Do you think singing lessons are for me?

Question

I'm 21, with a flat, gruff, deep voice that's about as attractive as a dead squid's eyesocket.

I'd love to have singing lessons, just so I can sing fairly, not amazingly, but would be very embarrassed to approach a tutor knowing how bad I sound. Is it worth it?

What sort of things should I look out for, and how much (roughly) am I looking to pay (UK)?

Thanks!

Answer 1

There are singing teachers who are accustomed to beginners, but perhaps even before you start lessons, try joining a local amateur choir if there is one in your area. University or church groups are a good bet- you'd be amazed how much doing this can help your confidence, your ear, and your voice- regardless of what style of singing you hope to eventually do. Plus, such groups are always looking for male voices! If you sing with a group for even just a few months, you will get a good idea of how to warm up, how to pronounce words when singing, how to breathe properly, and other skills that you would spend quite a bit of time and money learning with a private instructor. Small groups are especially good for this, as they force you to listen to yourself in comparison to those around you, but there isn't the pressure of singing by yourself. Also, your director will be more likely to hear anything that is off about your singing. Most directors of small community choirs (at least the ones worth singing under!) are perfectly willing to help you correct bad habits as you learn and answer your questions.

I don't know how much, if any, musical training you have. However, if you have never studied music, there are good courses on the Internet that can give you a background in reading music and basic theory before you ever take a lesson. http://www.musictheory.halifax.ns.ca/ has a great free course which I highly recommend.

Also, spend some time playing around on a keyboard, guitar, or any musical instrument that you can get your hands on. There are even online keyboards using Flash or Java that you could use, such as the one at http://www.apronus.com/music/flashpiano.htm . Just play a note, any note, and try to match the pitch with your own voice. You can work up to singing scales and intervals. Having a good ear for pitch is absolutely crucial for musicians, and even an untrained voice doesn't sound bad when it's singing in tune.

So- if you get into the habit of singing regularly and learn some theory, you'll be well on your way without making a financial commitment. Most schools of music, and some individual instructors, insist you sign up for a set number of lessons before you begin. You'll also have a clearer idea of whether or not you want to pursue singing at all as well as what you're looking for in an instructor. It can't hurt, and odds are you'll be a better musician in the end.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

I started taking voice lessons for the exact same reason... to not sound bad.... I now have a masters in voice.... I am not saying this will happen to you but you dont know what is going to happen. I think people should take voice lessons just to improve a little and have fun with it. The music you learn can be your favorite stuff to listen to and sing.

Don't be afraid to sing infront of a teacher. They have heard it all! If I were you I'd call your local univerisity and see if there is a graduate student who is willing to take on students. In America they run about 35 bucks depending on where you live.

On your first lesson which should be a free meeting to discuss what music you will be learning and the goals for your voice and a run through of vocalies (basically you sill be singing scales and warming up) look for someone who makes you relaxed. You shouldn't have to strain when you sing. They may want to take your voice up high to see where it goes but they should stop at the first sign of strain. Most of my students yawn a lot their first and second lesson. This is a sign of openess and I actually look for it.

Hope this helps you and I hope you have the funnest time ever discovering music and your voice

Answer 3

YES like english lessons help you with english like maths lessons help you with maths like piano lessons help you with playing the piano like tennis lessons help you to play tennis singing lessons help you to sing Lesson - Noun A lesson is a structured period of time where learning is intended to occur. It involves one or more students (also called pupils or learners in some circumstances) being taught by a teacher or instructor. A lesson may be either one section of a textbook (which, apart from the printed page, can also include multimedia) or, more frequently, a short period of time during which learners are taught about a particular subject or taught how to perform a particular activity. Lessons are generally taught in a classroom but may instead take place in a situated learning environment.

Answer 4

I've just joined a singing group and I pay £10 for a 90 minute session. It consists of singing three songs in a group and then having the option of doing a solo. I really enjoy it. Do a search on google for singing groups in your area. If there isn't any then try private tuition. What have you got to lose?

Answer 5

I think you need to just be honest with the tutor from the start and tell him what you would like to get out of it.

It is different from all these Amercan Idol kids that go for lessons and think they are really good but are in fact a disaster.

You will definitely be able to improve even by learning to "hear" music better which is something they should teach you.

Answer 6

Yes, it is worth it and I would think it would be about £10 an hour but to get the most out of it you would need to have somewhere where you can practise between lessons without being too self-conscious. My teacher used to do me a tape with her playing the accompaniment on it as part of the package.

Answer 7

First off you should do whatever you feel like doing. But now about being embarrassed a good vocal teacher won't be sitting there thinking "God he sounds horrible" they will be listening to see where you are, what you need to work on, what your range is, and things like that. You should look for people with a musical background and the qualifications to teach. Get all the info on what they have done in their life towards music. Good Luck

Answer 8

make sure you see a voice/singing teacher as apposed to a vocal coach (there is a difference) if they are any good, they will love the challenge of a voice to work with, a voice to transform. and to outsiders it's far better to teach someone who can't sing a note to sing, than teach someone who can already sing, to sing better. it's great for a teachers reputation!!

Answer 9

As long as what you want to achieve is a realistic goal for the capabilities of your voice, then learning to sing is for sure the right thing to do. At most it'll very much help your career, at least it'll help you spend fun times with friends :-)