What To Expect During Your First Year Of Vocal Training
Contributed by Donna Flynn
You have heard all the claims…..Sing Like a Star …..10 Easy Steps to Sounding Like a Pro …..Increase Your Range by 2 Octaves Guaranteed! It can be overwhelming to sift through the scads of information on the latest vocal techniques and easiest road to success. These promises can be alluring to even the most experienced singer. To help clear up some of the hype, I have outlined what you can realistically expect during your first year of training. Once you have the facts, you will be better able to select a vocal coach that will take you where you want to go.
For most people, the decision to take vocal lessons is a big one, so please give yourself credit for taking this important step. Proper vocal training will result in a strong healthy voice that will continue to improve long after you have stopped regular lessons. Some people need a few classes to ease into it while others jump in immediately. Regardless of where you are currently, know that you have made the right decision……………….
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT Beginner – First 3 Months
During this time, you will have the most vocal challenges. You may have developed poor technique or damaged your voice due to a lack of proper training. You do not know your true potential. You may lack confidence or may even be overconfident. Your voice gets tired when singing. You lack range, power, and are apprehensive about hitting high notes. It is difficult to put aside old ideas in order to make room for new ones. It is difficult to absorb all the new information at this time so a student may push too hard wanting to progress quickly. They may choose to drop out before making noticeable improvements.
Believe it or not but this is good news! This is a temporary stage that will pass with practice and patience. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you and your coach to work together to eliminate these limitations. You can do it!
Intermediate – 4 to 9 Months
This is the period where significant progress is made. The learning curve and settling in period has passed. You have made the commitment. Bad habits are replaced with good ones. Proper technique is becoming automatic. You begin to connect with the music not only on a technical level but on a creative level as well. Your unique sound is being discovered. Friends and family notice an improvement and are curious about what you have been doing. They start to make positive comments about what they are hearing. Confidence increases. You become willing to stretch your boundaries even further and leave old ideas behind.
Advanced – 10 to 12 Months
You are now able to sing using proper vocal technique. You sing from the bottom to the top of your range without strain. Your voice is stronger and louder. You have more stamina and singing appears effortless. Your range has increased and you reach the desired pitch, including high notes. You become independent and learn how to monitor yourself when practicing. Lessons start to become less frequent.
Graduate Student – One Year Onward
Periodic classes are required to keep you on track and discourage you from falling into old habits or creating new bad ones. As a singer cannot hear the real sound of their voice while singing, an occasional class is necessary. All of your hard work has paid off. Congratulations!
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER…….
Vocal Training CD – While a vocal training CD will accelerate the learning process, they do not replace lessons. Most products offer a variety of exercises. Some exercises are intended to activate qualities in your voice while other exercises are designed to de-activate qualities. A student has no way of knowing what is helpful and what is counterproductive. Please, use them as a learning tool only. Leave the training to a qualified vocal coach.
Selecting a Vocal Coach - A coach must practice what they preach. Are they able to sing a variety of musical styles or just their favorite? You will want to select someone who will take you in the musical direction you want to go in and not just follow the path they have taken. Do not limit yourself to teachers close to home or work. Working with a coach that can bring out the best in your voice is the goal. It will be worth the extra distance. Find an environment where you can express yourself freely and one that offers open communication so training can be modified with your changing interests.
Remember, it is in your hands. The commitment you make to lessons and practice will determine the outcome. Go for it and have fun……………
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