How long do I need to take singing lessons for?

Estimated reading time: 2-3 minutes

“How long is a piece of string?”

That’s honestly the most truthful answer I can give!

Everyone’s voice is different. Developing vocal awareness, having clear goals and having some guidance from an experienced teacher can best help to answer that question. It all depends on your vocal goals (that YOU come up with), what you need to master to achieve them (where the teacher comes in), and how much time and energy you’re able to dedicate to practice between sessions.

Setting Clear Goals

Some people come to singing lessons to prepare for a specific event, whether it’s a performance, an audition, or a recording session, and they might need anything from a few sessions to a few months of focused guidance. Many others come because they want to develop their technique, expand their range, or build vocal confidence over time, on an ongoing basis.

Having clear expectations and goals at the start helps us make the most of your lessons - but your goals can still evolve as your voice does. In fact, it’s quite common in my experience of teaching, that the more you learn, the more you decide you want to learn!

It’s Like Going to the Gym

Learning to sing is a lot like starting at the gym. You don’t expect to build enormous strength or flexibility after one session, but - depending on your existing vocal fitness and capabilities - with consistent practice, things that once felt difficult can become second nature. In the gym, some people enjoy working with a personal trainer long-term; others come for a while, learn the exercises, and then continue independently. Your voice works in a similar way. Vocal lessons can give you helpful tools and strategies, and help you to develop the awareness to train efficiently and safely, but the real progress happens with consistent practice outside the lessons.

Going to the gym and taking singing lessons have quite a lot in common…

Building Independence, Not Dependence

Ultimately, when the time to discontinue lessons with me comes, I want you to leave with the tools to be successful, and to be empowered to understand and work with your own voice. Whether you’re with me for a few months or a few years, it’s about building independence, not dependence.

I am always happy when the singers I work with feel they have learned enough from me to move on - whether that is onto further training, performance work, a period of independent practice, or even to work with another teacher who can offer different perspectives. Vocal development doesn’t have an expiry date.

(But of course I REALLY love it when students come back for a vocal check-in or a catch-up later down the line. It’s wonderful to see how voices and confidence grow over time… And I love staying in touch to support from a greater distance!)

If you’re interested in 1:1 singing lessons, get in touch and I can help you set some goals!

Laura x