Your teenager has said yes to a singing lesson, and now you’re the one feeling nervous. What actually happens in that room? Will he be asked to sing alone in front of a stranger? And how do you know whether the teacher is the right one?
This guide walks you through the first lesson, so you know what to expect before you book.
Before the first lesson
A few minutes of thinking beforehand makes the first lesson more useful.
- What does your child want? To sing for fun, prepare for a school audition, feel less shy, or sort out a voice that cracks? A clear goal, even a rough one, helps the teacher plan.
- Does your child want to go? A teenager who chose the lesson will usually get more out of it than one who was sent. If he’s unsure, talk it through first.
- What does your child like to sing? Ask them to choose a song or two they know well. It gives the teacher something real to work with.
- Is your child’s voice healthy? If it has been hoarse or sore, see a doctor before booking (more on this below).
(For boys) Is his voice also changing? Our article on Singing Lessons During Voice Change: Safe and Worth It? covers that in detail.
What happens in a first lesson
The details differ between teachers, but a good first lesson usually has these parts:
- A conversation. The teacher asks what your child wants, what they’ve tried, and what their voice does in different situations.
- Listening. Your child sings something he or she knows, or simply hums and speaks, so the teacher can hear his voice as it is today. There’s no judging.
- A few simple exercises. These help your child notice what their voice is doing and what feels comfortable.
- A plan. The teacher explains what your child could practise at home, in plain language, and what a sensible next step would be.
- Time for questions, from them and from you.
At Vocalogy, the first session begins with the person’s own account: what their voice does, when it changes, when it doesn’t, and what they have tried. From there, we look at the voice in context and finish with a clear recommendation for the next step. That step may be continued lessons, a rest, or a referral to another professional.
What a first lesson is not
- It’s not an audition. They don’t need to be good already. That’s why they’re having lessons.
- It’s not a performance. They don’t need to sing to an audience.
- It’s not a promise. No honest teacher can tell you in one lesson how their voice will end up.
- It’s not medical care. Voice coaching is training. We don’t diagnose or treat medical problems.
Should you sit in?
At Vocalogy, parents are welcome to sit in. It’s a good way to see how the teacher speaks to your teenager and what the lesson involves.
Some teenagers sing more freely when no parent is in the room, so ask them what they prefer. A good compromise is to sit in for the first lesson, then step back if they’d like to.
Questions to ask before you book
- How do you work with teenagers? Listen for specific answers, not just “I teach all ages”.
- How do you choose songs? The answer should involve their voice and their taste, not only a set syllabus.
- What will he practise at home, and how long will it take? You want something realistic.
- What are your fees, cancellation and payment terms? Ask before you commit. Ours are on our terms and conditions page.
- Can I sit in?
Signs it’s a good fit
- They leaves the lesson willing to come back.
- The teacher explains things in words your child and you understand.
- You were told what to expect, including what can’t be promised.
- You didn’t feel pushed into a large commitment after one lesson.
Think again if a teacher promises exact results, asks him to sing very high or very low notes in the first lesson, or says nothing about how long progress usually takes.
If your child’s voice is hoarse or sore
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne says to see your GP if a child’s hoarse voice is getting worse or not getting better, or if you’re concerned about your child’s voice for any reason. If your child’s voice is hoarse or something hurts, please don’t let them sing through it until they’ve been checked. If you’re unsure whether you need a voice coach or a speech therapist, this guide to choosing between them will help.
The bottom line
A first lesson should feel like a conversation, not a test. It’s a chance for your teenager to be heard and for you to see how the teacher works. Choose a teacher who explains things clearly, listens to him, and doesn’t promise more than a lesson can deliver.
To book, tell us his age, whether he has sung before, and what he’d like to work on, using our enquiry form: Vocalogy Voice Training for Singers & Professionals. We’ll suggest the right teacher and a first step. You can also see our teachers and fees on the 1:1 coaching page, or message us on WhatsApp.
Source: Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, linked above.