One of the most common questions I receive is, “Which instrument should I start my child with?”
This is a great question.
My response is always: “the voice”. Yes, singing.
The voice is our first instrument. The instrument we carry with us everyday. The instrument that we are born with. It’s innate and primal. Our voice has a HUGE impact on who we are and how we view ourselves.
This is why people wear “I’m tone deaf” or “you don’t want to hear me sing” or “I only sing in the shower” as a badge of honour. It’s a form of protection. How we FEEL about our singing voice forms a big part of our identity.
(For the record, tone deafness is extremely rare, but I will save this topic for a future blog post!)
This is why learning to sing and feeling GOOD about our singing voice (not what others think of our voice, but what we think and feel) is so important.
If a child learns to enjoy singing at an early age, and learns to vocalize and embody foundational musical concepts early on, they will easily transfer this knowledge to all future musical learning, instruments or otherwise. In fact, their success rate increases.
Being able to express oneself through singing is POWERFUL.
—–
There are often questions and particular assumptions associated with voice study that I would love to delve into here.
Here are a few basic definitions for this discussion.
Vocal Coaching
Vocal coaching is typically short term. It is a limited number of private vocal coaching sessions designed to accomplish a particular goal. For instance, an audition or performance. These sessions are targeted and singularly focused on one specific goal.
Voice Lessons
Voice or singing lessons are a longer term commitment. Personal growth and development is the primary focus. Singers develop a strong relationship with their teacher and create goals and milestones together. Singers typically work with their voice teacher weekly for a number of years, with the goal of slow, steady and consistent growth and skill development in the areas of vocal technique, fundamental musicianship and performance skills.
Choir
Choir is a group of singers that work collaboratively to develop their vocal technique, musicianship and performance skills. Singers typically commit to a season or a series of performances and rehearsals. Choral singers share ideas and challenges in a dynamic and vibrant group setting. Storytelling, expression, and confidence are key components of choral programs. Goals and milestones are predetermined and achieved together as a team.
Now the question is often, which one is better: private lessons or choir/group singing?
And the answer is, it depends!
It depends on the singer and their particular needs and goals. There isn’t one right fit for all singers. And in many cases, a combination of BOTH is ideal.
However, there are some assumptions about the two that I would like to challenge, and I encourage you to consider.
Assumption #1
The most common assumption is that private lessons are more tailored, singers learn “faster” and feel “safer” in a one-on-one environment. Therefore private lessons are a better investment and more effective.
Assumption #2
In contrast, it is assumed that choir is better for more “outgoing” kids that aren’t as serious about their vocal development. It is also the “cheaper” and more affordable option.
Yes, private lessons are more tailored and customized to the individual singer. Especially for singers who have goals of attending a university for music or completing a Royal Conservatory of Music examination; private lessons are the best place to work towards these goals. I’m not sure that developing “faster” and feeling “safer” are specific to the private lesson environment, though this is the experience of some, but not all singers.
Are private lessons a fabulous investment? Absolutely! But here are a few things you need to consider when it relates to choir or group singing. Choir can offer an enhanced vocal learning experience, especially for younger singers.
The Power of Choir
The choir experience is powerful and unique. Choir will challenge you! Choir takes you out of your comfort zone (at first), and challenges you to reach new heights in your vocal development and self expression. You have an entire “team” of singers cheering you on (not just your private teacher). The vocal instruction is at the highest level and hearing your individual voice in relationship with the voices around you, allows you to develop your skills in a faster and more dynamic way. You learn to listen deeply for nuance and clarity. You learn to respect the stories and voices of others.
The choir experience is collaborative and engaging. The environment is vibrant, energizing and motivating. You have the opportunity to collaborate with other passionate and arts-loving kids who encourage you to share your voice. Courage, resilience and confidence flourish because you have friends to share your experience with. This level of safety allows a singer to take risks and not fear mistakes. There is safety in a community of trust and respect. Personal transformation is realized in an intention-bound community.
Choir is not just for “outgoing” kids. It’s for all kids who love to sing.
Just like sports teams, the benefits of choir go far beyond the realm of music. Benefits like confidence, creativity, empathy, self-esteem, dedication, responsibility and community. Group singing has been proven to improve mental health and lower stress levels.
Are private lessons better than choir? No. Is choir better than private lessons? No. Both are important and extremely valuable.
BUT, choir is worth a second look. Choir can be a powerful and transformative experience for young singers. Choral singing has a special way of connecting us to one another, our humanity and the world around us through history, language and shared experiences.
RISE empowers young singers to show up in the world with commitment, conviction and connection through the beauty of artistry and creative storytelling.
As you look at the extracurriculars you choose to invest in for your child, I encourage you to consider choir. What will help your child grow the most as an individual and as an artist? This is an important question to reflect on. It may be private lessons, it may be choir, or it may be both!
Keep singing,
Xo
Andrea “there’s nothing better than singing” Donais
P.S. If you are interested in exploring the choir experience, I invite you to attend our RISE concert on Saturday evening at Old Town Hall, 7pm. Send me an email (andrea@donaisstudios.ca) to reserve your seat. I invite you to be our guest.