Have you already started a professional career in music, but feel your vocals need to be polished? Or are you looking for a constructive hobby and inteest for your child?
Human beings have been singing and making music since time began, from as soon as they could make a sound. However, the formal act of learning to do it is a different matter, which can lead to the question of what is the best age to start singing lessons?
Read on to find out more about what’s involved and whether it’s time to book in some vocal coaching.
What is the best age to start singing lessons?
Taking one to one voice lessons is the usual route for those wishing to develop their voice. These can begin seriously from the age of six and can carry on well into old age. The sooner you begin, the better grounding you’ll have as you grow older. However, this is dependent o having a good teacher.
Lessons can be provided face to face, remotely via a platform such as Zoom or Skype and/or using YouTube tutorials. If the student is at the younger end of the age range (primary and early high school), they’re likely to need a face to face set up, to avoid become distracted and to maintain a personal engagement. Very committed learners can do fine with online sessions.
What age should voice lessons start?
While music exposure is encouraged even before birth, more formatted lessons will not usually begin until the age of six or seven. Choristers, for example, audition and begin their training in year two. However, not every child is ready for lessons at this age. High school is often when kids develop a keener interest in taking hobbies further and having more serious lessons.
Teens also go through some significant vocal changes during puberty. This is nothing to worry about and it’s possible to start singing lessons at this age. But it’s important to be gentle while training, especially if you’re a boy and are experiencing voice break. A knowledgeable singing teacher will be able to carefully guide you through this period.
Can you take singing lessons at any age?
Yes, you can certainly learn to sing at any age! If you’re 6 or 66, you’re good to go! Singing teachers work with those of all ages – although some will choose to specialise in adult or child pupils. There are those who have an existing natural aptitude for singing that may put them slightly ahead. While others have to work hard at it and see a steep learning curve, resulting in a transformation.
Voice lessons for children
Children start singing at different ages and it may even come before speaking, especially where a child has been exposed to music in the prenatal phase, or as a baby. If your child shows a particular desire to sing as a toddler, it’s well worth considering a musical playgroup. Singing at an early age is excellent developmentally – improving motor skills – and socially. Of course, it wouldn’t be suitable to enrol a very young child in intense vocal training. But a good teacher will work at their level, taking chronological and developmental age into account when choosing exercises and songs. If your child is committed to learning how to sing, you may be able to apply for free voice tuition via an Arts Council-funded scheme.
The age a child starts singing may also be linked to their peers’ interest in music. If they’re mixing with other kids who love to sing or make up songs, then the chances are they’ll pick up an interest in it too. It’s good to encourage this and even sing to your child yourself, asking them to join in. Singing is a super activity for parent-child bonding.
How to start singing
For those who are interested in learning to sing, the first step is to source a suitable teacher. Be sure to choose someone who is experienced in working with beginners, and if relevant, children. Here are some ways you can find a trustworthy vocal coach.
- Ask friends and fellow musicians for recommendations
- Search websites specialising in tutoring
- Check the website of your local recording studio – they often have in-house teachers
- See if your child’s school offers extracurricular music lessons
Singing lessons for beginners
Choose someone you – or your child if they’re the learner – will relate to and have a rapport with. Some teachers are able to bond with almost any individual, with others it’s about finding the right match. Ask if you can have a (paid) trial session to see how they get on.
You’ll also need to decide where you want the lessons to take place. Some teachers will come to your home, others will teach in their own facility or a recording studio. There are pros and cons of each, depending on your preferences and circumstances. If you’d rather they were held in a mutual public space, lessons in a studio or music school may be the best answer.
If you’re still unsure whether you or your child is ready for lessons, the best way to find out is to chat with a singing teacher. But remember, it’s never too late, or too early to learn to sing. The best indicator that you or they are ready, is the desire to begin. It’s far more about motivation than how old you are. If you’re seeking a qualified singing teacher in Southampton, we have a range of in-house vocal coaches. And if you love music but find you don’t enjoy singing lessons, you can always consider taking up an instrument instead.
Related Questions
Can I learn singing at the age of 22?
Once you’re 22 years old, your voice will have settled into its adult sound. This means you won’t have to sing through the vocal changes of puberty. You can begin at any age of course, but your twenties is as good a time to start as any. So if you’re 22 and want to start a career in music, don’t delay, begin today!
How long does it take to learn to sing?
This will depend on whether you’ve already had any musical experience or exposure. Some people are naturals, whereas others take longer to pick it up. As such, the time frame can be anything from a few months to a few years.
Do singing lessons really work?
Absolutely. Even the best natural singers in the world, need some formal lessons to train the voice and learn the technique required to protect it from damage. You’ll see a real improvement, provided you work with a good vocal coach.