If you’ve never taken a voice lesson before, you may be unsure what to expect! Here is where you find out:
What will I do during lessons?
Lessons are done individually, so I can tailor my instruction just for you.
You will start each lesson with some vocal warm-ups, as you would do when practicing for a sport—only with singing!
You will learn 2-3 songs at a time. You’ll practice these for many lessons in a row, to make sure that you’re confident with them.
You will learn how to read music and how to sightread during your lessons. Learning to read music is like learning a different language, so we will have to practice it a lot.
We aim to have 14 or 15 lessons in a semester, and then end with a recital!
How old do I need to be to take lessons?
I don’t set a specific lower age limit, but children need to be old enough to read before starting lessons. 2nd and 3rd grade are typically popular starting ages.
It’s never too late to start! I teach students of all ages, so adults are welcome, too.
What do I bring to lessons?
A folder or binder with your copies of music. You will usually be working on 2-3 songs at a time. It’s important to keep them with you, so you can practice at home and look at them during the lesson. The folder or binder will keep the music from getting torn up in your bag.
A bottle of water. Staying hydrated is important—especially when you are singing! Make sure that your water bottle has a top that attaches securely. Sports drinks, pop, etc. are not allowed.
A pencil. You’ll need to make marks in your music as you learn it. Use a pencil instead of a pen, so you can make corrections or change your mind.
What kind of music can I sing?
You will sing many different styles of music while taking lessons. These can include folk songs, arias, musical theatre, Disney songs, and more.
A note on pop music: although pop music (like you hear on the radio) is sometimes appropriate for voice lessons, you won’t sing it very much at Listen. We focus on other styles because they are more appropriate for the classical voice technique that you will be learning.
Feel free to bring extra music that you plan to use for auditions, talent shows, musical roles, etc. We can practice those during lessons to get you well prepared for your events!
What is the recital like?
At the end of each semester, we have a recital, where you get to show off all your hard work! It is an expectation that all students taking lessons will perform in the recital.
You will memorize and perform 2 songs, which we will pick out together.