I Have a Young Singer. Now What?
Hello there! I’m Monica Matlick, and I’m thrilled to be guest blogging for ABC Music Academy. I’ve had the joy of working with Ms. Lori through my journey from teaching elementary and middle school music to becoming a full-time graduate music student. Every time I visit ABC Music Academy, I’m amazed at how excited the students are to be there. It’s rare to see kids so genuinely eager to learn music — but that’s the magic of this place.
Today, I want to talk about one of the most common questions we music teachers get from parents:
“My child loves to sing! Can they start voice lessons?”
If your young one (anywhere from ages 5–13) loves to sing around the house, in the car, or with friends — that’s wonderful! Let’s explore how to nurture that passion the right way.
Getting Started with Voice Training
Before diving into lessons, it helps to understand how the voice develops. I’ve been teaching private voice for seven years and have studied Vocal Pedagogy (that’s the science of how we train voices). And here’s the truth — the voice is an instrument, just like a piano or flute, but one that grows and changes as a child develops.
Why Age Matters
During puberty, the vocal folds (think of them as tiny, flexible “rubber bands” inside the throat) grow thicker and longer. This change happens in both boys and girls, though it’s more noticeable in boys. Because of that, formal one-on-one voice lessons with muscular training — which work directly with those vocal muscles — can be risky before puberty.
That’s why most professional vocal coaches recommend waiting until around age 13 to start formal private voice lessons. But don’t worry — that doesn’t mean your young singer can’t start learning music!
Why Piano is the Perfect Starting Point
When I was five, my mom tried to teach me piano. Let’s just say… that didn’t go so well! But once I started taking lessons with another teacher, something clicked — I realized I could sing while playing piano, and suddenly practice became fun.
Years later, when I transitioned into formal voice lessons, those piano skills gave me a huge head start. I could read music, play warm-ups, and even accompany myself. As a voice teacher today, I get so excited when a student already plays piano. It makes everything easier — from understanding pitch to learning new songs.
So if your child loves singing, piano lessons are the best foundation you can give them. It builds their ear, strengthens rhythm, and teaches them how music works — all of which directly benefit their singing.
But My Child Just Wants to Sing!
Totally fair! For many kids, singing is where the joy lives. So, what’s the right approach before they’re ready for formal voice lessons?
At this age, the focus should be on musical awareness and healthy vocal habits, not muscular training. That means activities like:
Matching pitch and listening skills
Exploring how breathing supports sound
Discovering their “natural” voice without forcing it
Building comfort and confidence performing with others
This kind of work absolutely is voice development — it’s just age-appropriate and fun.
Group Singing Opportunities: Confidence Through Community
For younger students, group singing (like choir or music ensembles) is an excellent way to learn pitch, breath control, and tone while having fun. Singing with peers helps them develop musicality and teamwork in a low-pressure setting.
And here’s the best part: when you combine group singing with piano lessons, you’re giving your child the perfect mix — technical understanding and expressive freedom. It’s a balance that sets them up for long-term success in music.
How ABC Music Academy Helps
At ABC Music Academy, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore their musical potential. Our piano lessons for kids in Broomfield and Westminster, CO, go far beyond the basics. Ms. Lori’s approach is holistic — blending games, rhythm exercises, and vocal play so children learn music with their whole body, not just their fingers.
She also helps families connect with local group singing programs that complement individual lessons beautifully.
The goal? To nurture curiosity, joy, and confidence — whether your child is humming their favorite tune or dreaming of the stage.
The Takeaway: Let Them Sing (and Play!)
If your child loves to sing, you’re already halfway there. Encourage their passion, get them into a music-rich environment, and let them explore.
Start with piano lessons, add group singing, and watch your young musician grow — musically, emotionally, and creatively.
When the time comes for formal voice lessons, they’ll already have the foundation and confidence to soar.
