Child and Teen Singing Lessons

Please see FAQs at the bottom of this page to address questions not answered in the lesson descriptions below.

Many parents ask me, "are private voice lessons the right choice for my child?" The answer is yes if they love to sing, want to build confidence and skills, or need help to prepare for performances or auditions. And, of course, any young singer with professional aspirations should certainly take private lessons. That said, some kids and teens are really just hoping for a chance to sing more often. They may prefer a communal singing experience with peers, such as a chorus, show, or pop band. Sometimes the young singer needs all of the above. I'm happy to discuss this question with prospective families in a free phone consultation.

A word about gender - I use she/her/hers and support children and teens as they learn themselves. I will address each child as they ask to be addressed and train them based on the characteristics of their individual voice and what they want to do with it, not on preconceived gender stereotypes.

LESSON OPTIONS

Solo: One-on-one in-person instruction with flexible scheduling and pay-as-you-go.
Duet and Trio: Team up with one or two friends or siblings (within 2 years of age) for a shared in-person lesson. Young singers love to study with peers, and families love to pay less per lesson. Duet and Trio families commit to a fixed, 8 - 12 week schedule and pay upfront for the full block of lessons.

INTRO LESSON - Required of all new students, in-person

Solo ($95/person for one student)

Duet ($55/person for two students)

Trio ($45/person for three students)

60-minute lesson that gives young singers a chance to try a lesson with no obligation to continue.
Duet and Trio students take the lesson with their friends to see if the grouping is a good fit.
My goal for the Intro Lesson is to open communication, harness enthusiasm, introduce a vocal exercise routine, and gather the diagnostic info I need to tailor the student's course of study.
Students should expect to talk with me about the music they like and their singing goals, and to do some fun, low-stress physical and vocal exercises.
I do not require students to perform songs at the Intro Lesson or to "audition" for me - I remind them that I am auditioning for them! However, students are welcome to share a song if they wish, and this can be useful as I tailor their course of study.
Following the Intro Lesson, families can decide whether to begin ongoing weekly lessons.

ONGOING WEEKLY LESSONS

Solo ($85/person for one student, pay-as-you-go, with flexible scheduling)

Duet ($50/person for two students, pay in advance for 8 - 12 lessons on a set schedule)

Trio ($40/person for three students, pay in advance for 8 - 12 lessons on a set schedule)

For Children

The 60-minute weekly lesson includes a well-paced variety of fun and functional technical activities, age-appropriate repertoire study, and musicianship training.
My tools and approach are informed by decades of experience as a professional singer, voice pedagogue, classroom music teacher, and choral conductor.
Students soak up music literacy and theory skills during lesson time and home practice using Nikki Loney's engaging "Full Voice" workbook series for kids.
Many students love to participate in the yearly National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) district auditions in classical, musical theater, and/or contemporary music categories.

For Teens

A 60-minute weekly lesson allows us to work on technique, music literacy, and repertoire, and to maintain momentum and engagement.
A weekly lesson with me one-on-one or with a trusted group of friends supports and sustains teens as their voice, body, and mind pass through a thrilling, but unnerving, period of constant change.
I work to create a safe environment where teens feel free to communicate their needs and try new things.
Teens experiencing register change gain confidence and control from consistent study during this transition.
My tools and approach are informed by decades of experience as a professional singer, voice pedagogue, classroom music teacher, and choral conductor.
Musical theater students love learning music literacy and theory with Music Essentials for Singers & Actors, a curriculum developed by my Yale classmate and Broadway composer/music director, Andrew Gerle. Classically-focused singers can choose to study the Royal Conservatory of Music Celebrate Theory curriculum if they prefer.
I support teens' performance projects and encourage them to participate in the yearly National Association of Teachers of Singing district auditions in classical, musical theater, and/or contemporary music categories.

What kids have to say about studying with me:

I LOVED having u as a teacher this year. I have learned so much about music. U are so fun to be with & have as a teacher. - S., age 10

I’m so lucky to have my wonderful teacher for eight whole years. I’m so glad that teacher is Y-O-U! You continue to be my musical inspiration - A., age 11

I love when you teach me music and songs. One day I hope to be a music teacher like you! - Z., age 10

I like that you are always in a good mood. You also have a great sense of humor. The songs we sing are really cool and they’re interesting too. - I., age 11

I love you, Ms. Kate - S., age 6

FAQs

Where do you teach?

Lessons take place in my home studio space at 1501 Webster St NW, Washington, DC
There is easy, reliable street parking on Webster, and WMATA Metrobus access via 14th and 16th streets.
For students with pet allergies, please be aware that I have a dog and a cat.

Do you offer online lessons?

I offer an occasional online Solo lesson if a student cannot attend in person due to illness or logistics. The format of Duet and Trio lessons requires all participants to attend in person.
If you live outside of the DC metro area and want online Solo lessons, please submit an inquiry form on my CONTACT page to set up a free phone consultation to discuss your child's needs further.

What kind of a time commitment are we talking about?

I require children and teens to schedule ongoing weekly lessons because less frequent study can lead to frustration and disengagement. A week to a young person can feel like a long time!
Most young students need at least 8 - 10 lessons to experience lasting improvement. Some students train with me for a short period toward limited goals, while others work with me over many years. It is up to you!
Various factors affect a young student's ability to practice regularly. I work with each student to tailor reasonable expectations for home practice based on their other time commitments, developmental stage, learning needs, parental support, executive function, musical independence, privacy needs, etc. Singing practice needs to fit into the day easily or it won't happen.

How do you handle scheduling?

My online student portal allows students taking Solo lessons to change a scheduled lesson at any point up to 24 hours before the lesson start time. Families can choose another open slot that week or, if necessary, skip a week.
If for any reason your child/teen can't attend their in-person Solo lesson on a given day, you can convert to an online (FaceTime/WhatsApp) lesson for the same price. Online is not available for Duet and Trio lessons.
I teach weekday mornings (great for homeschoolers!), afternoons, and early evenings. I do not teach on weekends.
If your child gets out of school early one day a week, I encourage you to schedule their voice lesson for that afternoon.

My child wants singing lessons but the cost is an issue for us. What do you recommend?

Take advantage of the Duet or Trio option for study and pay less per lesson.
If you prefer the Solo lesson format, determine how much you can set aside for voice lessons and let your child (and me) know how many lessons you will schedule. Knowing this will help me plan your child's lessons, set expectations, and meet your short-term needs. You can always decide to extend lessons if that becomes financially feasible.
If lessons can't work for your family at this time, please know that a young singer can learn a lot by joining a choir or chorus, a musical theater production, or a pop band at school or in your community.

How do you handle payments?

Solo lessons are pay-as-you-go at the start of each lesson.
Duet and Trio lessons are scheduled in a block format (generally 8 - 12 weeks). Families pay upfront for the whole block.
Payment via Zelle, cash, or check.

What else helps my child be successful with singing lessons?

Young students are motivated by a social context for music-making. I recommend that students participate in chorus, musical theater, a pop or rock band, a singing club, community sing-alongs, or other ensembles. If that's not possible, consider a Duet or Trio lesson to provide this social context.
It's helpful to young singers to train their ear and musicianship skills on another instrument of their choice. (Compelling a kid to practice an instrument, especially one they don't care about, is counterproductive - piano and guitar are great, but so are oboe, drums, marimba, and harmonica!) Some young singers aren't at all interested in learning an instrument and get what they need from my singing-specific music theory and literacy curriculum.
The music you hear as a child will be the music you sing most naturally as an adult. It's like learning a language. Young singers benefit from listening to a wide variety of vocal genres, from opera and musicals to Queen and Taylor. Grab any opportunity to take your young singer to musical gatherings, concerts, and shows. Local colleges, schools, and community choruses offer low-cost, high-quality performances young singers love to attend.

Child and Teen Singing Lessons: Text