VOICE LESSONS
Hone Your Singing Skills
Can you sing? While some people seem to have natural ability to sing, singing well is a skill that takes practice. Sloan School of Music offers voice lessons from expert music instructors who take singing seriously in fun and creative ways. Sharpening your singing skills is more than learning how to carry a tune. Voice lessons are a portal to all sorts of skills and benefits, from music literacy to learning how to breathe well.
WHAT VOICE LESSONS CAN DO FOR YOU
Your voice is your personal, portable musical instrument. It’s always with you, wherever you go. Taking voice lessons gives your voice freedom to express itself beautifully. Take a look at a few other benefits of voice lessons:
- Sing notes purely, not in the general area of the note
- Learn to read music
- Control the volume of your voice
- Breathe well
- Strengthen your lungs
- Learn more about expression while singing
- Gain confidence in yourself
- Be able to learn other musical instruments easier
Interesting Facts About the Art of Singing
Humans have been singing for as long as they’ve existed. Singing is so ingrained in humans that every culture on the planet sings. We always carry our voices with us, so there is no musical instrument to lose or repair. You can sing anytime or anywhere!
People have been singing for so long that there is no record or evidence of the first singer. Scholars continue to debate whether singing was created to enhance spoken words as part of language and basic communication.
The oldest known written song is said to be from Syria and is over 3,400 years old. Famous inventor Thomas Edison, however, was one of the first people to record sound for playback, in 1877.
Vocal Range Categories in Singing
Singers throughout history usually thought of their vocal range by how high or low they could sing. The truth is a little more complicated. There are four major vocal ranges, to keep things simple; they’re often classified by gender, but that’s just a rule of thumb. They are:
Soprano
These are impressively high notes. They’re most often performed by a woman’s voice, although some men and younger boys can hit the higher notes, too. Famous female sopranos include Bernadette Peters, Tori Amos, and Kate Bush.
Alto
This is typically a lower woman’s or young boy’s voice. Famous female alto vocalists include Cher, Toni Braxton, and Gladys Knight.
Tenor
This is often a high adult man’s voice. Famous tenor singers include Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Freddie Mercury.
Bass
This is usually a low adult male’s voice. Famous bass vocalists include Johnny Cash, Lou Rawls, and Barry White.
Depending on the individual’s voice, these categories can be further divided into coloratura soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, countertenor, and baritone.
Your vocal range is a combination of its timbre (tonal quality), tessituras (where your voice feels the most comfortable), and flexibility (the ability to shift from note to note), which all work together to determine your vocal category.
The Benefits of Voice Lessons at the Sloan School of Music
The instructors and staff at the Sloan School of Music understand the benefits of learning music, including aiding a child’s development and delivering therapeutic relief for people of all ages. Voice lessons will help you in several ways, including:
- Sing with ease and clarity
- Improve your delivery
- Learn proper breathing techniques
- Find your maximum vocal range
- Project your voice without unnecessary strain
Our instructors will help you improve your vocal techniques so you feel more comfortable singing in front of people and connect more effectively with your audience. Your confidence will grow under the guidance of your instructor.
Sloan School of Music offers lessons for every skill level. Do you feel as though you’d benefit from individual instruction? We offer private lessons, or those who want more interaction and opportunity to work with others might consider our group classes. Get started by contacting us with any questions or to sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Lessons
It’s exciting and fun when you bring your love of singing to life. Here are some questions we hear often from those thinking about taking voice lessons:
Can Anyone Learn to Sing?
Yes! You were born with everything you need to learn and enjoy singing. We can’t guarantee you can have a professional singing career, but anyone can harness their vocal talents, improve their skills, and enjoy the oldest known form of music.
How Often Should I Take Singing Lessons?
The key to developing any skill is consistency. Weekly lessons are recommended, especially for beginning vocalists. Your instructor will help you work on your musculature and develop good habits.
How Quickly Will I Improve?
Everyone improves at different rates. Your improvement will depend on how often you practice and how quickly you grasp the concepts taught by your instructor. Most students see faster progress with regular, consistent lessons and a commitment to daily practice.
What Will I Learn During My Vocal Lessons?
The Sloan School of Music instructors will cover a wide range of topics during your lessons. You’ll discover several singing basics, including:
Breathing
This is controlling the quality of your singing with the air moving through your body.
Posture
You’ll learn the difference between singing while sitting or standing and the effect that has on your diaphragm and voice.
Diction
You’ll learn how you pronounce the words you sing to create a mood, character, or persona.
Intonation
Matching pitches is one of many musical skills we can teach you.
Learning to sing offers much more than just musical ability. Students will also learn self-discipline, perseverance, and patience. These are skills valuable in every area of life.
The Universal Appeal of a Good Singing Voice
In this era of videos and entertainment, we hear many voices throughout our day. Some voices stand out as being stronger, more pure, more focused. Taking voice lessons helps hone your voice into a well-oiled instrument that will make people stop and listen. This is a valuable asset to anyone who has a message or a desire to be heard.
While there are many personal reasons to pursue voice lessons, we encourage our students to use their voice for the betterment of the community. Sloan School of Music strives to give our voice students opportunities to sing in public. We collaborate with a local theater organization, organize musical performances, and put together bands and master classes for our students. Private voice lessons can be booked virtually or in-person.
Develop Your Creativity
Any type of music lessons will help you develop a more intelligent and creative brain. Why? Music provides a structure for artistic tendencies to build on. Singing, in particular, is a talent you can develop and fine tune throughout your life no matter where you live or what your life situation is. You don’t need a piano, a guitar, or a microphone. You can sing in the shower, in the park, in your car, or in a church.
Voice lessons teach you skills that you can use throughout your life to practice your singing talent. Our instructors will teach you elements of music theory, how to sing the scales, and how to find the right notes. The technical aspects of voice lessons give wing to the creative aspects that will enrich your life and the lives of those around you.
Give Voice to Your Feelings
One of the wonders of music is the way we can feel the emotions of a songwriter even if that person is no longer with us. The emotions transfer through the voices of singers today, singers just like you. In addition to being the medium through which past songwriters speak, you are also your own voice. Your voice carries your own feelings, which are expressed not only through words, but through the way you sing them. Voice lessons give you access to this powerful communication tool that can be expressed to anyone and everyone, no matter their language or culture.
Can you sing? That’s wonderful. Let’s hear you, and we’ll help you sing your very best.
Why Choose the Sloan School of Music for Your Voice Lessons?
We offer two easy-to-find Sloan School of Music locations: One in Hagerstown, MD and the second in Urbana, MD. Stop in for a visit, and our friendly staff will be happy to give you a tour of the facilities. We offer state-of-the-art facilities, a warm, positive atmosphere, and experienced instructors, as well as:
A Nurturing and Helpful Atmosphere
We at Sloan School of Music value having a pleasant, well-equipped learning space. We understand where you learn affects how well you learn. We’ve created a nurturing atmosphere to help you feel comfortable as you master singing.
Modern, Fully Equipped Facilities
The Sloan School of Music offers one-on-one lessons, band programs and group classes, all under one convenient roof. Our waiting area is clean, comfortable, and has free Wi-Fi.
Educated and Experienced Instructors
Good music instructors must know more than just how to play music; they must also understand how to teach. The Sloan School of Music was founded by teachers, and that gives our staff the edge when it comes to helping you learn music quickly and effectively.
Sloan School of Music offers modern facilities, passionate instructors, and a class to fit your needs. Let us help you develop the built-in instrument of your voice to become the singer you hope to be.
VOICE INSTRUCTORS
If you’re considering voice lessons, call Sloan School of Music today. Our experienced staff will answer your questions and help you get started on your musical journey. Learn more about our instructors below.
