The Benefits of Voice Lessons -- Part 2

To follow up on my previous post, here are a few more thoughts on the benefits of getting voice lessons. Whether you want to be a professional musician or not, voice lessons can give you some great side benefits.

1. Bless others through your music

For those of us who love music, there is not much that can compare to a well presented performance of good music. Some thoughts and feelings can be much more fully expressed through the power of the emotional connection of music. But seeing a church or community musician who is ill-prepared or does not yet possess good technical skill can greatly detract from the message that is being communicated.

The hobbyist or “just for fun” musician can deliver a powerful musical presentation when properly trained and prepared. It takes the time and discipline of good practice and learning the basics of a good vocal approach to get to this point. A music teacher can help you prepare to perform at your best level. This way, the audience won't be distracted by “that place where she always goes a little flat” or “the strained sound when he hits those high notes” but will be able to experience the enjoyment of the message in the music you sing. 

2. Learn new approaches to finding your best voice

When I first heard a professional music teacher giving a presentation on proper singing technique, I was a young man in high school. Up to that point, I thought that I was a pretty good singer – at least, that's what all the folks at church told me. What I didn't realize is how much there was to know about singing! I had previously thought that, for the most part, people were just born a good singer or they weren't. What I later learned is that anyone can take whatever ability they have and improve it greatly by the use of time-tested principles. Even the greatest singers in the world still have vocal coaches and trainers, and they continually seek to improve.

What I was limited by when I was that young, naïve high school student was a lack of knowledge of singing, including how my voice really worked. By getting instruction from various voice teachers and choir directors in college, I really discovered how my voice worked. I also found out how to practically apply that knowledge to increase my enjoyment of singing and the enjoyment that other people had in hearing me.

3. Connect with new people

Becoming knowledgeable in a particular subject causes you to become more likely to be able to carry on a good conversation with others who have the same passion in that subject. For example, my wife has developed some great skills in photography (to see her website click here) and loves to talk about that with other people, especially when they can relate to the challenges of creating good pictures and share her love for it. We're all that way – we relate best to those who are like us.

At the same token, when you develop your skills in music you are far more likely to be able to relate to and connect with other people who are pursuing the same skills. As you get farther down the path to excellence in your music, you will be able to give encouragement to others who are facing the same challenges and experiencing the same successes as you. And there will always be someone who has more skill and experience than you, who will be able to come alongside and encourage you too. I have developed many friends and acquaintances who have the common denominator of a love for music. You can do the same!