How often should I take a lesson?

Weekly lessons are recommended, especially for beginners. Weekly lessons not only help you see results much more quickly but they also keep you motivated, provide accountability for your growth and correct any incorrect technique or habits you may have while practicing on your own. That said, sometimes weekly lessons are just not in the schedule or budget.  If you are self-motivated and committed to regular study, every other week lessons might be a good place to start.

How long does it take to learn to sing?

Beginners who practice regularly can expect to notice improvement at around four months. It often takes a year or longer for a student to establish good habits and develop a reliable technique. Singers who are serious about their art study all their lives. Of course, practicing is the key to changing habits that hinder vocal freedom. 

I'd like to sing classical music, but I also want to sing rock/pop. Will I learn how to do both?

What you will learn is how to use your voice in a healthy way, whatever style of music you sing.  A good technique will teach a singer how their voice works and to achieve vocal consistency at any given time. The goal of vocal training is to find the most true, free and resonant tone of which that particular voice is capable.  Students often ask if this technique will make them sound like an opera singer. My answer to that question is, “only if you want to.” Having a solid classical basis in any art form will only help the artist become more proficient. For example, a person who wants to become a great jazz dancer will need a good foundation in ballet.  The same is true when you study classical techniques in voice. As a performer, I have learned how to “cross-over” to different styles of music, and this personal experience has allowed me to help a great many students explore many styles of music.

I want to sing louder - can you help me gain more power?  

Absolutely!  Through learning basic breathing technique and how to keep the vocal tract (back of the throat) open, you will notice an increase in the volume and quality of your tone.

Can you help me increase my range? 

The top and bottom notes of your range are built-in to your instrument, but most people simply do not know how to access them.  Vocal training can help you “find” those notes by addressing issues such as improper breathing, muscle tension and opening the back of the throat.  Most people who are using their voices effectively can count on a range of from 2-1/2 to 3 octaves.

I am an older singer. Is it too late for me to learn how to sing?

Absolutely not! If you love singing, you owe it to yourself to do what is in your heart.  I have taught several students who might be thought of as “seniors” with wonderful results.  One lady in her 60’s, who never thought she could sing (but always wanted to) joined a large women’s barbershop choir after only a year of lessons, and is now having a great time sharing her voice!

 At what age can my child begin voice lessons?

You can never be too young to begin your training as a musician. Many teachers have different ideas as to what age is appropriate, but generally between 10 and 12 years of age is a good place to begin voice lessons. It is possible to start voice lessons at a younger age, but the lessons would focus more on basic musicianship skills and simple songs in order to prepare a student for serious training as their body and voice matures. The question for me is also about focus and attention span.  Many children under the age of 10 are not capable of handling a 30 minute voice lesson, even if they are capable of handling a 30 minute piano or violin lesson.