Focussed lessons with a local tutor are still the most relevant and popular choice for serious singers. So if it’s something you’re considering, you’ll need to find out more about the options and cost. Click here if you are looking to book a Singing Lesson in Southampton near you
How much are singing lessons in Southampton and Hampshire? Fees will vary according to the teacher’s experience and level of demand. But generally speaking, the average price in the city, is around £30 to £40 for just under an hour’s one to one session.
In this article, we’ll explain further about the going rate in this area. This will help you to work out a budget, or, if you’re an aspiring vocal coach, to set a fee.
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How much are singing lessons in Southampton?
Singing teachers, also known as vocal coaches, are trained singers, with industry experience. Some vocal coaches will undertake exams, others work from a basis of experience and accrued knowledge. They show students how to practice vocal techniques and provide objective, valuable feedback.
The options for singing lessons have grown immensely with the advent of digital platforms, in addition to the more traditional formats. For generations, lessons were only available in a face to face format. Now you can opt for one to one sessions in person, online or even generic tutorials. Your choice will be informed by your budget and desired outcome.
You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £35 per hour in Hampshire. If a teacher is charging much more than that, you need to ask the question why. Take a look at their website and social media. If they have an impressive CV with a host of well-known clients, their hourly fee will be much more – closer to £50. Teachers to the stars will be far more again – likely well beyond the wherewithal of the budding singer. However, if your prospective teacher is a recent music graduate with a small number of professional gigs under their belt, an hourly rate of £20 would be reasonable.
Music lessons Southampton
If you don’t have a particular teacher you’ve set your heart on, it’s better to look out for a vocal coach who’s closer to home. This also gives the option to take shorter lessons – another way of saving some cash. A lesson of half the duration won’t always be half the price, especially if the teacher is travelling to and from your home, or to the venue just for your lesson. Where a teacher runs back to back lessons, however, you may see as much as a 50% reduction – and a condensed session can be just as effective if you’re focused.
Another one of the advantages of working with a local Southampton based teacher is the option for recommendations. Ask peer musicians who they use. Using word of mouth will help avoid paying over what is reasonable and will go some way to ensuring you get a good tutor. Some teachers come to your home. Others will hold lessons at theirs – or a mutual space such as a community hall or practice rooms. It can be worth paying a little extra for lessons in a venue with equipment, rather than your own home. This is relevant when you come to things like mic technique, or for recording and playback. The facilities a teacher offers may affect their price.
Is it worth getting vocal lessons?
If you plan on becoming a professional singer, it’s likely you’ll need to have ongoing lessons throughout your career. This can be costly but remember it’s counted as a tax-deductible expense. As a trained singer, you’re in line to earn more money than those who haven’t had vocal coaching, so skipping lessons is likely to be a false economy in the long run. Even those stars who found their break with only raw talent, have gone on to take frequent lessons.
But singing lessons aren’t just for wannabe professionals (for whom it is a prerequisite). Many pupils sign up for them to gain confidence. Or to improve breath control (this can be very helpful for those who suffer from conditions like asthma or anxiety). Or just for the pleasure of it. And even if the end goal is simply enjoyment and satisfaction from the experience, it’s definitely worth it.
How much are singing lessons near me?
So far we’ve talked about one to one lessons, as these are the most effective way to see fast improvement. But if you’re more interested in singing for fun and to build a social network, group lessons are ideal. They’re slightly harder to come by, so it may mean signing up to a course, Saturday music school or joining a choir where you’ll receive some instruction.
On average expect to pay between £8 and £20 per hours for group classes. Many group lessons are incorporated into performing arts courses. Drama schools and universities offering performance degrees or diplomas will provide singing as part of their syllabus, the frequency of which will vary. If you’re seeking a little extra, you might want to approach an in house teacher to find out their rates.
Private singing lessons near me
A safe way to ensure you’re not paying over the odds is to source a teacher who’s connected to a bigger establishment – that is, a recording studio, music school, or stage school. These tutors will have already had to jump through some hoops to get there – that is getting a CRB check, providing references and proving their ability as a vocalist in their own right and as a teacher. Venues often offer bundles deals too, so it can be a great way to save money, without stinting on quality.
Can you take voice lessons online?
Yes, and this has become an increasingly common way to learn to sing. There are of course advantages and disadvantages, but it is almost always a cheaper way to do it. And it provides an enormous range of options in terms of teachers. Another option for those who have no available funds to learn is DIY singing lessons online. There are thousands of courses and tutorials on YouTube and while these are arguably less effective than one to one lessons, you can take your voice a long way with hard work and commitment.
There are different platforms for online singing teachers, and which of these you use will impact the rates. Third-party tutor sites, like face to face teaching sites, will usually deduct a percentage from the teacher or student. If you want to avoid this, opt for Zoom or Skype lessons where the arrangement is made directly with the teacher.
How much does it cost to learn to sing online in Southampton?
Online rates can start from as little as £15 per hour-long session. But prolific users will charge much more. The renowned Australian internet vocal coach Dr Dan (seen in the first video), charges the equivalent of around £80 per session. While paying more may seem prohibitive, if it gets you where you want to be faster, then it’s well worth it. Particularly if this means you need less frequent sessions. You may spend £20 an hour with a teacher and get to the same place in a year, as you would working with a teacher over the course of four months, who charges £40. And if you’re learning online, you don’t need a teacher who’s local. So you can shop around more.
Why are singing lessons so expensive?
Let’s take a look at the factors that’ll influence how much you pay.
- The teacher’s reputation and experience – the more they are in demand, the higher their price
- Where the lessons take place in terms of venue – it may be cheaper to have lessons in your own home, than in a fancy music school
- How long the lesson lasts – sessions will usually be between 25 minutes through to an hour
- Whether the teacher or venue is offering a special package or discount – lookout for deals to get more value for money
- Whether the teacher is offering a fair rate. Pricing can be somewhat arbitrary, rather than set rates across the board. So there may, in fact, be no good reason why one teacher charges more than another. It may just be because they want to. This is where you must do your homework to find a fairly priced teacher with a proven track record.
- The facilities and skills they offer, such as mics, recording equipment and accompaniment. A teacher who plays the piano and can make a decent recording of you will likely charge a percentage more.
Do singing lessons really work?
If you’re new to the world of singing lessons, you may question whether the cost is worth it. This is a personal decision and depends on what you want to achieve and where you want to be. Perhaps you want to make it in the industry. In this case, bettering your voice with the help of an experienced teacher is one of the biggest investments you can make.
Related Questions
How many singing lessons do you need a week?
This will depend on your prior experience, musical ability, the level you want to reach and what you want to achieve. A vocal coach will be able to identify the number of sessions necessary when they hear you. Most people will need to take lessons for several years to become a ‘trained’ singer.
Can you teach yourself to sing?
Yes absolutely, although you’ll get further, faster with a teacher. If you sing purely as a hobby, aren’t looking to get regular work or launch a pop career and can’t spare the cash, then you can go down the DIY lesson route instead. Check out the many YouTube singing tutorials.
What is the best age to start singing lessons?
You can start singing lessons at any age, as a good teacher will tailor the programme to suit your level and maturity. It’s an excellent constructive hobby for young people. And don’t ever feel like you’re too old to begin. Find out the best age for music lessons in this article.
Are singing lessons worth it?
This is probably a question that many people have asked over the years. But the short answer is yes. Professional vocal coaches can help you to train your voice and make sure that you are singing in key. They can also help you to sing louder.
To book singing lessons in Southampton, check our availability below:
click here to Book a Singing lesson now
We also offer Piano lessons in Southampton, Guitar lessons and Music productions lessons at River Studios.