Learning to sing: should you take private singing lessons or group singing classes?
If you want to start learning to sing, you might be wondering if you should take private singing lessons or group singing classes, and what are the benefits of each of them.
Learning to sing, as with many other skills, comes in different forms. And now, with the advantages of technology, the possibilities are endless!
However, if you want to progress faster and avoid reinforcing bad habits that can ruin your voice, you need to have a teacher, coach or mentor that can guide you in the process.
Nowadays you can find various options or individual lessons and group classes, and the truth is that they both have great advantages. Choosing which one works best for you at this moment will depend on various factors. The important thing is that you get started!
Should you take private singing lessons or singing group classes? The price factor.
Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash
Generally, group classes cost less than an individual lesson. It makes sense! So if the price is an issue for you, group classes could be a good option, at least to get started. Just make sure that you choose a group in which you have the chance of having at least some one on one feedback from the teacher.
What are your objectives?
Deciding what your goals are when starting singing is very important in choosing between your classes options. Of course, your goals might change as you go, but it is good to have a starting point.
If your goal is to have fun singing with other people while learning a valuable skill, maybe group classes are the best option for you. The same applies if you are just looking for a de-stressing activity to do to help you cope with your busy life. Singing classes are a great space to make friends and have a good laugh!
However, if you are serious about becoming a good singer and you can commit to daily practice, then taking private lessons will be a better fit for you as the lesson will be tailored to your particular needs.
Benefits of taking private lessons vs group singing classes
If you are wondering if you should take private singing lessons or group singing classes, it might help to look at the benefits of both.
Taking private singing lessons – benefits
The benefits of taking private singing lessons are many and it should definitely be what you are looking for if you can afford it and you want to have a career as a singer.
1.Accelerated learning
When you take private singing lessons with a professional teacher, they will be able to focus 100% on your voice and give you a tailored practice routine. That way, you can target the problem areas and work straight on them, making the progress faster and better.
You see, learning to sing is not the same process for everyone. In fact, the process is very unique for each person. Singing is a holistic process, meaning that your whole body and mind are involved in the process. We all organize our body in a different way because we all have different environments, old injuries, cultures, activities, etc. Learning what imbalances are in your voice now and why, as well as how to resolve them, are all parts of the beginning stage of the singing training.
2. Development of style
Working one on one with a singing teacher will also allow you to more easily discover and polish your own style. Since it is a private lesson, you will have more saying in the repertoire you choose and the genres that you explore.
3. It helps you build confidence if you are terrified of singing in front of others!
This is not a minor detail. Some people are terrified of singing in front of others! In our group classes at Auckland Singing School, no one sings solo in front of others until they are ready. But sometimes when people are too scared to sing in front of others, they will hide their voices even when they are singing collectively! I see it all the time in choirs and group classes.
If you are terrified of singing in front of other people, a private lesson might be a better fit for you. It will still be a bit scary to sing for your singing teacher, but you will build trust and confidence over the lessons and it will become natural and easier week after week.
Benefits of taking group singing lessons
There are benefits as well if your preference is going for a group class instead of private lessons!
1. Singing together – linked to better health
Singing in a group environment has been shown to improve health. For example, by reducing your stress levels! Something very valuable nowadays. Whether you sing in a group class or a choir, singing in a group situation will make you feel great.
2. You learn from others
Singing in a group class will not only allow you to have some feedback on your own singing. It will also allow you to observe other singers go through their own process, deepening your understanding of the singing technique. You will also be able to have feedback from your classmates and give feedback as well, which will make you a better listener.
3. You build confidence
Most people are shy about singing in public. If you are brave enough to attend group classes, you will be able to quickly improve your confidence by singing week after week in a group setting. You will also belong to a group that will probably grow in trust and confidence towards each other, making it a safe space to express yourself.
4. Group classes will help you be a better learner
Singing in a group class is a challenge for your ego! No one likes to sing imperfectly. Being able to sing and make mistakes, and laugh at those mistakes, will bring you to a much better learning state. It is often said that one of the reasons kids learn faster than adults is because they keep trying mistake after mistake. Adults, on the other hand, generally get too ashamed and self conscious after one mistake. Being in a group situation in which you have to swallow your ego and be imperfect, will allow you to access that more humble learning state, that is also more enjoyable! An open state in which you can laugh at yourself and try again without fear.
The bottom line
I hope that gives you a better idea of what option is best for you! At Auckland Singing School, you can take either private singing lessons as an adult, or group singing lessons. All in a safe and supportive environment.
Also, we have a complementary group class for regular students only that students can attend for a very low price. This allows you to have both the experience of professional one-on one tuition, and the benefits of a weekly group setting in which you can learn interpretation, musicianship, performance, and many other aspects of singing that we can’t easily cover in a one on one situation.
Auckland Singing School is also open to kids and teenagers. We work with the Rockschool Vocals Syllabus, and the students have the possibility to take singing exams (grades 1 – 8 ). An amazing way to keep your progress on track!
I help people to develop their voice and singing from a holistic approach. I teach vocal lessons in person in Auckland, NZ, and online. Also stay tuned for my new online singing programs!❤️
My greatest passion has always been the voice, music and energy arts.
My personal and artistic journey has led me to understand that the voice and the body are fully connected, and that includes not only the physical body but also the mental, emotional and spiritual body.
Through holistic vocal training you not only learn to become a great singer while taking care of your voice, but you also improve your mental and physical wellbeing❤️
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