Do Seasoned Singers Still Need Voice Lessons?

Although the idea of a “great singer” can be somewhat objective, typically, singers who have been at it for a long time and know all of the ins and outs surrounding the voice have strong knowledge and vocal technique. Some might even be vocal coaches themselves. In that case – do they still need to be taking voice lessons?
It is a common misconception that beginning or inexperienced singers are the ones most in need of voice lessons. But it is important that even the most experienced singers still take voice lessons, for multiple reasons.
As a long-term singer, you may have found your own voice, and be comfortable in that voice. This is usually the goal for beginning singers as well. In taking voice lessons, however, you can always discover new things about your voice you otherwise would not have been aware of without taking lessons.
There is always room for improvement. Even as a great singer, there are certain dimensions that will always be weaker than others. Vocal lessons are essential in identifying those trouble areas with your voice so that you can focus on improving them.
It’s possible that you have a fantastic range but struggle with breath support, or maybe you have incredible breathing and can hold notes out indefinitely, but you don’t know how to apply it to having power and strength within your singing. Sometimes we don’t always notice the areas that we struggle with in our voices, because we hear things differently when we sing.
Each of the seven dimensions in singing  – Flexibility, Breathing, Intonation, Range, Tone, Articulation, and Strength – all have multiple areas within them that require mindful awareness, but more importantly, they all require a great deal of practice. Without voice lessons, singers don’t always set aside proper time within their schedules to practice.
Another great thing voice lessons can offer you is the ability to more easily identify those trouble spots in a performance. Because we can’t always easily see ourselves when we sing, having another person that is paying attention to how we stand, sit, hold the microphone, or just perform in general can help us to locate potential problems that way.
Damage to the voice can result in long-term issues that may prevent you from being able to continue singing. Many singers, even seasoned ones, are not always aware of their vocal limits and risk hurting their voice without that knowledge. So, one of the most important things that voice lessons can offer a more seasoned singer is safety and vocal health in their practice.
It is not always easy to know when practicing, whether through vocalizing, warming up, or singing in a performance, whether or not you are doing so in a safe and healthy way. Voice lessons teach you consistency and proper technique to alleviate any vocal fatigue or strain you might unintentionally be putting on the voice.
Voice lessons in general give people more confidence, help provide them with proper vocal technique, exercise vocal health, and improve their voice overall. It should be easy to see why even the most experienced singers should still continue to take voice lessons and strive to always improve. They are an incredibly beneficial tool to becoming a more well-rounded singer.

AUTHOR: KERRI HARDWICK