FAQs

How long does it take to develop my voice?

That really depends on your goal in taking lessons - mastering an instrument takes years, to get an idea or taste of what a voice can do takes less time. Lessons, the training and approach are set up with your goals in mind.

What happens in a typical lesson?

We begin with a brief recap of what is happening for you both generally and vocally. This helps me understand the origins of any vocal issues that might be present. We warm up the body and the voice for a few minutes, exercise the voice using exercises that are specific to the needs of your instrument and get it ready for the repertoire that you are working on. The last half of the lesson we work on repertoire: vocally and when ready, dramatically.

How often should I take lessons?

You will see great benefit from lessons at both a weekly and bi-weekly. Regularly scheduled sessions are crucial to development.
As a voice develops to a higher level, less frequently scheduled lessons are necessary.

Are online lessons as effective as in person lessons?

They can be – as long as the technology on both ends is at the level needed.

Am I too old for voice lessons? Is my child too young for voice lessons?

As the body ages, the voice also ages. Lessons as you get older can be quite beneficial especially if you are experiencing difficulty singing pieces you used to be able to sing comfortably..

If a child is singing and auditioning for music theatre shows, they will greatly benefit from lessons. If a child just loves to sing but isn’t involved in the rigors of performing, then they might benefit more from other types of music study first. I strongly recommend piano and/or other instrumental study. This helps build their musicianship skills which will be advantageous as they pursue voice in the future.

Do I have to sing classical music in order to develop my voice?

No. Singing classically develops a certain aspect of someone’s instrument. Balancing the registers is crucial for all voice types- this can be done in a variety of ways that doesn’t need to include classical music. That said, there is a lot to learn from singing classical vocal literature and I strongly encourage my beginning/advanced students to try the different genres of music.

Is it okay if I take a break from my lessons while I’m in a show/opera?

This depends on your level of singing and development. For the beginner, intermediate and advanced students I usually say that this is the worst time to take a break. Regular lessons during these periods of time help the instrument stay balanced and keeps it functioning at its highest level keeping less desirable habits from creeping in.

Once your instrument is established, you can be fine taking a break. Professional students who are singing very taxing roles or are experiencing something vocally unusual take lessons on an as needed basis.

I didn’t get to practice much, should I cancel my lesson?

The short answer-no. This can be an opportunity to work on musicianship skills in learning a song as well as dramatic supporting work. However, if this is happening regularly, then lessons are probably not for you. What’s happening between lessons is as important
as what’s happening at the lesson.

I’m not feeling well, should I cancel my lesson?

If you have a fever and are in bed, you should cancel. If you have gone to school or work then you can probably take a lesson. There will be many times when you have to sing when you aren’t feeling 100%. You will learn a lot about how to do that by keeping your lesson when appropriate.

Can I sit in on my child’s lesson?

I allow it for the first lesson only if interested. I feel it is best that I develop a direct relationship with your child. This also allows them to develop an age appropriate independence in the learning process. A quick check-in during the first or final 5 minutes the lesson is always welcome and is helpful especially with younger students.

What is the difference between a vocal coach and a vocal teacher?

A vocal coach is usually a skilled pianist that has an in depth knowledge of repertoire. Language meaning and pronunciation (for classical repertoire), as well as the ability to suggest appropriate repertoire for the singer, is also part of their skill set. They will have some knowledge of the voice but the specifics and functionality of the voice is not their specialty.

A voice teacher is someone who is an expert in how the voice specifically works and functions. A good voice teacher has the expertise to help a student build and develop their voice often in transformational ways.

How do I select a voice teacher?

It is a very individual choice based on your needs and desires. Choosing someone who maintains a study of voice pedagogy (vocal teaching) and has a combination of scientific and artistic background in the act of singing is the best combination. A good teacher may or may not be currently performing and a good performer doesn’t necessarily make a good teacher. If you are very serious about the study and development of your/your child’s voice, I strongly advise being very careful in your selection of a teacher- it can be a life-changing decision.