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Ready for your first lesson?

Aliah Elliott

Updated: Sep 16, 2023

Are you or your child getting ready for your very first voice lesson? Congratulations, you're about to embark on an exciting journey of self-expression and musical growth! But what exactly should you expect at your inaugural vocal coaching session? Here's a breakdown of what you can anticipate, and answers to all your questions.



What should I bring?

This is almost always the first question I get asked and I *love* that you're thinking ahead and want to show up prepared so we can have the best time together. The truth is, for a voice lesson, you don't need much! It's important to show up hydrated, with all the energy you can muster, and an open mind. Bringing a water bottle won't hurt, and if you have a phone, you are more than welcome to record part or all of our lesson. You will have music in your hands by the end of your first lesson, though, and that should come back with you week after week.


Taking beginner piano in combination with your voice lessons? I will assess you at our first lesson and pick up books for you afterwards to be ready for the next week.



Do I need to bring a song to sing?

If you have a favourite song or a piece you're eager to sing, feel free to bring it along to your first lesson. While this isn't mandatory, sharing something you're passionate about can provide a great starting point for your vocal journey. If you have a karaoke track you love to sing with, bring it along.


If you're feeling a little shy and decide at your lesson that this feels too scary, that's okay and totally normal.



What will we do?

Walking into a voice lesson can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're singing in front of a complete stranger for the first time. That's why your first lesson will typically start with a friendly get-to-know-you chat. I want to understand your musical background, goals, and any concerns you may have. This conversation helps build rapport and creates a comfortable learning environment. It's also a great time for me to answer any questions you may have. We also pull an affirmation card at the beginning of each lesson to help us enter into a positive mindset - voice training is a *huge* mind game!


Once the initial chat is over, it's time to warm up! Physical and vocal warm-ups are essential to prepare your voice for singing. I customize my vocal warm ups to the singer in the room, so vocal warm ups for each student look a little different! We will explore the whole range in your first lesson so that we can track how your voice is working and how it changes over time.


Finally, it's time to dive into some songs! Together, we will choose songs that align with your skill level and musical interests. If you have songs in mind already, that's fantastic!



What if I'm too nervous to sing on my own?

If you're comfortable singing on your own, I will give you the opportunity to do so. However, if you're feeling a bit hesitant, don't worry! I will sing alongside you until you're ready to go solo. This gradual approach helps build your confidence and allows you to ease into the lessons at your own pace. Our singing voices are so personal, and it takes a lot of guts to sing in front of other people, especially complete strangers, so know that feeling nervous is very normal. It will get easier with time, patience, and grace. I have never had a student who didn't eventually warm up to the idea of singing on their own!



Is there anything else I should know?

As your voice grows and changes through the process, it may feel like everything is happening slowly and that's both normal and okay! Because we are with our voices 24/7, it can be hard for us as the singer to hear the differences as they change over time. If you'd like to have something to compare to, we can also make a recording on your first day of lessons so we can listen back in a few months or at the end of the year, or in 5 years to hear how much your voice has grown. It may seem a little daunting to do this at a first lesson, but is so encouraging when you get to see how far you've come!


I am so looking forward to helping you along your journey to becoming the singer you dream of being. See you in the studio soon!



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