Singing Lessons for Children

I wish I had a nickel for every time a parent has asked me "Where can I get singing lessons for my child?" The answer to this is not until they have gone through puberty. Most educators and voice specialists will tell you that pre-pubescent children should NEVER be given voice lessons. Their voices are just too delicate.

Yes, we've all seen those child stars singing an aria on TV complete with adult vibratos. Many parents believe that their child could be doing the same thing. Don't even think about it. The young larynx is a delicate instrument and should be treated with the utmost of care.

We have all heard children whose voices always seem raspy and never seem to sound clear. Many things can cause this. When I teach preschooler I am always reminding them to take care of their voices. It's the only musical instrument that we're born with and we only get one. Too much yelling or loud singing can cause the vocal folds to thicken with growths such as cysts or nodules. These bumps on the chords are what gives the voice the raspy sound. To remove these growths from the chords the patient must seek voice therapy. If therapy doesn't work the chords must be removed by surgery. Imagine a surgeon operating on a child's small larynx. It's very delicate surgery.

Instead of voice lessons it is better to find a local choir or chorus where the child can be one of many singers making music together. Singing with other children using gentle singing techniques and child appropriate arrangements can foster good ear training and nurture a child's musical abilities without harming the voice. Some choirs such as The Children's Chorus of Maryland provide music training along with group singing. If money is tight be sure to check out your local churches and synagogues for choir training they provide.

I'll write more about the adolescent changing voice another time. For now I'd love to hear about your experiences with children's choirs.