The Developing Child's Voice   

Long-term vocal development is not expected for children with unchanged voices, and therefore measured progress can be limited.  However, vocal coaching for younger children (8-11 years old) can be helpful for learning some basic vocal production and presentation skills for a child who has either an audition, or solo to sing, by focusing efforts on preparing the child to succeed in those particular  events.  

Jane has been teaching children for years, and loves the passion they have for singing. To that end, she first and foremost wants the best for them, and to help move them ahead with a good approach to singing that is natural and fun.

At What Age Should You Begin Formal Voice Lessons?

Children should be encouraged to sing throughout their childhood, and develop their singing skills in local community children's choirs, at school, or through church programs.  For younger children, Kindermusik is an ideal program to not only learn to sing, but to participate in developmentally appropriate musical activities and training.

Generally, formal voice lessons should begin when the child is either into, or after their adolescent voice change, boys and girls, alike.  This can vary individually, but generally is between 12 and 15 years old.    Jane will start younger children with vocal coaching, provided the student is ready, willing and committed to working.

Q. What if my child wants to audition for a choir or musical production?

A.   Have a voice teacher give your child short-term coaching in the songs they need to prepare.  Jane has coached children for auditions and musical solos for over 10 years.

Q. What is the difference between formal Voice Lessons and Vocal Coaching?

A.  Formal voice lessons are generally given once a week for at least 30 minutes, and include the expectation of home practice every day.  Lessons focus on training the voice, both physically and mentally, and learning to apply healthy vocal technique to the song repertoire.  Jane will take young children (8-11 years) for short-term formal voice lessons, however, most children are better with vocal coaching.

Vocal Coaching which does not focus on building the voice per se, but rather guiding the student with basic vocal production, song development and presentation, often for specific performance goals.  Posture, attention to breathing, and diction are all helpful areas that are be addressed during vocal coaching.  These lessons are usually 30 minutes in length and occur either weekly or bi-monthly, with the parent present. At home reinforcement is key in moving the student forward.

Q. How do I know if my child is ready for vocal coaching?

A.  There are a few general things to consider:

Reading - Strong literary and music sight reading skills are desired, since it is very helpful if the student has some experience correlating written notation to the singing of high and low pitches.   

Attention span and abstract thinking - unless a child has moved from concrete to abstract thinking, they may find it challenging to focus and work through a 30 minute voice lesson.

Prior musical experience - the ability to learn music on a keyboard instrument is extremely helpful for singers of all ages.  Throughout childhood, singers learn music "by ear," but keyboard skills accelerate the learning process, enabling the student and teacher to focus on technique and interpretation.