What Happens in Your First Voice Lesson?

I remember my first voice lesson.

Actually, I remember the audition to get into my first voice lessons.

I sang a Bach cantata.

Then I sang an ’80s power ballad.

Both had been recommended by the guy at the music store.

My poor mother, bless her, had no idea what she was getting us into.

I was nervous. I thought I had to prove that I could sing.

Thankfully, that is not how I teach.

If you’re thinking about taking voice lessons with me, you may be wondering what your first lesson will actually be like.

Think of it as a work session.

I’ll start by asking:

What are your goals?

And how can I help?

Then we get to work.

You bring your voice. I bring my experience. We’re each bringing our best.

We’ll do some vocal exercises. I’ll listen carefully. We’ll try things and see what happens.

And sometimes I’ll look away while you’re singing.

That’s because I’m listening really hard.

Yes, I’m taking notes. But I’m not judging you.

It’s not an interview. It’s not an audition. You can’t get hired. You can’t get cast. You can’t get fired.

We’re colleagues. We’re rolling up our sleeves and working together.

We’ll probably try a song or two, too.

And no, you do not need to show up with a Bach cantata.

Or an ’80s power ballad.

Bring something you love to sing. That’s it.

Choosing repertoire is a little like trying on jeans or shoes. You pull out a few in your size, but maybe only one or two really feel like you.

We’re looking for the right fit.

And yes, I may have ideas.

I may hear something in your voice that makes me think, Oh, I know what I want to try here.

I may suggest a different approach to your vocal technique. I may think of a song that would be great for your book.

That’s because I’ve been doing this for a long time.

I have experience to share. That’s part of why you’re here.

But I’m not trying to make you sound like me.

I want to help you understand your own voice and figure out how to use it better.

If you’re preparing for an audition, we’ll work on what you need for that audition. If you simply want to become a stronger singer, we’ll start with what you want to improve.

We’ll start where you are.

At the end of every lesson, I’ll leave time for your questions.

And you’ll leave with specific things to work on.

Something you can take into your next practice session and actually use.

And at the end of the day, we may discover that we’re not the right fit.

No harm. No foul.

I can refer you to another voice teacher or coach who may be a better match for what you need.

Because the goal isn’t for you to stay with me at all costs.

The goal is for you to find the right person to help you become the singer you want to be.

So bring something you love to sing.

I’ll bring my best, too.