How long does it take?
I am often asked by a singer undertaking lessons, “How long
does it take to learn to sing?”
My answer? “An instant and a lifetime.”
Some aspects of singing can be addressed right there in the
first session when techniques yield instant results, if the body is ready to do
it. In most cases, the understanding comes first and the ability to do a technique
and then do it consistently comes little by little.
How long does it take for a singer to sound and look polished and poised to an average
audience’s eye and ear? If the teacher
is good, it usually takes about three years, therefore a voice major in their
junior year, or the equivalent should be able to start to perform
professionally at such things as weddings, religious services and local events.
Some of the bigger and more exciting voices take longer to sound polished, and for
some fast learners it can take only a year or two.
All singers must be students of singing, though, as long as
they are still performing. The magnificent human instrument we call the voice
is ever-changing as is the body that contains it. There is always new music to
learn and old music to perfect and relearn if we are presenting it. A singer may one day not be regularly studying
with a teacher, but they must always be learning and adjusting.
How long does it take?
An instant and forever.
Are you ready for the journey?
