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Singing Lessons

DaDrew2112

DaDrew2112

Guest
Apr 7, 2011
405
111
Rochester
#1
Ok i want to get singing lessons, but what's the deal? What should i look for in a teacher, how much is reasonable to fork out, how much is it going to help (obviously it varies...let's just say i've got good ears and a unreliable voice) You guys truly are the best resource on the web because i spent hours looking for this stuff, but i don't trust any of it like i do with talkbass! Thanks in advance
 
#2
Vocal instructors charge anywhere from $20 - $240 /hr
Like most things, you get what you pay for; buy cheap, you get cheap.
Here in L.A, the average is around $60-$100 for decent lessons and $120 - $240 /hr for premiere instruction.
In large metropolitan areas, you will have a wide variety to choose from and
in small towns only a few if any.
A good instructor will coach you up, record to CD your session, and you should
leave after the first session with marked improvement and homework.

When choosing an instructor, ask for resume, past students and if you can possibly get
an introductory lesson. Also, see if they have anything online.
Obviously, if you are not impressed with their vocal technique, why would you pay to learn that?

From having observed numerous vocal instruction sessions, (BTW, I am not a singer nor claim to be one)
They usually will work on your "mix" the transition from chest to head voice, have you land on notes rather than sliding up to to the note, breathing, posture and vocal-ese; warm up exercises.
Good Luck and with practice you'll not have to worry about having your studio vocal tracks completely autotuned.
 
#5
Feral Feline said:
The following link used to be at the top of the Band Management forum, but is now hidden behind a collective sticky, which is too bad – understandable, but so sad that it and the other stickies are buried and thus reduce their importance and what made them a sticky in the first place...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/bassists-guide-singing-173764/

OP, You have read it haven't you?
Click to expand...

Jive does a great job in this. I've taken lessons with some darn good vocal coaches, and as a result I've expanded my range from one and a half octaves to over four; from singing everything like Layne Staley to being able to cover all kinds of different styles and genres from soul to screamo; and I can do it all for hours on end. It's taken years of hard work, but it has been sooo worth it. If I can offer any advice, it'll be to find someone in your price range, who you like and get along with, and (most importantly) pays close attention to the way your body and voice interact, and custom-tailors your instruction accordingly. Like jive said in the sticky, everyone's body and voice are different, and some of the lesser instructors may not quite grasp that concept. And, for the love of god, OPEN YOUR MOUTH! You do not want to sound like Rebecca Black. You should be able to fit at least two finger-widths between your teeth when you sing. Not only will this make your tone and projection better, it will also help you stay on pitch.
 
#6
Private lessons are best and most flexible, but don't overlook the option of enrolling in group voice classes at your local community college. In a semester you would get about 20 or so hours of group intstruction, for about 500-600 a semester tuition. That translates into $25-$35 an hour. Has the advantage of getting experience with harmonizing in a group setting as well, plus you meet some new people.

I'm not at all suggesting this is a better option than getting personal voice lessons a good, experienced, reputable coach. I'm merely pointing out the option exists. I attended a community college music program for two years after already singing for years professionally in a band and learned quite a bit that improved my range, stamina, and expression in group voice classes.
 
#7
I'm a lead singer. About two years ago, I blew out my voice during practice, making it painfully obvious that whatever tricks I'd managed to get away with earlier in life, they weren't gonna work any more. Time to dispense with the bad habits and start over again with better technique. I worked with a couple of different vocal teachers. Both were very good (one was a better teacher than the other, though). But I found the most success online, actually. I bought Ken Tamplin's course on DVD, which is excellent. Google him and check out his demos on his website. The guy can sing anything and he shows you exactly how he does it. The other guy I'd recommend is Eric Arsenaux, who has dozens of free videos on Youtube. I use his warm up exercises every day. They're really good for relaxing the throat, strengthening the vocal muscles, and projecting without strain. Both guys will give lessons online via skype, as well. Using a combo of these guys' techniques, I was able to rebuild my voice in a surprisingly short space of time and am now a far better, stronger vocalist than I was before.
 
#8
I'm a full-time singer and have maintained a voice studio for years. I do recommend supporting your local music school over online or DVDs. This gets you more community connections and helps your local economy. There are likely a number of community music schools or colleges in your area that offer quality voice lessons. You should be able to find a quality teacher in the $50-80/lesson range in most areas. The more you can find out about a teacher the better, and make sure you have a list of things you'd like to accomplish, and be able to articulate where you have been experience-wise, and where are coming from artistically. Ask to talk to some current students for the best info.

Once you find someone who's ears you can trust, expect to work on breathing, being more efficient with your voice, reducing strain, and being resonant off the microphone. Also, do keep an open mind if you are asked to sing some things that are a stretch for you.

Best of luck!
 
#10
I ordered this.

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I might be able to give some good feedback because I will use it (45 year old male: former singer from rock to opera), drummer (19 year old male: pitchy nasal singer), bass player (16 year old male: ok voice, kind of breathy, and he has no vocal confidence) and my 5 year old daughter (seems to love to sing with a pretty good voice.
 
#11
DaDrew2112 said:
Ok i want to get singing lessons, but what's the deal? What should i look for in a teacher, how much is reasonable to fork out, how much is it going to help (obviously it varies...let's just say i've got good ears and a unreliable voice) You guys truly are the best resource on the web because i spent hours looking for this stuff, but i don't trust any of it like i do with talkbass! Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Look into Hochstein Music School. They have some good instructors, and the prices are affordable. Definitely worth checking into IMO.
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