VOICE & SINGING
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Voice & Singing Lessons
The Santa Monica School of Dance and Music offers voice lessons for students ages 7 years to adult, of all abilities from beginners to very advanced students. Our private voice lessons are one-on-one instruction and lesson lengths are 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour. We offer instruction in various styles from rock to classical, jazz and pop. We have students who want to learn to sing just for fun and students getting ready for a big event or show!
Why should I take voice lessons?
The narrative goes something like this: “I can sing. Why should I bother with voice lessons.” It’s true that some people are born with better singing voices, just like other people are born able to run faster. And just like practice running under the regimen of an experienced coach or trainer helps a runner run faster and longer while avoiding injury, training your voice under the guidance of an experienced teacher helps you sing stronger with a better range, more control, and less risk of straining your vocal cords.We often hear people ask if it’s safe for children to take vocal lessons. Of course it is! Vocal coaching helps children develop their natural instrument and avoid damaging it through improper technique. Kids can be great singers, and vocal lessons can help them have more fun with something they probably already enjoy!Like most musical pursuits, learning to sing brings with it a myriad of benefits (eighteen of which can be found here), including increased self-confidence, improved academics, and development of artistic and creative capacities, but unlike other instruments, your voice is always with you! People connect through singing, and song can be used to bring people together, both professionally and socially.
How old should my child be to take voice lessons?
7 years old is recommended as the youngest age for private vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung capacity), the younger body is generally not yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. For children younger than 7, we recommend a children’s choir or a preschool singing program that teaches them how to use their voices properly, in a fun, relaxed environment.
If you’d like your younger musician to start taking Voice lessons as early as 4½ years old, you can add Piano to your lesson and split your time between both Piano AND Voice. This option is great if you have an interest in both, or are trying to decide between the two for your younger musician. Taking Piano and Voice together provides a basic foundation of music, such as ear training, while keeping the student engaged.