How Young Is Too Young For Voice Lessons?
Many parents are surprised when I tell them that I usually do not take voice students under 10 or 11 years of age. They are likewise surprised when I tell them that not only did I not begin taking voice lessons until age 16, but I consider myself fortunate that I waited to begin my vocal journey. There are many reasons behind my decision not to take young students; the main reason is solely in the interest of the child’s vocal health.
Particularly in the age of America’s Got Talent, which, unlike American Idol, does not have an age minimum, we are bombarded by child prodigy singers who wow audiences with their “advanced” sounding voices and star power. While it is true that there are children who display a more natural ability, and who can sing exceptionally well, they are just that: the exception to the rule.
Children can most certainly benefit from music lessons and exposure to the joys of singing, but do not need private voice lessons in order to do so. Unlike an instrument, the voice is not something that needs to be cultivated technically until one is into their preteen years. Muscle development is exponential during the first 10 years of life, and particularly the small, delicate muscles that make up the vocal apparatus need to mature before any serious strain is placed on them. Serious vocal study requires use of muscles in ways that are unfamiliar, and it is necessary that the muscles are strong enough to sing with full potential. Damage to vocal muscles in early years creates many bad habits to grow out of, and some problems can take years of rehabilitation. Once a student is mature enough to seriously take on technical study, they will end up having to re-learn many principles of singing.
I strongly believe that music should absolutely take part in children’s lives. I do not, however, think that they need private vocal study to enjoy music, and learn aspects of musicianship that will stay with them for as long as their musical studies continue. Singing can be fun, and is certainly something that many children love. Parents should encourage and cultivate that love, but intensive one-on-one vocal study does not need to enter into the equation right away.
I often recommend that students who are inclined to sing take piano lessons. Realistically, should they continue to show interest in vocal music, piano skills will certainly come in handy. In addition, piano is an instrument that students can sing along to. If they are learning pieces on the piano, they can sing along lyrics while they practice their fingerings. This will not only be an enjoyable way for them to practice their piano skills, but will tune their ear to the melodic patterns and increase their general musicianship skills. Note-reading, rhythm and musical terminology will be learned in addition to the practical skill of piano playing, giving them a large advantage when they mature enough to study voice privately. I also highly recommend joining a children’s choir, where they will be using their voice in a group, and learn more about harmony, breathing, posture, etc (the same basic principles used in more advanced voice lessons), without the stress of solo performance. And let’s not forget the social benefits of taking part in a musical ensemble!
So, while it may be difficult, wait. The long-term benefits of waiting until a singing voice is mature enough for vocal study are manifold. While I did not start my vocal studies until my mid-teens, I look forward to enjoying decades of singing in my future. This is possible, in large part, because my vocal technique-building progressed at a pace that my muscles were fully capable of handling. It is my job as a vocal teacher to make sure that my students are not only willing, but able to undertake the demands required of solo singing. This ensures their vocal health and success not just for today, but for years to come.
6 Comments
I've always been an "advanced" singer even as a kid. But gosh I wish someone had made me wait on using my "professional" singing voice until my 20's. Being a "kid singer" is actually not all it's cracked upo be; my voice definitely suffered from it. I even think early teens is too soon to be brutally honest, even if the kid is already naturally talented. Even as one of those young singers myself, I still say wait, and I still wish I'd waited until 20-something (I'm 21 now). There's just no way to be a healthy singer at such a young age no matter your talent or training. It's not just my experience either; I have friends like me who went through the same stuff. It's just too risky.
im oficially 13 and i was really hoping that i could make it far. i check many boxes you talk about in your article and i was hoping if there was a way to to talk about online lessons because of covid-19 i don't want to get sick. you seem like a very credible teacher and i would like to learn from you.. maybe we could work out pricing and the level i am at in my vocals.
Hi! Thank you for your advice about singing lessons for kids. I have a quick question:
I have a four year old who is, without exaggeration, the LOUDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD. When he really gets wound up, he can peak your eardrums through a closed door, but even when he's just talking, he's still SO LOUD. Nothing seems to help him modulate his volume, at all--not reminders, not jokes, not stern looks/words. He's just loud, always has been.
He loves music, loves to sing, sings along with his older sister's Suzuki 1 viola book surprisingly in tune. I don't want voice lessons so he can go on some TV show or become the next Pavarotti or lead a boy band (not sure how much singing skill is required for that, anyway). But would a few voice lessons at this age help him to get some control of his voice and modulate his volume a little bit? Would be so nice if he could just be more mindful of it. Would probably improve his life, too, if the adults around him weren't secretly wishing for ear plugs during every conversation.
For what it's worth, he loves teachers and private attention from teachers, and has a pretty good attention span (for a little kid).
Thanks for the advice!
I thought that vocal lessons would be beneficial to everyone, though I suppose it makes sense that you have to have the right muscles developed before you attempt the more advanced work. My daughter is 12 and wants to me to sign her up for advanced singing lessons, so thankfully it looks like she's going into this at the right age. She hasn't taken piano lessons like you suggest, though, so maybe we'll see if she wants to take those along with her singing lessons.
Leave A Comment