Discover the Best Singing Classes in NYC
Many people believe they cannot sing when the truth is they simply haven’t been taught properly. If someone handed you a musical instrument you had never seen before and asked you to play it, would you know how? Of course, not! Singing is the same, even with those who seem to have been born with a natural ability.
Singing is the act of creating music from one’s mouth. Singing is very different from talking. It involves breathing from deep within the lungs, controlling one’s breath, and being conscious of how movements in the mouth produce certain sounds. For professional singers, these techniques become second nature. However, beginner students, even those with natural talent, will need to understand how these aspects work in order to improve.
While you might think learning to sing would be difficult, the fact is many of us are comparing ourselves to the professionals. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to get where they are. The truth is that beginners can learn how to use their voice in only a few weeks or months, depending on their dedication to the craft. Singing classes can help you unlock a new skill you didn’t know you had.
Why You Should Learn Singing in NYC
Learning to sing may be one of the best hobbies you can undertake. Singing makes people feel good due to chemicals the activity releases in the brain. Individuals report feeling happier and less stressed after engaging in a singing lesson or choir session. Singing is also known to boost confidence and reduce anxiety for individuals who sing in front of other people, such as their instructor or choir members. This is because singing can be a very vulnerable activity. Overcoming that fear makes people feel good about themselves.
Singing is classified as a form of light exercise. The activity strengthens the lungs and throat muscles. Some singers even report a reduction in snoring or sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, singing increases blood circulation, which can improve brain function such as cognitive and memory capabilities. Singing is often used as a therapy to provide these benefits to seniors. Studies have also found that singing temporarily boosts the immune system.
If you join a choir or chorus, the social benefits of learning to sing will be quickly realized. Trust forms between individuals who sing in front of each other. Studies have found that joining your voice in harmony with someone else’s also causes the brain’s social center to light up. Singers in a choir or chorus are more likely to form friendships with each other faster than other social groups. Starting any new hobby often brings individuals into new communities that become sources of support and improve their sense of belonging.
Not everyone will turn singing into a source of income, but it is possible to make some extra cash from the hobby. Singers may be paid to lend their voice to radio or tv commercials. Websites exist where singers can post vocal samples. Producers may purchase these samples to use in songs or other productions. Singers may perform for cash in the street. Singers and songwriters may also post their music on streaming websites and earn money every time one of their songs is listened to or downloaded. Some singers even advance to becoming instructors.
In-Person Singing Classes & Schools in NYC
Residents of NYC can find several in-person singing classes near them.
New York Jazz Workshop
New York Jazz Workshop is a learning and rehearsal center that offers classes for adults, teens, and children. They teach music in various modern styles such as Jazz and the Blues. They teach singing as well as songwriting and how to play instruments. They are located in midtown.
Let’s Sing with Elana Hedrych is a beginner and intermediate jazz singing course that lasts for four sessions. Each session is an hour long, during which students learn about the basics of Jazz and musical theory. They’re also taught techniques on how to control their breathing and improve their vocals. The class size is usually small with an average of 6 students.
Jazz Singing with Michelle Walker is a similar singing workshop for intermediate and advanced students. Each session lasts two hours, and the course lasts for four sessions. Students are instructed by a professional jazz singer and get to sing with an accompaniment or professional band. The average class size ranges from around 10 students.
City Music Schools
City Music Schools seeks to break economic barriers and provide affordable music lessons to any adult, teen, or child who wishes to learn. Students may take singing lessons or learn to play an instrument such as drums, piano, saxophone, and many others. The school also provides practice rooms.
Private Voice Lessons are available for all skill levels and students as young as 6 years old. The lessons last for one hour, and students may choose the time of day they would like to learn.
The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music
The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music is located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, and primarily teaches folk instruments, such as fiddle, banjo, ukulele, and guitar as well as singing. Classes are offered in group settings so students can connect with one another. Currently, the school offers summer camps for children and teens, ages 6 to 15, where students sing and play instruments together. Previously, the school has offered singing workshops for students of all singing levels of at least 15 years of age, so check back for future classes or contact the school directly to inquire about options.
Virtual Singing Classes & Schools
If you can’t find an in-person class near you that sparks your interest, you might find what you are looking for through virtual singing classes. Online courses have an advantage over in-person ones in that they don’t have to be located close to your physical location. Virtual classes allow you to learn singing from instructors located anywhere in the country (and possibly the world) without leaving the comfort of your home.
You can learn singing from a virtual class just as easily as a physical one. Virtual tools allow students and instructors to connect over video and online chat. The only downside lies in technical quality. Virtual singing students will need a quality microphone and internet connection to prevent sound distortion and video lag. Otherwise, their voice may not come through clearly and they find it difficult to harmonize with their instructor, peers, or accompaniment.
New York Jazz Workshop offers the virtual workshops Let’s Sing with Jocelyn Medina and Let’s Sing with Olivia Foschi. These two courses are the same but are offered on different days of the week (and obviously with different instructors). Both courses are open to beginners and offer a group setting with an average size of 6 people. Each course lasts for four sessions and teaches students how to find and use their voice through in-class and take-home exercises. The courses are only available for adults.
Los Angeles City College offers a similar singing workshop for beginner students aged 15 and up. The Singer`s Workshop takes place over five sessions, during which students learn techniques for vocals, breathing, and confidence. The class on average hosts 12 students and gives participants opportunities to sing together and individually.
The Voice Lab: Vocal Technique & Performance course is open to singing students of all skill levels and is intended to prepare participants for upcoming performances. The course is customized for each student to work on their vocal goals and performance style. In addition to group studio-style education, students also receive one-on-one time with their instructor.
Private Group Singing Classes in NYC
It may seem a little unorthodox to schedule private group signing classes as team building exercises, but singing turns out to be an excellent group activity. Groups who sing together form bonds faster than those who don’t. Singing can also be a trust exercise that involves being vulnerable in front of other people. Employees of businesses and organizations who sing together form fast social connections, build trusting relationships, and learn about how to balance group dynamics.
If you are interested in scheduling a group singing class for your business, CourseHorse has classes they will deliver to you. Virtual Trivia: Holiday Music Karaoke will have your team singing holiday songs from various cultures as they compete to finish verses or identify songs from just a few notes. Trivia lasts for 1 hour and rotates between four rounds that give participants opportunities to compete individually and in small groups.
Not the right time of year for holiday music? Contact CourseHorse to discuss options. It may be possible to customize an existing course or build a new one tailored to your needs. CourseHorse offers other flexible options like choosing the virtual platform you would prefer to use, changing group sizes after booking, or rescheduling your event. These options come at no additional cost provided enough advanced notice is provided. Should your event require any materials, they are always included in the course price and will be shipped to participants. CourseHorse doesn’t charge for canceled events (again, with prior notice) or booking, and you receive your registration confirmation within 24 hours.
