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Fostering Healthy Long-Term Vocal Development In Children

The question of how to foster healthy singing technique in children is an area of continous debate. The following is my opinion, based on my personal study of vocal technique, as well as several years of teaching children to sing both in and outside of the school system.

 

Young children learn by example, not by explanation.

Giving children under the age of 10 explanations of diaphrams and breathing technique is a complete and total waste of time. They will only become tense and confused. When they see someone singing with proper technique, they will naturally emulate. However, introducing children to their head voice at a young age will benefit them greatful, provided it isn't done in an overly technical way.

 

 

Children need to experience singing and performing in an enjoyable atmosphere.

Putting children into singing competitions before they are ready can cause them to associate anxiety with singing, which in turn may cause tension and anxiety even in non-competitive situations. Children should learn to enjoy singing and performing for its own sake first before entering competitions.

What does this mean?

The best way to help a child learn to sing properly while building experience and enjoyment is to have them join a childrens choir that will provide them with many non-competitive performance opportunities.