Hello, I’m Vicky Harrison, a vocal coach, and today I’d like to answer some common questions about children’s singing. As a specialist in teaching singing to children and young people, I believe it’s important to address some of the myths around singing at a young age and help parents make informed decisions when guiding their child’s passion for singing.
When Should My Child Start Singing?
Children can start singing whenever they like — for fun! But when it comes to formal singing lessons, the right age depends on the individual child. At FreeYourVoiceHub, I’ve worked with children as young as six, but others may not be ready until they’re 9 or 10. The key is to let the child’s interest and readiness guide the decision.
Singing lessons at an early age will primarily focus on fostering a love for singing and building a positive relationship with music. At this stage, children don’t yet have the body awareness to control their muscles for singing technique, so we focus on fun activities, improvisation, storytelling, and creative expression.
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for singing lessons, I offer 30-minute assessments to help you decide.
What If My Child Loves to Sing but Doesn’t Seem to Have “Talent”?
One of the biggest myths I want to debunk is the idea that you must be “born with talent” to sing well. This myth can be incredibly damaging to a child’s confidence and prevent them from engaging with their own voice.
Anyone can sing! Singing is a physical process that involves a group of muscles — and just like any other skill, these muscles can be trained and developed. Some children naturally find a good technique, but for others, it may take time, patience, and the right exercises to develop. The key is empowering children to believe in their ability to improve and grow as singers.
What Happens During a Singing Lesson for a Child?
Singing lessons should always be fun! At FreeYourVoiceHub, my approach is to empower children while building their vocal confidence. I focus on positive language, reinforcing healthy technique, and ensuring every child feels celebrated for their progress. Rather than criticizing a child for being “off-pitch,” I choose language that encourages their growth and makes them feel good about what they’re learning.
In the early lessons, I’ll spend time discovering your child’s preferences, learning style, and musical tastes, so I can tailor the lessons to fit their unique needs. My goal is to keep things playful while focusing on building solid technique, and we’ll work on your child’s favorite songs to keep them motivated.
What If My Child Can’t Sing in Tune? Is It Worth Having Lessons?
Absolutely! Singing in tune is largely a result of developing vocal support, which is all about engaging the right muscles to control the breath. With time, practice, and patience, anyone can learn to sing in tune.
If a child is struggling with pitch, I’ll use a variety of exercises to engage their support and help them improve. Younger children may have a harder time controlling pitch due to their limited body awareness, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn — it just takes time. The key is to avoid pressuring children to “sing perfectly” too early, as this can create fear and inhibit their natural enjoyment of singing.
Do I Need to Attend My Child’s Singing Lessons?
I recommend that parents attend their child’s singing lessons — at least initially. It’s important for you to understand the technique being taught and to be part of the process. As singing is a physical activity, I like to incorporate fun, interactive games that both the parent and child can participate in together. This not only makes lessons more enjoyable, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child and provides additional support at home.
What Should My Child Focus on While Singing?
I follow three main principles when working with children:
- Have Fun: Singing should never feel like a chore. I aim to make every lesson enjoyable so that your child wants to continue singing, both in lessons and at home.
- Be Healthy: Healthy singing technique is essential to avoid strain or injury. I emphasize the importance of using the body correctly and singing with good posture, breathing, and vocal support.
- Smile: It sounds simple, but smiling while singing can help keep the voice on pitch and also boosts confidence! It sends a positive message to the brain and helps the child stay engaged.
Singing should be an empowering, joyful experience that encourages your child to express themselves freely while also developing their voice in a healthy way.
What Happens to My Child’s Voice as They Grow?
As children grow, their vocal cords change. Younger children have smaller vocal cords, which is why they have a higher voice. As they age and go through puberty, their vocal cords grow, and their voice deepens. This change is particularly pronounced in boys, who often experience a “vocal break” as their voice shifts from a higher pitch to a lower, more adult sound.
It’s important to support children during this time and not to humiliate them for any vocal changes. Puberty can be a tricky time for singers, especially for boys, as their voice may crack or fluctuate. A good vocal coach will help guide them through this transition, providing the tools they need to manage these changes in a healthy way.
I hope this article has helped you understand more about singing lessons for children and the important role a vocal coach can play in their musical development. If you have any further questions or would like to book a lesson, please feel free to reach out. I’m here to help nurture your child’s love for singing and support them on their vocal journey!
Vicky x
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