Voice FAQs
Why should I take voice lessons?
First of all, you should ask yourself what you want to achieve by taking lessons. Do you aspire to a career in music? Do you sing with a band for fun and want to increase your range, improve the quality of your voice and get a bigger sound? Are you afraid to even sing Happy Birthday in a group and just need some self-confidence? All of these and more are reasons to study voice.
How long will it take me to be a good singer?
Many people think they can take one or two lessons and become an instant sensation. Like any other discipline, learning to sing well is work. Of course, how much work really depends on what you want to achieve and where your natural gifts are. If you want to be a professional musician, expect to practice for hours every day and work for years to achieve this goal. If you are taking lessons just for more self-confidence, you should feel at ease after a few months of work.
How often do I need to practice?
Once again, this depends on your goals. Most adults lead very busy lives and often finding practice time can be difficult. I recommend a minimum of 30 minutes each day. More is even better. The reverse is also true. Of course, this means really practicing -working on the things we discuss and rehearse in your lessons. Just singing without concentrating on your technique won't do you much good. Monitor your practicing and be conscious of vocal fatigue. Imagine running a marathon with no training. You need to start slowly and gradually increase your endurance and practice time. The more solid your technique becomes the longer you can and should practice.
How often do I need lessons and what happens if I can't make it?
In general I recommend one lesson per week. Lesson times are usually 30, 45, or 60 minutes long and are dependent on your skill level, time commitment and of course, finances. Some people choose to have more than one lesson a week and others less often. To be guaranteed a spot in my teaching schedule you must commit to at least once a week. Because I set aside a regular time to work with you I expect you to take our commitment together seriously as I do. Please remember that this is my employment and I need to depend on steady income. Of course, emergencies do come up but absences are expected to be paid for. Each student is given four vacation days per year along with several scheduled holidays These vacation days do not have to be paid for. Students are not expected to pay for lessons which I cancel. If your job involves extensive travel I will try to work with you to reschedule lessons as needed.
What type of music would I sing?
That all depends on your interests, abilities and what you want to accomplish. I will never try to push you toward a style of music that you don't like but will encourage you to be open-minded. Students have studied classical, Broadway, jazz, pop, rock, electronica, metal and folk music among others. I believe you must enjoy the music you are singing and choose for your accordingly. In all cases, music is appropriate to your voice type, abilities and interests.
What do we do in voice lessons?
Each lesson can vary, again depending on your level and what you want to achieve. However, all instruction is based on good, healthy technique and that begins with proper breathing and posture. From there we talk about how sound is produced and learn to do it in a healthy and consistent manner, using the natural resonating chambers of the body. Once a student has the basics down we move on to actual songs applying the technique we have learned and adding to it.
Can you play the piano and sight-read songs for me?
Yes! I am pianist who has worked in many styles of music and regularly accompany my students.
How much do lessons cost?
Fees for lessons are set by the hour. For a current fee schedule, please click the link. Fees
