Each year the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts receives hundreds of calls from parents who are interested in enrolling their children in voice lessons for the first time, but don’t know where to start. How old must their children be? How long will it take until they become a great singer? Is music theory important? And the most commonly asked question – what are the benefits of my child learning music at all?
Research has found that learning music facilitates learning in other subject areas beyond music, such as math, science, and language. It also requires the use of multiple skill sets simultaneously, such as memory and spatial understanding. Studies have also shown that learning any type of instrument increases IQ and improve test scores, influences creative thinking and problem solving, and is an exposure to different cultures and music forms, which ultimately fosters empathy. Most importantly though, music makes kids happy.
So where do you start, and when?
Each student is unique, and each has their own special path to becoming musical, but when it comes to singing lessons there are a few things that we encourage parents to keep in mind.
Can a child start private singing lessons at any age?
We get this question a lot and the short answer is yes, but it isn’t always recommended. Voice teachers often prefer to start children in private singing lessons around the age of 10-12. Prior to this age, children’s voices are constantly changing and developing in the time before they hit puberty. It isn’t that it would be damaging for them to start singing early on, rather they would have to continuously relearn technique, tone, and ear training with each new “voice” they develop over time. We encourage parents with children who love to sing and perform first enroll them in a group voice class where they can learn the basics of singing, while enjoying themselves with friends in a group setting. A group class also teaches ear-training techniques like recognizing harmonies that will be invaluable to young singers as they progress through their musical journey.
To meet this need, the MCMA has specifically designed three new and exciting group voice classes for kids who love to sing, but aren’t quite ready to dive into private lessons. Sounds Bytes (ages 6 – 8) and Clef Hangers (ages 9 – 11) will provide young singers with the opportunity to learn about the fundamental elements of singing (like breath support, pitch-matching and expression) in a fun, socially engaging environment. Meanwhile, Conservatory Idol (ages 10 – 13) is perfect for kids who want to learn how to sing pop music healthily and confidently—just like their favorite pop stars!
When the time is right, the next step is choosing the right teacher for private lessons.The first priority for any new student is finding a quality teacher with a verified musical education background, sufficient training, and experience. You can also go straight to the source: speak to other parents or music students and get their read on their teachers.What style of music do they specialize in? Do they make music fun or are they extremely disciplined? At the Conservatory, we always try to match students with the best teacher possible, and allow for a meeting prior to making any kind of commitment to make sure it’s a good fit for everyone. All MCMA faculty members have degrees in music, and some even have additional experience in childhood education.
Do you have any other questions about where to start? Give us a call at 204-988-7650, visit www.mcma.ca for more information, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We would love to answer your questions and curiosities because there’s nothing we love more than connecting people to music!
