What’s the best way to encourage and support a child who wants to sing? What training would provide the best foundation for a lifetime love of music? And is the answer the same for every child?
For the young singer, a wonderful place to start singing lessons and grow musically would be a good children’s choir, one which features knowledgeable conductors and a great music education. Since it started over twenty-five years ago, the South Bay Children’s Choir has provided singing lessons that include training in healthy vocal technique, musicianship, sight reading, music theory, harmony singing, and exposure to a varied repertoire of musical styles and languages.
In addition, we are an organization that emphasizes community. Our hope is that our members will become well-rounded musicians as well as excellent singers, and that they will make friendships that last a lifetime.
Some parents might first think of getting private voice lessons for their children rather than finding a choir. While there can be great value in taking private voice lessons, children under the age of twelve generally do not have the physically vocal structure to take advantage of the vocal technique offered by a good voice teacher. When the vocal structure is not physically ready, it is easy for misunderstanding to occur, resulting in the child developing poor vocal habits. Private singing lessons for younger children should primarily focus on helping the child choose and learn songs that do not tax the vocal instrument.
Beyond teaching songs and providing an excellent musical foundation, the South Bay Children’s Choir also teaches important life skills, encouraging teamwork, listening, and focus. Reading music has shown to sharpen concentration and improve memory. But perhaps most of all, in a world full of technology and increased isolation, participating in a choir generates a sense of fellowship. As one of our singers said, “I don’t have to try to figure out what I have in common with other choir friends. We are automatically bonded by our love for singing.”
If you are reading this, you probably have a child that loves to sing. I wish you the best as you choose between the great amount of options for your child, and I hope you will consider what an enriching experience a high-quality choir can be for children.
Julie Corallo, Artistic Director