meeting potential students and their parents for the first time was “are voice lessons right for me?” or “who really needs voice lessons?” In my mind, there is really one answer: voice lessons are for anyone and everyone. If you found that enlightening, you’re welcome! If you need a little more than that, here are three steps to determining if you’re ready for voice lessons.
1. Ask yourself what you want to achieve by taking voice lessons
The first thing to do before you run out and sign up for lessons is to figure out what you want from your lesson experience. Are you taking lessons to become the next Christine Daaé on Broadway? Are you needing an extracurricular activity for college applications? Or maybe you just want to have fun learning a new skill. Whatever it may be, nail down your reason for wanting voice lessons and be ready to communicate that reason openly and honestly with your teacher.
2. Be ready for the commitment
As you start to look into taking lessons, you should have a rough estimate of the time and money you are able to invest. Treat singing like you would any other sport or regular activity- commitment is crucial. In order to get the most out of your lessons, you will have to have time for dedicated practice on your own and availability in your busy schedule to attend lessons regularly. Additionally, be realistic with your budget so that you can find a lesson plan that is right for you. When I was growing up, my family could only afford to send me to voice lessons once every other week. Luckily, my teacher was open to the idea and worked with me so that I always had something to practice on my own on the weeks I didn’t see him.
3. Find a teacher who is right for you
Your voice lessons should be a safe place for experimentation, expression, and personal fulfillment. The teacher you choose is critical to forming an environment where you can do your best work and reach your full potential. When searching for a teacher, look for someone with experience and some sort of certification to ensure you will be in good hands. Here at Lori Moran Music, all of our teachers are experts in their craft and up to date with industry standards and best practices, so this is a great place to find the right fit!
When you find a teacher you’d like to meet, reach out to learn more about their availability, teaching philosophy, and lesson rates. Once you have had a lesson or two, you should be able to determine if that teacher is right for you. Don’t be afraid to work with a few to find someone who can meet your needs as a new singer. Lastly, as always, be upfront and honest about your goals and expectations and your teacher will do the same. Communication is key!
Once you have found your “why,” carved out time in your schedule, and found the right teacher, you should be ready to get going. I hope this guide helped motivate you to begin your singing journey and I wish you the best of luck. Singing can be such a life-changing experience, so I urge anyone who enjoys music to give it a try. Be sure to check out our teacher profiles to get started!