In home voice lessons

[Anonymous]

I have been thinking about having my 7 year old start voice lessons. She’s very interested and thrives on 1:1 attention. Would absolutely love it if someone came to the house. I know a few families where the piano teacher comes to the house, is that a thing for voice ever? Please let me know if you have done this and specific recommendations for MOCO would be amazing

[Anonymous]

I was in the same situation with my daughter, and a few people told me that voice lessons aren't very productive at that age. Instead it's better to get kids into a Chorus like Strathmore--just a thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in the same situation with my daughter, and a few people told me that voice lessons aren't very productive at that age. Instead it's better to get kids into a Chorus like Strathmore--just a thought.

Thanks that’s interesting. If we belonged to a church with a low key child’s choir or something we might try that but I don’t know if she is ready for something that formal. She’s a young 7 year old who loves to sing. I’m not sure I need her to get much out of it besides enjoying it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in the same situation with my daughter, and a few people told me that voice lessons aren't very productive at that age. Instead it's better to get kids into a Chorus like Strathmore--just a thought.

We were told the same. Just now started private voice lessons for my daughter at age 14 (but we are in VA).

Joining a local children’s choir is a great option at the age your daughter is. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in the same situation with my daughter, and a few people told me that voice lessons aren't very productive at that age. Instead it's better to get kids into a Chorus like Strathmore--just a thought.

same here. Many reputable voice teachers won't take them that young.

[Anonymous]

My daughter started with a chorus at 7 years old and has really enjoyed it. At that age, the practices are more like musical games and learning some fairly simple songs. Unless you go hardcore, they generally aren't trying to sing Bach at that age.

We actually had that route recommended by a vocal teacher. The thing is, it's really easy to damage your vocal cords by trying to do too much - at any age. But especially with young kids, you want training to be developmentally appropriate both from a physical perspective and a learning perspective. It's best to learn early how to control your voice to hit notes precisely, without having to worry about volume or too much projection. A chorus gets volume from the numbers, not any one individual, and you learn how to hear what other people are singing and blend your voice with theirs, which is invaluable. And all of the other aspects of musicality and muscianship (rhythm, presentation, etc.) are easily learned in groups, too.

Individual music lessons are generally more appropriate and better value starting at around age 11 or 12 or so. For girls, that's generally during or after that first puberty growth spurt, bringing them closer to adult size and some idea of what their eventual voice and range will be like. Boys can benefit too, from having better voice control as they enter their puberty changes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter started with a chorus at 7 years old and has really enjoyed it. At that age, the practices are more like musical games and learning some fairly simple songs. Unless you go hardcore, they generally aren't trying to sing Bach at that age.

We actually had that route recommended by a vocal teacher. The thing is, it's really easy to damage your vocal cords by trying to do too much - at any age. But especially with young kids, you want training to be developmentally appropriate both from a physical perspective and a learning perspective. It's best to learn early how to control your voice to hit notes precisely, without having to worry about volume or too much projection. A chorus gets volume from the numbers, not any one individual, and you learn how to hear what other people are singing and blend your voice with theirs, which is invaluable. And all of the other aspects of musicality and muscianship (rhythm, presentation, etc.) are easily learned in groups, too.

Individual music lessons are generally more appropriate and better value starting at around age 11 or 12 or so. For girls, that's generally during or after that first puberty growth spurt, bringing them closer to adult size and some idea of what their eventual voice and range will be like. Boys can benefit too, from having better voice control as they enter their puberty changes.

Thanks so much to everyone who chimed in. Any recommendations for a fun/low key chorus in the Rockville/north Bethesda area?

[Anonymous]

Strathmore was recommended to me. My daughter auditioned and starts in the fall, so others may be able to chime in with direct experience.