Hello singing friends!
What is a good age to start formal voice lessons you ask?
If you ask ten different voice teachers, you'll probably get ten different answers. Here's my take on it!
First, it's important to note that not all teachers like teaching all ages, and that's ok! It is very important for voice teachers to find their ideal students. Everyone is better served that way. However, just because one voice teacher doesn't take on children, doesn't mean studying at a young age is bad or harmful. There are teachers out there who love teaching children!
There has been a stigma in some music education circles attached to beginning singing lessons at a young age. Maybe they think the child's voice will be damaged? Maybe they think a child can't focus? Hard to say for sure. I will say that early exposure to music and singing is vital to a child's development. And the more music you play in the home early on, the better a child's sense of pitch and rhythm develop. My child was singing before she had any words. It was beautiful to watch her express herself through her tuneful melodies. This exploration and play is so important.
When it comes to structured lessons and classes, kids learn best in small groups. They feed off of each other's energy, they support one another, learn from each other's strengths, have an opportunity to lead and build confidence amongst friends. The small group vocal class is a great option for kids under ten. It is a great supplement to private lesson or primer for private instruction, helping to ready the student for one to one lessons.
Personally, I find many seven year olds are ready for private lessons. They are able to read, they can focus for longer periods of time and are really ready for the added challenge. My young students use Full Voice Music workbooks to develop musicianship skills, they sing songs that are age appropriate and we explore our voices through playful teaching strategies like games, props, rhythm instruments and movement activities. A voice lesson for a child looks very different from a voice lesson for a teen or adult. We must take into consideration the child's cognitive, emotional an physical growth and capabilities. Lessons area tailored to their age level and personal learning needs.
Whatever you decide, music in our homes, schools and recreational life can only enrich us and our kids. You really can't go wrong. Just introduce them to as much music as possible and find your people. You know, the one's you can count on to create courageous, fun and enriching experiences for their kids! This is always my goal here at Amanda Beagle Vocal Studio. Whether you are with me for a year or 6 years, I hope you look back on our time together as some of the best memories of your kids lives.
As always, feel free to reach out with questions. Please check the events section of my website for upcoming classes. Send me an email to join my waiting list for upcoming classes.
