| Over the years I've seen hundreds of student | | | | Several fine teachers, including me, offer lessons |
| singers come and go through my studio. Many | | | | one-on-one, using computers. On Google, enter |
| have gone on to various degrees of success with | | | | "virtual voice lessons" or "video conferencing voice |
| their singing and many have not. I've always been | | | | lessons". This is not the same as finding voice |
| intrigued by what makes some students achieve | | | | lessons on YouTube, although many of these are |
| success while others do not. | | | | terrific. With video conferencing lessons you will |
| Except in very rare cases, this had little to nothing | | | | actually experience a private session between you |
| to do with their vocal quality and talent. Most | | | | and the teacher, using your computer screen, |
| singers I meet in my studio are perfectly capable | | | | camera and mic to make this happen. |
| of achieving some sort of success, either as a | | | | 4. Stick with it. Don't blame the teacher if you are |
| professional, a karaoke "star", a soloist at church, | | | | a person who just doesn't follow through on |
| a lead in musical theatre productions, or as a | | | | projects, or gets bored easily and quits. |
| singer of the National Anthem at some big games | | | | 5. If a fine singing teacher is located 30 miles from |
| and events. | | | | you, don't believe that this is too far to travel. If |
| Yet somewhere along their journey they give up, | | | | you feel that way you'd be wasting your money |
| and miss out on some terrific life experiences | | | | and time anyway. You don't really want to sing |
| through music. | | | | better. |
| How much do YOU really want to become a | | | | 6. Listen to recordings and watch videos of top |
| good singer" | | | | singers, learning from them, not just enjoying the |
| Do you want it enough to: | | | | good music. Be aware of how they communicate |
| 1. Take some voice development lessons with a | | | | the feelings and emotions, how they move, how |
| good teacher? This means you would have to | | | | they pronounce the words and how they establish |
| take the time and energy to FIND a good teacher | | | | their individual personality and identity through their |
| in your town, and then take a big breath and GO | | | | singing. |
| to that first lesson. If money is the issue, cut out | | | | 7. When you feel you are ready find ways to |
| something else for a while. | | | | perform...karaoke, church, theatre, events, parties. |
| 2. (or) Purchase a voice development (singing) | | | | And then go out and DO IT. |
| course by mail or download. AND WORK YOUR | | | | 8. Totally understand and accept that being really |
| WAY THROUGH IT without getting anxious and | | | | good at anything takes more dedication and work |
| trying to skip quickly through the sessions. | | | | than being mediocre. |
| 3. (or) Take some lessons via video conferencing. | | | | |