What Does “Student-Led” Really Mean For Voice Lessons?

By Dr. Bethany Turpin

What Is Student-Led Learning in a Singing Lesson?

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.

The Power of Playful Choice

When we offer choices—like in the This or That? Singing Warm-Up Game—we’re not just filling time with fun (though it is genuinely fun!). We’re creating moments of agency. These small choices tell us a lot: What does this student enjoy? Where do they feel confident? What sparks their curiosity?

Helping Students Find Their Voice (Literally and Figuratively)

For students, especially young ones who might not yet have the language to articulate their musical interests, this kind of playful structure helps them show us what they love, without pressure. It helps students gain musical vocabulary so they can take charge of their own development instead of imitating what we show them.

It’s a low-stakes, high-reward way to start learning how to make musical decisions. And every time a student gets to choose or express a preference, it boosts their confidence. They are part of the process. They are shaping their own musical journey.

That’s powerful stuff.

Creating a Safe Space for Musical Growth

Student-led learning also creates a sense of emotional safety. When students see their ideas reflected back in the lesson—when their teacher listens, adapts, and celebrates their input—they learn that their voice matters and that their teacher is listening.

The lesson becomes a safe place to try new things, make mistakes, and explore. And that’s where real growth happens.

But here’s a little secret bonus: student-led learning can take some of the pressure off us as teachers, too! We don’t always have to come up with the “perfect” activity or magical warm-up that will light a student’s fire.

Instead, we can observe what’s already working, what already brings them joy, and build from there. Our power is not knowing everything. Our power is in observing and mixing together our students’ interests and goals with our knowledge of how to get there.

We act as guides and helpers; the singing teacher’s actual job.

What Student-Led Really Means

Student-led doesn’t mean the student is in charge of everything. It means we’re teaching with curiosity, with flexibility, and with the student at the centre. It’s a partnership—one that honors the uniqueness of every voice in our studio.

And it often starts with a game, a smile, and a simple question: “Would you like to try this… or that?”

Enjoy more Student-Led discussion on The FULL VOICE Podcast