Warm-Ups
10 Simple Strategies for Shy Singers
There are many reasons why your student may be holding back their voice. Here are helpful activities and resources for helping shy singers perform with confidence.
What Does “Student-Led” Really Mean For Voice Lessons?
We talk a lot about student-led learning—but what does that actually look like in a singing lesson? Sometimes, it looks like a game. Sometimes, it sounds like laughing. Sometimes, it feels like a sigh of relief—from both the student and the teacher.
Lyrics, Literacy, and Learning: Strategies for Voice Teachers
Understanding song lyrics is not as simple as reading everyday language. Lyrics are compressed, poetic, and often inverted in order to fit rhythm, rhyme, and melody. They can use unfamiliar vocabulary, metaphor, or imagery that doesn’t exist in a child’s lived experience, and meaning is frequently implied rather than stated outright. Here are strategies to…
Forest Adventure Card Game FUN! By Dr. Bethany Turpin
I love the Forest Adventure song in the Introductory B songbook; I was over the moon to test out the deck with my kids! That said, I was still blown away by how much the kids loved this deck and playing with it.
A First Voice Lesson with a Young Singer
New to Teaching Kids? Start here POV: You are an amazing voice teacher and have started working with a student much younger than you are accustomed to. You are unsure where to start, what singing exercises are appropriate, and how to structure a lesson. You have come to the right place. (Song and Lesson Plans…
Vocal Exploration: Rhythmic Chants
Vocal exploration is a powerful teaching/learning tool in singing lessons. These kid-friendly activities allow students to explore their voices without the “right” or “wrong” narrative. (Something that is often missing from voice instruction.)
Mini-Improvisation Exercises for Confident Singing
Improvising isn’t just a jazz thing. It’s everywhere in contemporary music styles, from lead singers riffing out on tunes to backup singers creating cool harmonies. Simple activities can get our students started in developing their singing confidence and creative vocal expression.
Composing with Kids – Space Cat Songs
Composing music can be a wonderful way for children to express themselves creatively and develop their musical skills. Whether they are writing songs, creating melodies on an instrument, or experimenting with different sounds and rhythms, composing can be an exciting part of your music lesson.
