As a teacher of voice, you will need to be very careful when deciding when to let a girl start taking voice lessons. You want to make sure the child is ready for voice lessons, and this is especially true of teenage girls. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you need to ask the child questions about her voice and about any problems that she may be experiencing. Next, you need to find out what her interest is, and how she can put that information to use. Once these basics are in place, more advanced work can begin.
Prerequisites
As a young child, your daughter may be incredibly passionate about singing and playing the piano. But vocal technique lessons can be extremely challenging for a young child, as they do not have an established sense of self and are not physically prepared to process the teacher’s instructions. On the other hand, beginning piano lessons early can help build the foundation for a future in music. Along with improving note reading and sight-reading skills, you will also be teaching your daughter the fundamentals of music theory.
Benefits
Vocal coaching is beneficial to both boys and girls because they build self-esteem and develop social and academic skills. Children benefit from one-on-one attention from a voice teacher and learn to express themselves through singing. As they progress in their singing and performing, they gain confidence and become less self-conscious of performing in public. Learning to sing can open up a world of opportunities for your child. It can even lead to a scholarship.
Precautions
The first thing to remember when a girl decides to start taking voice lessons is that she is not yet fully grown. Before puberty, her vocal cords are still very thin and are unable to sustain high notes. With voice lessons, a girl can learn to sing more high notes and develop her own vocal range. Before she begins voice lessons, however, she should avoid forcing or straining her voice.
Age at which to start
The question of when a girl should start voice lessons should be posed from two angles. The first is the development of puberty. A child should begin singing lessons when her voice has reached a mature level and they are old enough to focus for 30 minutes. A child should avoid taking voice lessons before they have reached puberty, as this can over-train their voices. Instead, younger children should consider joining a singing group.
Precautions against early voice training
While vocalists often stress the importance of proper rest for vocal cords, there are many other important considerations that should be taken during this crucial phase of a child’s life. To avoid the potential negative effects of sleep deprivation on the vocal cords, avoid caffeinated beverages and screen time before bed. Additionally, the voice should be protected from the elements in its immediate environment, including loud noises and harsh lighting.
Taking voice lessons
When choosing a teacher for your child’s voice lessons, it’s important to look for one with a proven record of success. Taking private lessons will ensure that your child gets the attention she needs. Lessons will focus on developing a child’s middle voice, which is the starting point for all singing. Girls and boys have different voice ranges, and your child will need to learn songs that suit her style and comfort level.