Singing Lessons Starting Guide

What’s the Best Age to Learn Singing?

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Rose Park

5/5/23 • updated 3/6/24 • 4 min read

What's the best age to learn to sing?

The best age to start singing lessons is between the ages of 8 and 10 years old. Many voice teachers agree that students as young as 7 can start learning to sing, and if your child is younger, parent’s participation is recommended during the lesson. Keep in mind that during puberty, hormones can affect a child’s voice which can also change the way they sing.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, singing can bring joy to your life. It’s never too late to discover your passion for music and start a new journey with singing lessons!

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Table of Contents

4 questions to think about when starting singing lessons

Is the student motivated to sing?

Before starting voice lessons, ask yourself if you’re prepared to dedicate yourself to learning and practicing. On average, it takes at least 6 months of regular weekly lessons to see steady improvement.

If your child doesn’t show any interest in singing, forcing them to take voice lessons can do more harm than good. Besides, they won’t be motivated enough to practice or improve, which will frustrate both the child and the teacher.

Instead of pushing singing lessons, try to encourage your child’s interests. There are plenty of other musical activities that your child might actually love to try and learn. And if they do express a general interest in music, consider learning other instruments such as piano and guitar.

Can the student follow instruction?

During singing lessons, teachers usually begin with warm-up exercises to help students get ready. Teachers will also demonstrate how to use different parts of the body to produce a nice, healthy tone without straining the vocal cords. At this stage, it’s important for your child to understand the instructions and be able to read some musical notes. If your child is unfamiliar with reading music, don’t worry – many voice teachers can teach fundamental theory to help improve your child’s music reading skills.
What's the best age to start singing lessons? - Lesson With You voice lessons

Can the student sing loudly at their home?

During singing lessons, teachers will guide your child through breathing exercises and help them practice making comfortable and loud vowel sounds. It’s important for your child to be able to sing comfortably and loudly, but also be mindful of the neighbors and the surrounding environment.

Is the singing lesson affordable?

Based on our recent article on singing lesson costs, the average price for a half-hour singing lesson is $35. That being said, it’s important to find a qualified voice teacher who charges a reasonable cost and provides your child a great learning curriculum. To find an exceptional singing teacher for you or your child, check out our recent article “How to Find an Exceptional Singing Teacher.“

However, you can find exceptional singing instructors with reasonable pricing. At Lesson With You, we offer half-hour voice lessons for $35 with highly qualified teachers who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in voice performance from top music schools.

When is my child ready to learn singing?

1. Your child can communicate with the instructor clearly

Singing instruction is quite unique because it not only focuses on singing, but also teaches students how to speak vowels and words in a ‘singing’ way. For successful learning, it’s important that your child is able to read some words and understand their meaning in a phrase.

Teachers will also guide your child in using different body parts to produce the best sound and adjust their singing pitch. Your child should be able to understand what the teacher is asking them to do and how to fix any issues that arise.

2. Your child likes to sing and listen to music

Is your child a natural singer or someone who hums along to their favorite tunes? If your child loves to sing or listen to music, it might be the perfect time to begin singing lessons! Even if your child is a little shy, taking singing lessons can help them build confidence and improve their performance skills.

3. Your child can stay focused for at least 15 minutes

It’s important that your child can stay focused for at least 15 minutes during a half-hour singing lesson. For a 45-minute lesson, your child should be able to stay focused for at least 30 minutes. If you’re unsure if your child can focus this long, you can try setting aside some time for them to practice focusing on an activity, like reading a book, making art crafts, or doing a puzzle, to build up their concentration level.

4. Your child can practice at least 10 minutes

Singing is one of those amazing skills where “practice makes perfect” – no matter how young or old you are. The key to improving your skills is to build a consistent and focused practice routine. And the best part is that with singing, you don’t need to worry about carrying or maintaining a physical instrument.

If you have a child who is under 8 years old, it’s important to encourage them to sing and do some warm-up exercises regularly – around 5 times a week for about 10 minutes each time. You don’t need to monitor them constantly, but helping them find the right balance of consistent practice can make a big difference in their learning progress.

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Benefits of starting singing lessons at a young age

Learning to sing at a young age has many benefits! It gives children a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence, but it also teaches them problem-solving skills. By figuring out how to fix problems and consistently improve their singing, they learn to think critically and creatively.  

Singing can also lead to other amazing skills such as acting and performing in musical theatre, opera production and plays. Your child’s singing lessons could be the start of an exciting journey towards the stage.

Singing lessons also require regular practice which will help your child develop self-discipline and patience. Overall, starting singing lessons at a young age helps your child develop a special technique that they can continue to improve throughout their life, and brings them happiness from learning and playing music!

How to find your potential singing teacher

One of the challenges when starting singing lessons is finding the right voice teacher. In our recent article “How to Find an Exceptional Singing Teacher,” we explain the common mistakes many students and parents make during the beginning of singing journey. Typical mistakes include:

  • Starting with an ordinary instructor and then switching to a better one later
  • Failing to thoroughly review the teacher’s educational background
  • Learning voice from a teacher who also teaches other instruments
  • Taking singing lessons that charge significantly less than the average rate

A few things to note: It’s important to find a singing teacher with at least a Bachelor’s degree in voice performance with two years of teaching experience. Make sure to check the teacher’s performance recordings and teaching background, and ask questions about their policies and lesson curriculum. 

4 tips on starting singing lessons (that actually work!)

1. Always warm up before singing

One of the first things the student will learn in their singing lessons is how to have a relaxed and comfortable singing posture. This includes learning about mouth shaping, chest opening, and body straightening. To make this a routine, we recommend using warm-up exercises which will help prevent injuries and improve the quality of your voice. Learn more about vocal warm-ups on “9-vocal-techniques you should know as a beginner”

2. Sing with others through performance

Singing with other students can be an exciting and amazing learning experience for your child! Joining a band, choir or production is an opportunity to learn how to perform artistically while listening to other voices. This collaborative learning environment can help your child develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and dedication to practice. It can also boost your child’s confidence and help them to overcome stage fright.

What's the best age to learn singing? - Lesson With You Singing Lessons Starting Guide

3. Listen to recordings and train your ear

For beginner singers, getting the right pitch can be challenging, especially when they are still learning the notes. Ear training is a great method to improve tuning the right notes; encourage your child to listen to various recordings, record their own singing, and even play the piano along with their singing.

4. Talk about lesson experience

After taking a couple of months of voice lessons, it’s a good idea to check in with your child and ask how they’re doing and enjoying it. You want to make sure they’re not only learning how to sing, but also feeling happy and motivated to continue with their lessons. Try having casual conversations about their progress during dinner table, for instance. It will help them stay engaged in their singing journey.
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Common questions about starting singing lessons

Q. How long does it take to learn to sing?

Typically, it takes a few months to see an improvement for beginner singers. After that, it depends on the quality of your singing practice and commitment to lessons. If your child wants to sing for enjoyment, a daily practice routine, averaging 15 minutes is great. If your child is interested in participating in auditions or competitions, more intensive practice, at least half an hour a day is needed.

Q. Is it better to have a teacher or use online resources like pre-recorded lessons or app?

While these online self-learning resources may be more affordable than 1-on-1 lessons, it’s still highly recommended to learn to sing with instructors.

In 1-on-1 voice lessons, teachers can guide your child with the most effective methods and tips customized for your child’s learning style and musical preferences. Teachers can also demonstrate your child the correct vocal techniques and use of the body. Having a singing teacher also means your child can get personalized feedback and reviews, which pre-recorded videos and software programs can’t give.

Q. Can I learn other instruments along with singing lessons?

Absolutely! It’s a great idea to learn other instruments alongside singing because it helps you expand your musical knowledge. It’s like learning different techniques within the same field. To learn music theory and build a solid musical foundation, we recommend starting with the piano. If you’re interested in exploring the strings or woodwinds such as guitar or flute can be a great choice for expanding your repertoire.

Q. Are singing lessons worth it?

Singing lessons have many positive aspects, regardless of age and level. If you’re looking to take your singing to the next level, singing lessons are definitely worth it. In singing lessons, you’ll learn how to breathe correctly and expand your vocal range without hurting your vocal cords. You’ll also learn other vocal techniques that can help you become a better singer in the long-term!

Is it ever too late to start singing lessons?

Age doesn’t matter when it comes to singing! At Lesson With You, our expert instructors create customized lesson plans suited to your musical needs and lifestyles. With their professional tips, anyone can elevate their singing skills and expand their musical repertoire.

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Rose Park

Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.