Have you ever wanted to start singing lessons, but wondered if it’s worth the time and energy? Or maybe your kids have been begging to start singing lessons and you’re not sure if it’s the right time to get started… Well, here’s our list of things to think about before you get started! 🎤
Learning to sing at any age can be soooo beneficial! From building confidence to improving mood and opening up a whole new skillset, singing lessons allow you to set thoughtful goals and improve steadily. We will cover the physical and mental benefits of singing lessons, what age is best to start learning to sing, if in-person or online lessons are best for you AND our top tips to get the most out of your lesson experience!
Does singing improve mental health?
Singing has SO MANY health benefits, including improving memory, enhancing your mood, increased self-confidence and empowerment, greater social interactions and sense of community, and more! 🌈
While passively listening to music does decrease stress hormones such as cortisol, actively singing actually has been shown to boost the immune system!
Singing is a mental workout, engaging multiple areas of the brain at once. By engaging both hemispheres of the brain, singing has been shown to enhance memory and learning 🧠
Not only does singing contribute to positive mental health, it also affects you physiologically. During singing, your body releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – all the feel good chemicals. According to research by the University of Oxford, regular singing can improve breathing, posture, muscle tension, and by releasing endorphins in your body, can offer pain relief 💪
Check out some of these health benefits in action!
View this post on Instagram
What age should I start singing lessons?
Short answer is, you can learn to sing at any age! 🎤
When we are kids, our brains are like a sponge, everything around us is a new skill to learn, from walking and talking to playing sports or instruments. Once your prefrontal cortex develops around age 25, it can seem significantly harder to learn new skills. But, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible! It just takes a little longer to get used to all the new parts! 🎸
Actually, learning a new skill as an adult means you are much more aware of yourself, and how to take on feedback to improve. You also have much better time-management skills AND discipline, which makes practising regularly much easier!
If your kids are expressing an interest in singing or music lessons, it could be the perfect time to start! Check that the studio doesn’t have any age restrictions, but if students can listen and follow simple directions for the duration of a lesson – usually 30 minutes – they are ready to start! 🩷
5 ways to get the most out of your singing lessons
Okay, so you’ve decided to start singing lessons, how can you get the most out of your time and effort? Here’s our top tips for making THE MOST out of your lesson time…
1. Have a goal 💫
Intention is key! If you know exactly what you want to get out of your lesson time, you are much more likely to see your singing progress.
Every singer has a different goal, and these may change over time! Maybe you want to perform one day, sing for your family members, join and band or choir or just improve your confidence! You could also consider projection, vocal technique, breathing or expanding your range 🎶
Make sure your teacher knows what your goal is, so you can work towards it together!
2. Set yourself a practice routine 📝
Your teacher will probably send you home with something to work on throughout the week, so make time to do it! Even if it is just 30 seconds of practice, it all adds up!
A great way to get some practice in is to schedule time into your week! You can practise while making your bed, driving to work or doing the dishes!
Find somewhere quiet and without distraction, start with a warmup and then work on a song! Try implementing the feedback your teacher has given you, or focus on getting to know the song lyrics or timing.
3. Warm up before your lesson
By spending 10 minutes right before your lesson warming up your voice, it gives you more time to work on technique and songs in the lesson time! This means you are utilising your lesson time to get valuable feedback from your teacher 🎉
You will most likely still do a short, targeted warm up to work on your technique or prepare you for the song you have chosen to sing. Warm ups are a great way for your teacher to see your technique progress or notice any tension!
4. Find the right studio
A comfortable and safe environment allows you to be yourself, make mistakes and grow as a singer.
Do your research of singing studios near you, or studios that offer online lessons, and check them all out! Ask friends what studio or school they would recommend, read the reviews – but most importantly, choose a space that resonates with you! 🥳
Ask if the studio has multiple singing teachers, and explore which might be the best for you. Make sure your teacher will work on your goals with you, and that they listen to your concerns and questions.
If you are wondering what a really inclusive and supportive environment might look like, check out these one-word descriptions of SoundCheck Studios!
View this post on Instagram
5. Be open to feedback!
Being in singing lessons means trying new things, making mistakes and growing from them. If you can be open to feedback from your singing teacher you will have the best chance to grow your singing! 💜
Singing can be vulnerable and scary! Make sure to communicate any worries or concerns with your teacher so they can support you. After all, your teacher only wants you to improve your skill and become confident in yourself, constructive criticism is a huge part of this.
Let’s hear it from the students themselves! If you still have any questions about starting singing lessons here are some tips from the students at SoundCheck Studios!
View this post on Instagram
