Taking voice lessons

I’m biased, I admit it. But, I think that singing lessons can benefit most anyone.

Singing is a natural part of being human. True, not all of us sing, but the act of singing is part of nearly every culture—a way to communicate beyond mere words even if singing usually involves words. There are a lot of budding young singers who dream of a career on the stage, of course, and I have quite a number of former students who are professional entertainers. But, there are many more people who love to sing (or wish they could sing) that have no such aspirations. And singing lessons are just as valuable for them.

Research from the scientific community continues to emerge that demonstrates singing has seemingly countless benefits in terms of physical and emotional well-being. Singing reduces cortisol levels, which reduces the body’s stress response. To sing well, you must breathe well—something most Americans don’t know how to do—and proper breathing can help address respiratory conditions and overall health. Music has a profound impact on the brain and sympathetic nervous system, encouraging better balance—and what better way to create music with our own internal instruments?

Singing also lets us process our emotions—or, at least contextualize and express them. Who hasn’t sung along with a heartbreak song while experiencing loss, or a love song when thinking of that special someone? Or sung a hymn or the like when they need encouragement? Singing helps us find our true voice, and it gives voice to the pain, sorrow, joy, love, and excitement in our lives. It’s a different way to communicate, a different way to process life.

Even if you think you can’t sing, you can experience the benefits of singing. There is no rule that says you have to have exceptional talent. You just need the desire.

And, as an aside, students have come to me who felt they had zero talent and were embarrassed to sing in front of anyone (or told not to sing in church by their family members who were embarrassed, lol), and after studying with me for awhile they become a respectable singer—usually performing in my recitals with great reception.

In fact, singing lessons address another important issue: confidence. Working with a voice teacher helps people come out of their shell and gain a sense of confidence that is different from what you gain through things like public speaking. Singing is inherently a vulnerable act, but it is also a powerful expression of our authenticity and humanity. Singing lessons are a bridge to a different kind of confidence. And, most of my students, even those who said they absolutely would never sing in public, opt to sing in our studio recitals, gaining a renewed sense of self and accomplishment. And that is true of kids, teens, and adults of all ages.

So, are singing lessons right for you or your child? Well, only you can answer that. But, in my experience, students who commit to lessons find them very beneficial—some even say they’re life-changing.

So, if you decide to take lessons, I’d love to accompany you on that journey.