Children & Singing Instruction

Children & Singing Instruction

Frequently, it is wondered when to begin children with private vocal instruction.   Some teachers resist teaching any children at all, while others welcome children to voice lessons.   I take a middle road approach.

Children's voices are constantly changing, or in other words, the vocal folds (cords) grow longer as the child grows.  Generally, children will not be able to maintain a constant sung pitch until around age 3, although this varies among individuals.   After age three or so, the rate of growth of the vocal folds slows, until the onset of puberty.   For boys, the affect of puberty on the voice is very obvious, as there are cracks and breaks that are heard.  In essence, they have to learn to speak and sing again with the new, lower voice.  The change for girls is not so great, and much more subtle.  However, girls ages 11 - 13 often sing more softly or airily than they did earlier.  This is due to vocal fold growth.  I have personally witnessed this occurrence. 

In addition to physiology, singing is a slightly different discipline than piano, or guitar, or another instrument.  The instrument is on the inside and cannot be seen, can only be felt.  For this reason, singing is generally taught by explaining physical sensations and feelings, and includes imagery and discussion.  Young children do not learn this way.  They learn by doing and by concrete things that they can experience.  For this reason as I work with children I am putting together a singing method that is designed to teach a child to sing strongly and well, and also to read music, sing by sight, and understand musical concepts.  This singing method is called Music Through Song (c).

Childhood is the ideal time to learn music.  Music can greatly enrich the life.   It is more difficult for adults than children to find the time to devote to music instruction necessary to become proficient.  Children are natural music makers, and enjoy the rhythm and melody.  Childhood is a good time to become familiar with the singing voice and to become comfortable performing, even if only in small venues, such as school, church,  or family gatherings.