Can You Learn to Sing as an Adult?
“Can adults learn to sing? Is there an age limit to learning to sing? Am I past my prime singing age?”
I get a lot of emails from adults wondering if it’s too late for them to start singing lessons. Many people believe that it’s a skill you’re born with, or that must be fostered young for it to be worth doing, but this is not necessarily the case. Learning things at a young age is great, don’t get me wrong, but this is not the only way to discover your unique voice and learn to use your voice effectively. There are some awesome possibilities that come with embracing singing a little later in life.
The Myth of Age Limits
Some people believe you have to be a singing prodigy from childhood to hit high notes or perform live, but voices are adaptable. While children are often reported to learn faster, adults still learn things very well, all the time. Speed is not the goal. You’ll also have heard a lot more music and had important life experiences which will help you to express yourself while you’re singing. This pre-existing knowledge and emotional depth will help you to learn easily and connect with your audience (once you start performing!).
Motivation
Adults who come to singing later benefit from intrinsic motivation. This motivation is coming from inside the house, people! You know you want to do this and you’re using your own money, time and energy to do it. You’ll also be applying your newly found skills as soon as you acquire them, rather than waiting until you’re older or when your voice has fully developed. If properly motivated, adults often find it easier to stick to things and achieve goals.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
It's totally normal for beginner adult singers to worry about sounding good, especially when compared to singers who have been training for years. It makes sense. You’ve heard a lot of great singers and you know more clearly what you’d like your voice to sound like, so the gap between where you are and where you want to be feels MASSIVE. It is a special kind of vulnerability to allow yourself to be a beginner and make mistakes; learning to sing is a personal journey. Everyone has their own speed, and coaches who work with adults get that.
Choosing the Right Approach
Try out a few coaches and see what works for you. Maybe you want one-on-one lessons, or want to join a choir and sing for the well documented mental health and wellbeing benefits. It’s important to find a coach you connect with who understands your goals. Ask questions and get to know them before committing to a long term course. What type of music do they teach? Do they offer performance opportunities? Do they work with songwriters? Ask questions that reach the heart of your goals.
Embracing the Journey
Starting singing lessons as a adult isn't about reaching a finish line; it's learning about yourself through music. Reward yourself for every little win and you’ll find yourself excited to practise and make progress every week. If you start now, you’ll be miles further along than if you thought about it for a few more weeks/months/years.
Remember, you get to decide what success looks like to you. It might be singing karaoke with friends, writing and performing your first song, or recording an album! It’s up to you. It’s only too late if you never start.
BOOK A CALL
If you’d like to learn more about voice lessons in Auckland or online and see if Victoria Hollings Vocal Studio is the right place for you, send me an email to victoria@victoriahollings.com or click the button below to book a FREE discovery call. Grab a coffee and we’ll have a no-obligation chat about your voice and your goals on Google Meet. I can’t wait to hear from you!