Discover the Best Singing Classes in Los Angeles
While it may be common to think of singing as a natural talent that only a lucky few possess, it is in fact a skill that anyone can learn. Attending singing classes to learn how to use your voice is similar to taking classes for any other musical instrument. There are techniques involved in singing well – such as breathing, mouth shape, and posture – that even naturally talented singers must come to understand to improve their skill.
Singing involves drawing breath from deep within the lungs. This is a technique that is usually taught to runners and can be usual to perform at first because it’s not a natural practice. Posture plays an important part in being able to draw these deep breaths so the lungs have enough room to expand within the body. As singers expel their breath, they must also be aware of the shape of their lips, mouth, tongue, and neck as this anatomy influences the sound that is produced.
While these techniques may sound overwhelming or difficult, they become second nature to the practiced singer. Beginner courses will also start with the basics and build techniques over time, rather than piling them all on at once. Singing is such an accessible skill that classes exist for children as young as six years old. It is never too late or too early to start learning, and most students learn how to confidently use their voice within only a few weeks or months (depending on their dedication to practicing at home).
Why You Should Learn Singing in Los Angeles
There are many benefits to learning how to sing. For starters, singing builds confidence. Since singing in front of others (be it an audience, your peers, or your instructor) can be nerve racking, putting yourself in such a vulnerable position and realizing your capacity to overcome, has been known to build self confidence. The act of singing itself releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood, increase happiness, reduce stress, and temporarily boost the immune system.
Singing also has benefits as a physical and mental exercise. Singing increases blood flow throughout the body and strengthens the lungs and throat muscles. Individuals who sing regularly report less pain and a decrease in snoring. Singing has been used as a mild physical exercise for individuals with limited mobility as well as therapy for improving concentration and memory in seniors.
While starting any new hobby is ideal for meeting new people and making friends, singing may be one of the best hobbies for this purpose. In addition to various singing groups and meetups in Los Angeles, the very act of singing with others has been shown to form social bonds. This is due to connections that form in the brain when an individual joins their voice with another’s. Thus, choirs and other singing groups are more likely to form friendships faster than other social groups. If you’re feeling lonely or looking for a community to belong in, joining a local choir or chorus might be for you.
Those who do well in their singing lessons and dedicate time outside of class to improving their voice have the option of gaining some extra side income. While most people won’t become the superstars we see on TV, individuals who sing well can get paid to do so for radio or television commercials. Others can create and sell short vocal tracks that producers may use in the creation of music or songs. Some students gain a passion for the classroom and become teachers themselves. Others take to writing or producing their own music and releasing songs on streaming platforms, which in turn pay a small amount of income. Whether or not you decide to monetize your talent, it’s ultimately important to pursue a hobby you are passionate about and to have fun.
In-Person Singing Classes in Los Angeles
Santa Monica College is a community education center that offers over 80 topics of study for students of all ages interested in advancing their careers or exploring new hobbies. Classes are low cost and hands-on. Popular courses include topics such as dance, art, and writing.
Contemporary Singing Techniques is open to adult students of all skill levels. Through vocal yoga, students will learn various exercises for improving breathing as well as vocal range, power, and intonation. Students sing together in a group setting for practicing techniques and gaining confidence in their performance. Students should wear comfortable clothing for floor exercises. The course is two hours long and takes place over seven sessions. The average class size features 10 students.
If the courses on offer aren’t interesting to you, continue to check back on CourseHorse for in-person Los Angeles singing classes. Courses on offer change regularly. You may also contact schools currently offering courses or who have offered courses in the past and inquire about possible upcoming courses or express your interest. You also have the option of attending a virtual course. Previous in-person Los Angeles singing courses have included group and private singing courses as well as songwriting classes for children, teens, and adults. Other Los Angeles schools you may be interested in
Virtual Singing Classes
Virtual singing classes can be just as effective for learning singing as in-person classes. Students connect with their peers and instructors through virtual tools such as online video and chat. Just like in a physical classroom, students can ask questions, receive guidance from their instructor, participate in exercises, and demonstrate or practice their vocals. Online courses are excellent options for students who can’t find local singing classes or who can’t make the required commute.
The only possible downside to virtual classes lies in technical limitations. Students will need to ensure they have a quality microphone and a stable internet connection. A poor microphone could distort your voice and an unstable internet connection will increase lag which can make it difficult to sing in sync to accompaniment or with a group. If you aren’t sure if you have the proper setup to attend virtual singing classes, reach out to your instructor or school for guidance.
Let’s Sing with Jocelyn Medina and Let’s Sing with Olivia Foschi are two virtual singing workshops for adults. The two courses are the same except for the instructor and weekly availability. Students learn how to find and tune their voice in a positive community environment. Each course consists of four sessions that last one hour each. Take-home assignments are given to further education outside of class. Beginners and intermediate students are welcome.
Younger students can take advantage of the Singer`s Workshop, intended for beginners aged 15 and up. The class spans five sessions, each one lasting two hours. Students learn vocal techniques, breathing exercises, and strategies for building confidence. Students gain experience singing in a group as well as individually.
Singers ready to take their performance skills to the next level may be interested in The Voice Lab: Vocal Technique & Performance. This course is designed to prepare students for upcoming performances, whether they plan to hit the stage or sing in front of a small group of friends. Students learn how to handle a microphone, expand their vocal range, and perform in confidence and style. The group studio class consists of 7 sessions that are tailored to the needs of each participant.
Private Group Singing Classes in Los Angeles
The act of joining our voice with someone else activates something in our brain which categorizes the experience as a bonding event. For this reason, groups that sing together experience accelerated bonds of trust and friendship than seen in other social activities. Participants also learn about group dynamics by discovering when it’s appropriate for their voice to be loud vs pulled back to let others shine. While you may not have considered it before, scheduling private group singing classes as a team building event for your business or organization can have surprising benefits.
You can schedule private group singing classes through CourseHorse. One such course on offer is Virtual Trivia: Holiday Music Karaoke where your team will compete individually and in groups to complete lyrics from holiday songs from various cultures. The event lasts for one hour and features four different rounds of trivia. The event can accommodate groups of up to 200 people.
If holiday music isn’t right for the season or your group’s personal preferences, CourseHorse offers tons of flexibility. Contact them through their website to discuss options, such as customizing existing courses or building a new one to your specifications. Registrants also have the ability to cancel, reschedule, or change the group size of an event without any additional fees so long as advance notice is given. Though most of CourseHorse’s events are held through Zoom, participants can request alternative virtual platforms. The cost of any materials your course requires is always included in the course price and materials are shipped to participants prior to the start of class. There are no booking fees when registering through CourseHorse, and you’ll always receive confirmation within 24 hours.
