• Singing is natural - it's easy to do.

Singing is easy and natural ... but to sing well takes practice. I truly believe anyone can sing – we all have the ability. Much like anyone can run a mile, I'm not about to ... I haven't trained my body to do that in over 25 years!

• My child's not good at singing

If you think they’re struggling at singing, that’s the best reason to start taking lessons! Don’t deprive them of something that will last their whole life.

The term “tone deaf” has been excessively used by people who simply believe they can’t sing well. One of our math teachers here at WUHS has said the same to me - but I’ve heard him sing along (quite well!) to Billy Joel. That’s not easy!

Improving pitch and tone is one of the foundations of voice lessons.

• Singing lessons are for girls

Somewhere along the way, many have just assumed singing lessons were about pouring money into some childish sense of ego for young girls, much in the way that “only” girls take horseback riding or dance lessons … or that athletes shouldn’t take music lessons because it will take away from their sports.

All of these are totally invalid opinions, and there’s nothing like having a child challenge long-standing, preconceived notions.

If your child says they would like singing lessons, are you going to take the opportunity to pass a prejudice down from generation to generation? Or will you admit there’s no reason that your child can’t sing, too?

• Singing lessons produce no results. Either you have talent or you don't. Why waste money?

Even professional singers continue to take voice lessons, even if they are in the middle of a successful career. Singing is a lifelong pursuit.

Let’s equate this to the sports world. How many of us have nourished our child’s desire to get better in athletics by enrolling them in private dance studios, AAU and club teams, or even just youth organized sports? They practice daily, and they have many opportunities to work on their skills in hopes of becoming successful at the next level.

Sure, there are many kids who have a natural affinity toward a skill. But how many times have we seen that child who just works at it better? The same can be accomplished in the music world.

• Money is tight. Maybe when we can afford it.

I have found many times in my life when money is tight. We always find a way to pay for the things that are important to us. Maybe it means a few less times eating out, maybe it’s sacrificing the latest and greatest in cell phone technology. If the students want it badly enough, they’ll find a way.

A favorite quote from years ago is attributed to Ella Wheeler Wilcox: “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent, hinder, or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”

A determined soul will find a way to afford lessons.

• People take lessons for the wrong reasons

There might be some truth in this. Some people take lessons to make sure they get that solo in church, that solo in the concert, that rating at solo & ensemble, or that part in the musical. They want to learn to sing loud.

There are other reasons to take lessons, including building self-confidence and learning study skills. While there may be some people who take lessons for seemingly unrelated or unimportant reasons, these do not apply to everyone.

I have seen and heard serious results from singers who took the crafts of singing very seriously from their first lesson to their last. They are not music majors in college. This was not frivolity. This was not wasted time. While their talents have yet to land them a multi-million dollar recording contract, they have long aimed for a lifetime of music making. Every ounce of their musical education - including lessons - is a part of a master plan they will employ throughout their life.

• There's not much to singing. You just have to practice, and that's it. I can learn to sing on my own.

Yes, you can, maybe. Some people have done it with minimal effort. I know at least two.

The rest spend hours, days, months, and years watching videos, listening to recordings, watching Idol or The Voice or other anything but actual lessons… and never make any breakthroughs in their own voices.

You must practice - that is a minimum. But you also need guidance. An outside, experienced voice that can hear and evaluate and offer suggestions to help unlock your fullest potential.

• Voice teachers are Scammers. Besides, there aren't any good teachers near us.

True, there are some nefarious people who are only in it for a paycheck. In every field of life there are scammers. You have to find someone reputable, trustworthy, and experienced. When you do, hire them and listen to what they have to offer. It’s likely you’ll be surprised how fast you improve.

While there are precious few high-quality teachers in our area, there are always options. We are fortunate to have people come in to our school to offer their services. You can also try Zoom or other online options. As you’re learning to hone your craft, face to face lessons are usually the most powerful and effective.

Mostly, though, your initial success will be due to your own habits and work ethic. Having someone hold you accountable on a regular basis does wonders!