Singing lessons for kids: What to expect
So your kid wants to be a singer! You might be wondering how singing lessons for kids work, and if they are the right fit for kids.
At Auckland Singing School, singing lessons are available for all ages. However, every age group has different needs and your expectations about singing lessons for kids are different than the expectations you should have about learning to sing as an adult.
Singing lessons for kids: common questions
Parents usually bring their child to singing lessons because the child loves to sing! And that is a great reason. These are some of the most common questions and concerns that parents bring regarding singing lessons for kids:
- Is my child too young to learn singing?
- Is my child too old to learn singing?
- Is my child talented?
- Is it even possible for my child to learn to sing?
- How long will it take for my child to be a confident singer?
- How long should my child practice at home?
I have some answers from my experience that hopefully will clarify this a little for you.
Is my child too young or too old to start singing lessons for kids?
Neither! You can learn to start your singing journey at any age. And at any age is very beneficial.
However, at every age group we approach singing lessons for kids differently.
Singing lessons for kids 2-5 years old
The best thing for the youngest kids (2-5) is to attend introduction to music classes with other kids of the same age group, rather than starting with private singing lessons for kids. This way they learn the basics of musicality, and they experience creating music with their voices in a safe and fun environment. This provides an excellent foundation for any instrument they want to learn in the future. At this age group, the amount of time they can focus on is not huge and so private singing lessons for kids might not be the best option. Also, learning with other kids makes it more fun and motivating for them!
Singing lessons for kids 5-7 years old
Kids 5-8 years old can also benefit from introduction to music classes and also introduction to singing classes and singing group classes for kids on a more advanced level. They can learn the very foundations of a strong voice in a safe, ludic way. At this level, there is no pressure to sing “high notes” or to perfect vocal technique. Kid voices are not mature enough yet and so the focus is on learning musicality through the voice and building the foundations for a strong voice in the future. Again, group classes are where kids will find the most benefit at these age groups although they might also enjoy and benefit from short private lessons.
Singing lessons for kids 8-12 years old
Kids 8 – 12 are usually able to focus for longer, and so at this age, private singing lessons for kids become more appropriate and useful.
The voice of this age group is still delicate and the larynx is not yet in a lowered position, and so again the focus is not on belting out notes.
At this age, kids can learn the foundational vocal techniques more strongly and apply them to their own voices. They can understand a bit more how their bodies work to produce sound and so they can practice by themselves as well.
There is always a strong focus on preserving the voice and learning safe techniques: posture, breathing, voice production, air support, diction, etc.
They can start learning more complex songs and more complex musicianship activities, such as singing different scales, sight-reading, etc.
At this age group practising at home is necessary to develop the habits that will serve as a solid foundation for a strong voice.
Also, at this level kids can start playing music with other people in a “band” environment.
Kids at this age have more body awareness and so practising at home becomes easier. Also at this age, it is good for kids to participate more in their own choice of music as they develop their own style.
At this stage, it is appropriate for kids to start working toward singing exams if it is something they want. At Auckland singing school, kids can train toward Rockschool vocal examinations.
Kids from 8 years old or even a bit younger can also benefit from participating in children’s choirs and band classes.
Singing lessons for kids 12+ years old
Once kids go through puberty, the larynx is in a different position and so we can start working with the vocal function a bit more. Kids can learn more advanced songs. There is a strong focus on building air support so kids can develop a strong voice without straining.
Kids continue developing their own style and more advanced singing techniques.
They usually will choose to either work on singing examinations, join a singing project at school, participate in singing competitions, join school bands, or simply focus on performing at their singing school.
At this group age kids usually choose to take longer lessons (45 min or 60 min), as they become more advanced singers.
Does my child have a talent for singing? and other related questions
Quite a few parents ask me after the kid’s first lesson if I think they have “what it takes”. The answer is absolutely always YES. Talent is a myth. The truth is that every kid starts at a different point. Some kids are really musical from the beginning and some other kids take longer to learn. But that doesn’t mean they can’t learn! Even if your kid can’t sing one note in tune, they can be trained to do it. I have seen it happen in 100% of my students.
Some kids take longer than others, and that is completely OK. In my experience, what I can assure is that kids that attend lessons and practice consistently, progress at a steady pace, regardless of how “good” they were when they started their lessons.
The goal should be for the kid to enjoy their voice and to progress towards their music dreams at their own pace. Many times parents come with their very young kid with the goal of winning the next “The Voice” competition or to sing like Beyonce within their first term of lessons.
If your kid wants to learn to sing, remember that it should be about their own enjoyment and not about their parent’s own goals. Singing and making music is very healthy for kids and does wonder for their development in many areas, including their confidence in general. But for that, they need to feel supported and safe in the process. No kid wants to be pressured to be the next pop idol!
How long will it take for my child to be a confident singer?
No one likes to hear this but the reality is that IT DEPENDS. It depends on many factors! to name some:
- The kid’s initial music and voice abilities
- The kid’s age
- What other activities they do
- How old the kid is
- The environment they live in
- How much the kid practices at home
If a kid practices consistently, progress is made consistently and you will find an important improvement within 3-6 months of regular lessons.
But remember that singing is not like any other instrument. We must build new habits to be able to use our voice efficiently, and building new habits take time and repetition.
How long should my child practice singing?
More than how long, what is important is how often. For kids 8+ years old, practicing every day is the best way to progress consistently. But if not every day, at least 3 to 5 days a week are needed to see steady progress. At the end of the day, it depends on your child’s schedule. If your kid has too many activities and they are exhausted at the end of the day, then for them particularly practicing every day will do more bad than good.
Of course, a lot of kids will not practice at all or just once a week. Even if they don’t do any practice, they will progress if they take regular lessons. However, if you want to make the most of the singing lessons for kids, regular practice is most encouraged!
At the beginning stage, 30 mins a day is a good length to practice for. It should be long enough so kids can make progress but not too long that kids lose focus. How kids practice will also be a factor, and the teacher will guide the kid in that process to make the most of their singing lessons for kids!
How to know if my child is ready for singing lessons for kids?
If your child meets the following criteria, they might be ready for private singing lessons for kids:
- They are 8+ years old
- They enjoy singing
- They want to learn to sing because they want to and not to fulfill other people’s childhood dreams
- They can focus for about 30 minutes
- They have time to practice at home
If the kid doesn’t meet any of that criteria, they might find more benefit in group singing lessons for kids or group music lessons for kids until they are ready to start private lessons.
Is your child ready to start singing lessons in Auckland? Book a trial lesson today to get started! We are based in North Shore – Auckland NZ
Interested in group singing lessons for kids in Auckland? contact me to express your interest so we can have you in mind for future group singing classes for kids in Auckland!
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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