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If you love to sing and are about to take your first step into formal voice training with a qualified teacher, you might feel a bit overwhelmed.
Voice lessons are much like music lessons for other instruments, such as the violin or piano — the difference is that the instrument is you!
But to get the most out of your lessons, you still need to prepare!
1. Set achievable goals
Regardless of the material you're primarily interested in singing, you should set goals early on to have something to work toward. Common reasons for people to start taking singing lessons include:
To prepare to study music/singing at the university level 🎓
To explore a new hobby and learn some songs 🎼
To get ready for an upcoming audition or performance 💃
During your first lesson, it's important to let your voice teacher know your aims and interests so they can set you on the right course. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Did you know?
Make sure your voice teacher has the correct qualifications before deciding to take lessons with them. Ideally, they should have at least a music degree and some kind of credential in vocal pedagogy.
2. Come prepared
To get the most out of your lessons, you'll be expected to come in with your music learned and techniques practiced before every single class. Showing up to your first lesson prepared will both set up a good habit and show your teacher that you're a diligent student.
Here are some ways you can prepare:
Bring sheet music for a few songs that you know (or want to learn) to the lesson 🎼
Plan to be there on time! ⏱️
Did you know?
Musical terminology can get very complex! If you're starting with no musical knowledge whatsoever, you should at least know the following terms: melody, rhythm, chord, harmony, and dynamics. It's important for musicians to know at least the basic technical aspects of music, which can take months or years of study to learn.
3. Drink water and avoid dairy
Your voice, like any other instrument, needs proper care in order to function well. Water is a critical tool in the singer's arsenal, as it keeps the vocal cords lubricated.
Dairy products, on the other hand, you should avoid consuming in the hours leading up to your lesson, as they can irritate the vocal cords and make it more difficult to sing. Save the grilled cheese sandwich for after the lesson!
Quiz
Ana is getting ready to go to her voice lesson in an hour. She's very hungry, so she decides to eat a snack. Which would be the best choice?
It's best to avoid dairy before you sing!
Take Action
Learning to sing can be a fulfilling activity that can open up a world of artistic possibilities. Approach your first lesson with both enthusiasm and discipline, and you may marvel at how you grow as a musician!
Take these steps to help you prepare for your first voice lesson and beyond:
This Byte has been authored by
Brenda Lebron
Instructional designer