Voice lessons are an essential aspect to vocal tuition. I mean, of course I am saying that; isn’t that what we are here for? Yes, I aim for Resonant Voice Online to be a platform where different skill leveled singers can find informed resources. However, I will always say that the best thing you can do in your vocal journey is work one on one with a vocal expert. The reasons for this is because of feedback and the ability to adapt your learning to suit your personal goals. Having that individualised guidance can make the world of difference to your voice. It’s also handy to know that you have someone you can trust with your voice.
Traditional voice lessons have appeared face to face for centuries. But with the beauty of technology (and little miss Rona kind of forcing us to go online) we are now entering an age where online voice lessons is becoming the norm. As an experienced teacher in both of these forms, I have had the experience of working and analysing the pros and cons of each method. So if you are looking for a little bit of guidance regarding how to take singing lessons, look no further!
Traditional Face-to-Face Voice Lessons
Let’s start with the most popular method out of the two. Face-to-face lessons are what most vocalists have experienced. Just like the name implies, these lessons are physically face-to-face and you are working with the teacher in the same space. Like I said, pretty self-explanatory. While traditionally considered the “norm”, this form does have some advantages and disadvantages…
Advantages
- The teacher has the ability to accompany you (if they are an instrumentalist)
- Clear image and sound quality… because, you know, it’s real life
- Can assist students with physical alignment (with permission, of course!)
Disadvantages
- You are restricted to a teacher who is in your area, or you have to travel and possibly loss the advantage of consistency
- Generally not very flexible. If you are a little sick (but healthy enough to still sing), then you will need to cancel your lessons
- No instant access to repertoire and materials (valuable time can be taken up by scanning/printing)
- Can take a while for students to get comfortable in the space
Online Voice Lessons
Online voice lessons have become popular in the last few years, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. These lessons are just like a face-to-face singing lesson but through video conferencing software on your digital devices (laptop, computer, phone, tablet, ect). Just like the traditional style of teaching, online lessons have their advantages and disadvantages…
Advantages
- You have more choices when it comes to choosing your voice teacher, therefore more options in more experienced mentors
- On apps like Zoom, it is super easy to record your lesson both audibly and visually
- You have immediate access to all of the materials you may need
- Lessons are more flexible. If you have a sniffle but can still sing, you don’t need to worry about anyone else getting sick
- You are learning in the comfort of your own home
Disadvantages
- There is a delay/lag in online lessons, so you and your teacher won’t be completely in sync. This affects mostly the ability of the teacher to accompany you. But thank goodness for backing tracks!
- The sound/video quality may be affected depending on your internet speed and how many people are using your internet in your household
Obviously, the above points are simply based on my own experiences as a teacher. I think it is fair to say that I enjoy the advantages of online voice lessons far better than the traditional method. My favourite point is that students have access to so many more teachers out there.
That is exactly why I initially created the Resonant Voice online studio. When I moved from Newcastle to Melbourne, my students still wanted to learn from me. We are living in an age now where this is more than possible, it is encouraged! Sometimes the delay can be annoying, but any quality online voice teacher will have strategies to assist with that. There is more flexibility and choice in online voice lessons. Sure, I am probably biased, but after working as a face-to-face teacher for 5 years, I am grateful that I am now working with students from all over the world.
What does it really matter?
Before I finish this today, there is one more crucial piece of information that I have reserved to mention until now. In all honesty, the way that you have voice lessons does not define who you are vocally. There are pros and cons that can affect your learning style and motivation, but there is a more important aspect that you need to consider: the voice teacher themselves. If there is a voice teacher you want to go to, the way they teach will not hinder the knowledge they will pass on. It is so essential that you do your research before going to a teacher, because they can literally make or break (not purposefully) your voice [we will talk about identifying a good voice teacher soon!].
So, if your dream teacher is in a different country and does online lessons, don’t be put off by the delay or video quality. You are in charge of your own vocal journey, but having an experienced tour guide sure does make the travelling a lot easier.
If you would like to try online voice lessons with me, Freya, than simply head to https://resonantvoiceonline.com/voice-lessons-with-freya-meredith/book-a-lesson/ to book a lesson!