Where To Take Singing Lessons: Compare Options and Recommendations
Singing lessons are a great way to improve your singing voice. Singing is an art form that can be learned, and you don't need to have any previous experience in order to get started. Singing lessons range from private lessons with a vocal coach, group classes, online courses and free youtube tutorials. There may be some other options too but we'll be focusing on these 4 main (and most popular) options today. The question is, which one should you choose?
Let's explore each of the 4 options first and then take a look at what might be best for you.
Singing Lessons London: Private Singing Lessons In London
The first option involves private lessons with a vocal coach that specialises in singing. A vocal coach that specialises in singing may seem an obvious thing but there are vocal coaches that also focus on other areas like vocal projection and public speaking.
Ok so, private singing lessons are obviously going to be the most expensive choice and not something every person can afford. Singing coaches will usually offer a free consultation though, to see if you have any previous experience or not which is perfect to test the water. Private singing lessons could be the best way to start as a good teacher will be able to understand exactly what level you are at. It is crucial, however, that your coach is experienced and has worked with people of your skill level before. This vital experience will enable them to steer you and your vocals in the right direction!
If you're on the hunt for a private singing tutor in London, UK you might like to check out Soho Vocal Tuition. They've got a proven track record and as we all know, good recommendations are priceless.
Private teachers provide individual lessons in a private setting to students of all levels. Prices in and around London start at around £40 for one lesson but can range up to £120 depending on the teacher and length of time paid for upfront.
This option may not be for everyone as it can be expensive and some private teachers have high standards. Private Singing lessons are recommended for students who require more attention than they would receive in a group lesson environment, or if you want to focus on specific areas of singing that need improvement.
Let's look at the next option.
Online Singing Courses:
Online singing courses offer students tons of benefits and online courses in general are increasing in popularity across the globe. This option has become very popular recently as technology advances and people want to access their learning at any time of day from anywhere in the world. Most online courses can be accessed on your mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer so they really are a versatile option.
These courses offer videos, audio recordings and lesson plans for students to follow along with throughout their course so that they can complete it wherever they are, without the need of a physical teacher. There are a lot to choose from though and searching through the options can be tiresome.
The overall most important factor, like with any of the 4 options in this article is 'You have to find the right teacher for you'.
I would highly recommend our own online singing course which has been getting great reviews or you could equally check out Singorama as they also have a good reputation and offer good value for money, ease of use and customer service. Our own speak sing deliver course 'My Vocal Coach - The Complete Vocal Course' is something we have been doing for a long time and has proven results. Dorthe Eggertsen is a masterful teacher and vocal coach who has developed a method that is easy to follow and any singer whether experienced or new will be able to improve their vocal skills and singing voice. She famously makes students feel at ease with her teaching style and she focuses the course on the 5 most important areas to getting a better singing voice. In addition to that, the course teaches you how to use your voice most effectively, not only for singing but for speaking too.
Whichever option works out best for you, it is of great importance that you find an experienced vocal coach that can help you form the right habits early on. Forming the wrong habits can be extremely difficult to overcome and can lead to many issues later on down the line. Singing is not a talent, it is work.'
Ok, let's look at the next option.
Free Singing Tutorials (Youtube, Vimeo etc)
Although it is not always be the most reliable source of information, there are plenty of free tutorials available on YouTube that can be helpful if you are just starting out or don't want to spend money right away. You should be careful when searching though as Youtube and similar sites are open-source so anyone can upload content.
So, when checking out free lessons online, be sure to check out the credentials of the coach. Have a look at testimonials from past students and be sure before you start adopting the techniques being taught as learning the wrong techniques can have the opposite effect to what you are after. The worst case scenario would be that you seriously damage your voice. It wouldn't be the first we've heard of that happening, so it is important to be careful.
Our fourth and final option is group singing classes. These can be a lot of fun and offer something that private lessons and online courses simply don't. Let's jump right in and see what this option is all about.
Group Singing Classes:
Learning to sing in a group may mean that you don't have so much personal attention from your teacher but it has the benefit of a social aspect to it. Learning how to sing with other singers can be a beneficial way to learn as you can also learn techniques from your fellow students. It can also be an excellent way of making new friends, especially if you are looking for people who share your interest in singing!
Another benefit of singing groups is that you may have the opportunity to sing with an orchestra at some point or another stage opportunity. Some choirs will encourage group members to audition. This can only improve your confidence and boost your overall experience too.
Statistics show that people that sing in groups are more likely to stick with it and continue singing than those who don't. Singing in a group can be an excellent way to learn how to sing, especially for beginners or people that are just starting out and not sure what direction they want their future as a singer to take them.
If there's one downside about taking part in group lessons then perhaps it would be the fact that everyone learns at different speeds.
Group Singing Classes, London:
If you're looking for a group singing class in London you can find some excellent singing lessons groups not only for beginners but also intermediate and advanced students. If you're a complete beginner and you're looking for a group singing class in London you can have a look at Some Voices. Musical director, Laura Howe says, they are taking the pressure off needing to sing perfectly. This might be something that makes you feel more ease and if so, why not get in touch with them!?
Online Courses And Private Sessions Are On The Rise
Singing lessons in London have been on the rise over the years. In 2011, for example there were 12% more people who took private singing lessons than those that went to a group class. That's not what you might expect but it does look like some singers prefer learning alone.
Online courses are more popular now too and more and more singers are using this as their main option. Singing lessons online allow you to practice whenever it's convenient for you which is great if you want a flexible learning schedule.
Singing students can now learn at home through an online course that fits around their lifestyle instead of having to fit into another person's busy schedule. Let's face it, if you're living in the city of London, you are likely to live a busier life than people in the countryside which is why many people in London prefer to learn online.
So which of these options is best for you?
When you're looking for ways to learn how to sing, it's important to take into account your own personal preferences. Do you want the convenience of taking lessons from home? The sense of camaraderie and shared experience that comes with a group class? Or maybe the one-on-one attention and personalized feedback from an in-person singing coach is more up your alley. We looked at four different options when learning how to sing - private singing lessons, free tutorials, online courses or group classes.
Physical Benefits Of Singing
Did you know that singing releases the hormone serotonin into your body and serotonin is a natural anti-stress agent. Singing has been shown to have long term benefits for those who are suffering from mental problems such as depression because serotonin plays a role in mood regulation. Singing reduces stress levels by producing dopamine - another hormone that controls emotional behaviour!
Singing is also a great way to get fit, as it works out the whole of your respiratory system. Singers utilise their lungs in ways that other people can't so they must be able to strengthen them over time! Singing can also help to improve your self-confidence and it's a great way of expressing yourself. Singers often describe how they feel more confident when performing in front of others, which is why so many people choose singing over other forms of music classes like piano or guitar.
All these reasons show just how beneficial learning how to sing can be for you but the most important reason is that it will make you happy!
You may want to ask yourself these questions?
The decision you make is not the do all and end all, if it ends up being the the wrong one as you can simply make a more informed decision the next time. Asking yourself these questions might help you to get it right the first time though:
Do I want to be a recording artist?
Do I want to simply have fun?
Do I want to build my confidence levels?
Do I want to deliver live performances?
Would I like to make some new friends?
Asking these questions to yourself might help point you towards the right option.
Get in touch with Speak Sing Deliver
Regardless of which option you decide on, we hope that our blog post has given you some insight as well as motivation, so get out there and start practicing!
If you have any questions about learning how to sing you are most welcome to get in touch with Speak Sing Deliver as we might know the perfect option for you.
