Singing Voice Lessons – When Should You Get Singing Help?

I am often asked the question “When should I take singing voice lessons?” or “When do I know I need singing help?” These are good questions and they are ones I had my self before I ever took my first lesson. You can probably hear this coming but….. it all depends. Let me explain and why I feel the way I do.

It’s important to put in your time and get familiar with the abilities and the limitations of your voice. In my interview with Jesse Nemitz who is a master instructor at Brett Manning Studios in Nashville we talked about this very subject. You can get the interview here. He also feels it’s important for someone to spend time working on their voice before jumping into singing lessons. I recommend you  work through a good program with a systematic approach first to accomplish the following;

1. Get the basics of proper vocal production down.
2. Explore and experiment with your voice to find out more about it.
3. Learn your trouble areas or where you have limitations
4. Start developing the musculature required to sing without strain (you can’t get around this…it takes some time).

You will eventually reach a stage where you can’t improve any further without a trained ear listening in and directing you. Also, the investment of time you have already put into your voice will make the singing voice lessons more valuable because you will be even more coach-able.You will better understand the concepts your vocal coach is communicating. (Learn basic concepts first by putting in the time because most likely you can figure it out with a good home study vocal course).

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned vocalist there are always aspects of our voices we can improve. Even Andrea Bocelli has a vocal coach and trains daily.

I know I am going to get this question:

“Wouldn‘t I improve faster starting my singing out with a vocal coach?”. If you are a beginner I would say “No”, because your body will still have to adjust as you learn new coordination’s. You still have to put in the time to train. If you have put in some serious practice time and understand your voice then you will benefit quickly from singing lessons.

OK, let’s sum it up. Here is my recommendation.

• Invest in a proven program. Some programs are so good you will make big improvements from just doing the exercises.
• Learn proper techniques (start squashing your bad habits).
• After you put in your time with the material then start working with a coach.

Until next time, just keep singing.

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