Frequently Asked Questions
about Singing, Voice, and Acting Lessons
Millfield School via Compfight
VOICE LESSON FAQs
DO I HAVE TO HAVE TALENT?
Talent is something you are born with that can make it easier to acquire a skill like singing. Most of the people I have seen who think they are terrible singers are the ones who are not skilled at matching pitches. The good news is that the ability to match pitches correctly is a brain skill that can be learned. The rest of learning to sing is establishing correct coordination of the "singing muscles" so that what comes out is what you planned.
IF I START LESSONS NOW, WHEN WILL I KNOW HOW TO SING/ACT/HAVE A BETTER SPEAKING VOICE?
Like all physical skills, your innate ability, how you practice, and how much you practice will determine the speed with which you improve. Having a skilled instructor is critical to this process.
In my experience, it takes a minimum 4-6 weeks for professionals to make changes in their technique and 3-6 months for others.
*Performing in shows constantly will slow down your progress.*
In my experience, it takes a minimum 4-6 weeks for professionals to make changes in their technique and 3-6 months for others.
*Performing in shows constantly will slow down your progress.*
WILL I HAVE TO SING SCALES?
Yes, you will have to learn many patterns to train your voice to sing properly. I often compare singing to tennis in that you can become somewhat better by playing game after game, but you will only truly improve when you break it down and work on your forehand, backhand, overall strength and aerobic conditioning, etc.
WILL I HAVE TO LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?
No, but if you want to advance the fastest, you will be open to singing languages with which your brain is not already familiar. The best description is that singing in a foreign language will make an end run around a lot of bad muscle coordination present in your native language.
I HAVE AN AUDITION IN 4 WEEKS - HELP!
In that time frame, you will be able to learn notes and style for a selected piece. Actually getting new technique into your voice such that it comes out at an audition takes longer. Allow 3 to 4 months or more to properly prepare for an audition. The same can be expected to retrain a speaking voice or for acting lessons.
HOW CAN I BE A GOOD SINGER, SPEAKER, OR ACTOR?
- Take lessons with a good teacher.
- Practice carefully and correctly.
- Take good care of your voice, both speaking and singing.
- Listen to good singing, speaking, and acting.
*Courtesy of Karl Resnik
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST FOR MY MONEY?
- For the fastest results, do only the voice exercises you are given and refrain from singing anything else until the time is right to move forward.
- Likewise, performing in shows constantly will slow your progress.
- Bring a pencil to every session.
- Have printed music for every session.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A LESSON?
I do not recommend every-other-week lessons for anyone starting work on their skills. Science says more frequent sessions are recommended for quick advancement.
ADDITIONAL INSIGHT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF TEACHERS OF SINGING
- Qualifications for Teachers of Singing: www.americanacademyofteachersofsinging.org/assets/articles/qualifteachersinging.pdf
- Teaching Children: www.americanacademyofteachersofsinging.org/assets/articles/TeachingChildren.pdf
- The "Pop" Singer and the Voice Teacher: www.americanacademyofteachersofsinging.org/assets/articles/popsingervoiceteacher.pdf
- Leaving One Teacher for Another: www.americanacademyofteachersofsinging.org/assets/articles/changingteacher.pdf