Group Classes vs Private Lessons... Which Is Right for You?

Written by Brodie Baldwin

So you've decided to take the plunge into the world of singing. Maybe you've been belting in the car for years, maybe your child hasn't stopped performing in the lounge room since they could walk, or maybe you just miss the feeling of making music with other people. Whatever brought you here, one of the first questions you'll face is: should I book private lessons or join a group?

The honest answer is that both are fantastic choices but they do offer different outcomes. Here's a guide to help you work out which one suits you (or your child) best.

Private Lessons -> Your Voice, Your Pace

In a private singing lesson, it's just you and your teacher. Every minute of the session is focused on your voice, your goals, and the things you personally need to work on.

Private lessons are a great fit if you:

• Have a specific singing goal

• Want to build solid technique, including breath support, range, tone and vocal control

• Prefer to learn at your own pace

• Wan't to understand your voice and capabilities

• Feel a bit shy singing in front of others and want a private space to build confidence first

Because your teacher is listening to only you, they can tailor the lessons for your voice. This includes specific song work, vocal exercises and individualised homework for your progression.

Kids Group Classes: Confidence, Fun and Friendship

Our kids group classes are designed to help young singers fall in love with music in a supportive and playful environment.

Group classes are a great fit if your child:

• Is new to singing and you'd like to see if it sparks a lasting interest

• Thrives around other kids and enjoys performing

• Would benefit from building confidence, teamwork and listening skills

• Enjoys singing along to songs

In a group, children learn to sing in tune alongside others, hold their part and support their classmates. These skills carry well beyond music, helping with confidence in the classroom, working as part of a team and singing in a group.

Group classes are also a wonderful stepping stone. Many children start in a group, discover how much they love it, and later add private lessons to develop their voice further.

Adult Social Choir: Sing, Connect, Unwind

If you're an adult who loves to sing our social choir might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Our choir is a great fit if you:

• Enjoy singing in a social and fun setting

• Are looking for a fun way to meet new people

• Feel nervous about singing alone but love the idea of being part of something bigger

• Want a weekly activity that lifts your mood and adds some creativity to your week

There's something special about the sound of many voices coming together. You don't need to read music or have any experience. Singing in a choir trains your ear, builds your confidence and gives you a real sense of belonging. Plenty of our members tell us it's the highlight of their week!

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely, and many of our students do. Combining the two often gives you the best of both worlds. A choir member might book a handful of private lessons to strengthen their technique and understand their voice further. Private students often join a group to enjoy the social side of singing and practise blending with other voices, further developing their ear training.

Still Not Sure?

Ask yourself one simple question: what do I want singing to give me right now?

• If the answer is progress, skill or to develop and understand your voice, start with private lessons.

• If it's fun, friendship and confidence for my child, try a kids group class.

• If it's joy, connection and a creative hobby to break up your week, come along to our adult social choir.

And if you'd still like help deciding, get in touch at sing@sydneyvoicestudio.com.au We're always happy to chat about your goals and point you towards the option that fits best. However you choose to start, the most important step is simply to start singing.