5 Reasons to Take Voice Lessons

Some of us didn't need a reason to take voice lessons, except that we really wanted to sing. I started studying voice because I liked singing but didn't have any confidence as a singer. It took me a long time and a lot of work, but I became confident in my voice and now enjoy sharing it with people. I don't place much value on talent, and I think the greatest talents are teachability and hard work (aka "grit").

Here are a few reasons why I think people should take voice lessons:

1. Because you think you can’t sing! I've said this in a previous post, but as a voice teacher, I hear over and over and over again people say, "oh, you can't teach me" or "you don't want to hear me sing." As far as I'm concerned, that's like telling an accountant they can't do your taxes or telling a doctor they can't help make you well. While it is always nice to have students with with voices that naturally function well, with some amount of beauty, I enjoy the challenge of "making a silk purse from a sow's ear." If someone is already amazing, then why are they studying voice (other than to get better)?!? A great teacher can make anyone better!
2. You already have the instrument! Unless you are going to play spoons, pots & pans, or air guitar, the voice is probably the only instrument that you already own. You've had it since you were born, and if you think you can't sing, you just don't know how to use the instrument. You can be taught to use this mysterious instrument in your throat. That's how we voice teachers put our degrees, our own voice study and experience, and continuing education to use! It's not easy, but it's possible (and worth it)!
3. Body awareness. When you study singing, you have to think about all sorts of things that you probably never considered. This involves everything from where your weight is in your feet to what your tongue is doing. While the actual voice is in your throat, your entire body is your instrument, and what you do with your body matters. Because of this, you'll probably look better, and who doesn't want that? With your body in proper alignment, you'll likely look slimmer, stronger, and younger! #bonus
4. Relaxation. Sometimes people get stressed by the details of singing (breathing, alignment, words, etc), but once you start to get a grasp of those things, singing is a wonderful experience. As one of my former teachers said, "singing should be a spa experience." This is due to several factors. First, when your body is in better alignment, you generally feel better. Second, working on proper breathing is relaxing. In this way, singing can be a bit like meditation. Finally, when you connect to the emotion of a song and express that, there is a feeling of release. I'm sure there are endorphins involved, but I'm not researching medical journals right now.
5. To be a more fun & interesting person! First of all, when you tell someone you sing or that you are taking voice lessons, that can be a great topic of conversation. Since everyone wishes they could sing, they're fascinated by the idea of learning to sing. Maybe if you're studying singing, you can teach someone else that it's actually possible to learn to sing! Also, would you rather sit back & watch everyone at karaoke (on a cruise?) or get up and wow them with your singing ability?!? I would say that wanting to be a better karaoke singer is a legitimate reason to take lessons! Also, if you are in other situations, like church or a football game, where people sing together, it's so much better if you have the confidence to participate.

Yes, I currently have openings for a few more voice students, but even if you study with someone else, I will be happy that more people are singing! I would love to hear from you, so please contact me below: