Taking voice lessons

[thetheatregirlinside]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 12:51am

OK so I was always in choir all the way up until college. I used to be able to read music very well, and I haven't done it in so long. I am really rusty...I want to take voice lessons or a voice class..something. But I am not really sure what steps I need to take to do that. And how much I should already know before I take voice lessons or would a voice class be better. I am a theatre major, and want to be able to do musicals and such. Any advice?

[xluckystar2107x]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 12:59am

start small. take a class with a friend or two every other week. gradually work your way to a private lesson once a week to every few days. it may be costly but it will be worth it if you are serious about theatre.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 1:00am

Well, the difference is, voice lessons will cost you. And, when you say voice class, do you mean like a music theory class or class voice lessons? You do not need to know anything to simply take voice lessons. Your coach will work hard on warmup and technique and hopefully you will get a better idea of how your voice works. In a class atmosphere obviously you would not get as much attention. Reading music is important but you certainly do not have to read in order to sing. If that was what you were asking, then great, if not I can answer more specific questions.

[thetheatregirlinside]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 1:29am

yeah I was worried about being rusty at being able to read music, and looking stupid trying to have voice lessons. Singing is something I am very serious about including theatre. And I just didn't know how to get into it.. Thanks..I am trying out for the musical in the spring. Godspell. And I am a mezzo-soprano and I don't have any idea what to even begin looking for to sing. SO sorda nervous about being rusty on reading music.

[kitkatgirl54]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 9:54am

if voice lessons is what you want, go for it. that's how people get into them, they get a teacher, and they start with you at your level. the only thing that may be difficult for you is what i had a problem with - i was in touring children's choirs until i was about 13 and then began to take private voice lessons for musical theater and classical training. they are completely different types of singing and you will be backtracking on a lot of different things you thought were correct for choral singing. i did choral singing and solo broadway stuff for quite a while and found it to be very difficult because i would literally be undoing everything i did at my voice lesson at my choir rehearsal. so make sure you know which one you want to go for ... then go for it!

[WOSQ]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 10:33am

First: Sing all the time whether it is in class or in the shower or along with Madonna songs.

Second - Take every class you can that is included in your tuition (I'm assuming you are an undergrad). I mean you've paid for the classes after all. Move on to lessons later.

Third - Learn to sing classically; opera and stuff. If you can sing that, you can sing anything.

Fourth - The first three also apply to dance and movement as well - particularly ballet. Who cares if you can sing like a bird if you cannot move?

And lastly - Stay in good physical condition. Avoid partying too hard and please don't smoke. Keep at the lessons. Bernadette Peters takes a voice lesson every day, even the day after an opening.

PS - Have fun. If you can't have fun, what's the point?

Xx