Frequently Asked Questions
What ages of students do you teach?
For private lessons we take students ages 8 and up. By this age they have usually mastered enough reading skills, have the attention span, and the maturity to get the most out of a half-hour private voice lesson. (We do teach limited lessons to children younger than 8 when helping prepare for an audition.)
Do you teach adults who have never sung before?
ABSOLUTELY! We work to help you accomplish your goals and purposes in taking voice lessons. Adults have found lessons become the release they need during busy and stressful days. Because of maturity and dedication, we have found adult students tend to progress quickly. Recitals are always optional. Therefore performing in front of others is available but not required.
What style of music do you teach?
We specialize in what is called: classical singing and music theater. (Please note: classical singing is not teaching how to sing opera.) Classical singing is most commonly used as a vocal foundation for choral music, classical style, and even many elements of pop and contemporary. Music theater style is used in live stage/ broadway musical performances. Song selections used in lessons generally come from these two genres and students and teachers work together to chose songs.
What does a typical lesson look like?
Lessons begin with personally tailored instruction in proper vocal warm-up, increasing music skills and healthy technique. These are taught through various vocal exercises, fun games and music workbooks students enjoy using. Students then implement these skills while practicing their previously selected songs for the remainder of the lesson.
What are recitals like?
Recitals are open to all full-time and part-time students. This gives them the wonderful opportunity to practice everything it takes to perform a solo. Participation in recitals creates the unique learning experience that can only come from performing in front of others. Recitals are attended by family and friends in a safe and encouraging environment. Depending on age and skill, students typically perform one to three songs that they have worked on for several months in lessons. A new theme ensures every semester we are learning a new style or technique. There is also a fun “Halloween Recital” (no parents just students) held in October. While strongly encouraged, recitals are always optional.
Do you do virtual lessons?
Occasionally we hold virtual lessons over Zoom when disruptions such as: severe weather or health reasons occur. However, these typically work best with older students, and the majority of lessons need to be in person. In order for virtual lessons to work well, two devices, such as a computer, phone or tablet, are needed each lesson. One device is used for the Zoom meeting and the other to play the music on the students end. Please note our acting studio is a hybrid of virtual and in-person lessons.
Do you play the piano?
Yes, all our voice teachers can comfortably play the piano for vocal warm-ups and melody lines. However, we will not fully accompany singers song choices. All songs use high quality recordings so that we can solely focus on our students vocals during lessons.
What are small group lesson like?
Group lessons are a great option for those just starting out in voice lessons. Some studies show small group lessons can be more effective in helping a beginner start to master proper voice technique than private lessons.
Ms. Huling developed fun and progressive, step by step methodology exclusively for these group lessons. This curriculum has proven to increases students solo singing ability’s, as well as boost their self confidence.
Students are placed into group lessons based on age and experience. They are introduced to different genres of music during the semester to increase their music repertoire. In the last scheduled class they perform those songs to family/friends in order to gain performance experience in a low stress environment.
(Students in group lesson students do not perform in end of year studio recitals.)
What is the purpose of the mandatory Meet-and-Greet?
The free Meet-and-Greet has several purposes. It is excellent in that you as a parent/student have the opportunity to meet Ms. Bonnie, visit the studio room, and get a chance to feel if this would be a good fit before committing to any contract. It also gives you a chance to ask questions, hear about studio goals and policy. It also gives us a chance to listen and hear their current voice development so that we can place the student in the best learning environment for their current level. That might be a small group lesson, part-time private or full-time private. (Typically, those new to lessons will start in a small group lesson and eventually graduate to full-time private lessons.) We ask that each new potential student come prepared with a song to sing so that we can give instant feedback as to what skills we would start with if they choose to continue with us.
What is your safety policy?
The safety of staff and students always come first at our studio. All teachers under go an extensive background check and are vetted to be persons who are honest and trustworthy. Guardians are always welcome to sit in on a lesson, or wait in the next room. Cameras are placed in the music room and in seating areas and are always recording. If virtual lessons are being held, students may always record them.
Where is the studio located?
The studio is located at the Imperial Oaks subdivision in Spring, TX. Once personal contact has been made regarding lessons, the specific address to the studio will be shared with you.