The Hidden Costs of Cheap Singing Lessons

When it comes to singing lessons, price is often the first thing people look at. A quick Google search will show you plenty of cheap singing lessons — some offering lessons at £20 or £30 an hour, while others charge much more. At first glance, the cheaper lessons seem like the obvious choice. But as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. You can read more about how much singing lessons cost here.

In fact, cheap singing lessons often carry hidden costs that make them far more expensive in the long run — not just in money, but in wasted time, missed opportunities, and lasting damage to your voice. Below, I’ll outline three of the biggest hidden costs I see in singers who come to me after months or years with “budget” lessons.

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July 20, 2025August 1, 2025

10 Common Singing Myths — Debunked by a Professional Vocal Coach

10 Singing Myths Debunked by Science and Experience

There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to singing. But many of the so-called “rules” passed around in voice lessons, online forums, and even music degrees simply don’t hold up to what we now know about the voice. If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or stuck, there’s a good chance one of these myths is to blame.

Let’s debunk the 10 most common vocal myths that could be holding you back — and get you back on track toward a stronger, freer voice.

“You have to sing from your diaphragm.”

This one tops the list. It’s vague, misused, and usually misunderstood. Yes, breath support is essential — but singing is about vocal coordination, not just pushing air. Singing louder doesn’t mean singing better.
“You’re either born with it, or you’re not.”

This myth stops more singers than it should. The truth? Learning to sing is a skill like any other — one that improves with smart, consistent training.
“Falsetto is the same as head voice.”

Nope. Falsetto and head voice use different vocal fold behaviors. Understanding the difference is key to developing range and power. Here’s a quick explainer as to what falsetto is, and how it differs from head voice (plus why I don’t like falsetto)

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July 20, 2025July 21, 2025

Why Your Singing Voice Isn’t Improving (And What to Do About It)

Key Points (TL;DR):

If your voice isn’t improving, it’s almost always a functional issue — not lack of talent or effort.
Most singers never sort out their chest voice properly, which throws everything else off.
You can’t rely on your own ears. What you think you sound like isn’t what others hear.
Pre-made programs lack context. Exercises aren’t magic — how you use them matters more than which ones you use.
If you’re serious about fixing it, book a session.

When I Was the One Stuck

I started getting lessons in my early 20s. I wanted to sound better in bands and at church, but I kept hitting walls with my voice. People said I sounded good, but I knew my range was limited, and I’d often crack at the top. Unlike some singers who could force their way through higher notes, my voice didn’t respond well to pushing — it just gave out.

I bought a distance learning course from a big-name vocal coach. It gave me more range, but it made other things worse. The exercises were solid — they’re the same ones I now teach — but I had no idea how to use them. My voice got weirder, not better. I extended my range, but it sounded disconnected and lacked power.

Eventually, I found a coach who taught Speech Level Singing. That’s when things started to shift. But it wasn’t just the method — it was having someone who understood my voice and could apply the right tools at the right time. That’s what actually changed things.

Why You Might Be Stuck

1. Your Chest Voice Isn’t Right

Everything in your voice builds on chest voice. If it’s too heavy or too light, the rest of your range won’t work properly. It’s not just about strength — it’s about the right kind of tone for your voice. Get this wrong and nothing above it will behave.

2. You Can’t Hear Yourself Clearly

What you hear inside your head is not what comes out. Some singers try to “fix” how they sound to themselves, and in doing so, end up distorting their actual tone. You need outside ears. Like a dancer needs mirrors, singers need feedback — not just guesswork.

Courses vs Coaching

There are loads of decent courses out there. The problem is, they’re designed for the average user, not for you. What matters isn’t the exercise — it’s when and how it’s used. You can’t brute force a fix. You need to be assessed, and then guided.

I wrote about this in more detail here: What Most Singing Teachers Get Wrong About Teaching Voice

Real Results From Real People

“Mark is the only singing teacher I’ve ever worked with to actually deliver results… I felt the results almost immediately… I’ve rediscovered the creative process, and I can’t put a price on that.”
— Martin Jackson, pro singer & performer

“I noticed dramatic improvement in tone, vocal delivery and control. I’m now hitting high notes with ease… the techniques break down vocal barriers and allow use of the full voice.”
— Kristian P, rock singer

“Mark has saved me from giving up on my voice… I can now hit high notes without any strain. These lessons are definitely worth it.”
— Rachel B, lead performer

Want to Actually Fix It?

If you’re still stuck after months or years of trying, it’s not that you’re broken — you’re just guessing without guidance. That’s completely fixable.

July 12, 2025July 12, 2025

Why is singing so hard?

Why Is Singing So Hard?

Understanding the unique challenges of singing, the reasons for so many asking “why is singing so hard” — and how to overcome these challenges.

1. Singing Requires Incredibly Precise Muscle Control

Most people don’t realise singing involves coordinating dozens of fine muscle groups in real time — without any tactile or visual feedback. Contrary to what you might hear online or hear from young bombastic performers, great singing is not about gritting your teeth and blasting your way to the top notes. That’s what causes voices to give out, and shortened careers.

Great singing requires very fine motor control that takes years to cultivate and develop. Here are a few articles that go into this in more detail so you can understand why.

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May 31, 2025July 5, 2025

What is the best age to start singing lessons?

What is the Best Age to Start Singing Lessons?

One of the most common questions I receive is: “What is the best age to start singing lessons?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, as it depends on various factors including physical development, emotional maturity, and individual goals.

Ultimately, as with any skill, it is always easiest to acquire it earlier in life. This is down to brain and body plasticity, but also down to having more time and energy to devote to new skills. Nevertheless, here’s a broad-brush view of what I generally do with people at different ages in sessions:

Early Childhood (Ages 5–9)

Children in this age group are highly receptive to musical concepts. At this stage, lessons focus on:

Developing a love for music and singing
Basic pitch recognition and rhythm
Lay down basic vocal technicality
Fun and engaging musical activities

It’s essential to ensure that the child is interested and enjoys the process. Forcing lessons at this stage can lead to resistance and burnout.

Pre-Adolescence (Ages 10–12)

As children grow, their ability to focus and understand abstract concepts improves. This is an excellent time to introduce more structured lessons that include:

Introduction to vocal techniques
Understanding vocal registers
Developing musicality and expression

It’s also a period where children can start to explore different musical styles and genres to find what resonates with them.

Adolescence (Ages 13–18)

During adolescence, the body undergoes significant changes, including the voice. It’s crucial to adapt lessons to accommodate:

Voice changes due to puberty
Building vocal strength and stamina
Performance skills and stage presence

Proper guidance during this period ensures that the voice develops healthily and sustainably.

Adulthood (Ages 18+)

Again, it’s never too late to start singing lessons. Adults bring a wealth of life experience and emotional depth to their singing. Lessons for adults often focus on:

Developing extended range with the final post-puberty voice
Expanding vocal flexibility
Interpretation and emotional expression
Preparing for performances or personal enjoyment

With dedication and practice, adults can achieve significant progress and fulfillment in their singing journey.

As we get older, other things become important too, and this is covered in my article “The Journey of the Voice: What happens in each decade”.

Conclusion

In summary, the best age to start singing lessons varies for each individual. The key is to ensure that the lessons are tailored to the student’s age, development, and personal goals. Whatever age you are, with the right approach and mindset, anyone can embark on a rewarding singing journey.

Learn More: Related Articles

May 31, 2025July 22, 2025

Can anyone learn to sing or is it a natural talent?

Can anyone learn to sing, or is it a natural talent?

This is one of THE most searched for questions on the internet: CAN anyone learn to sing or is it a natural talent reserved for the lucky few?

Such a topic has many factors that we could explore, but let’s start with three simple things we need to understand about the voice:

1) Some people start off with better instruments than others

The voice is an instrument like any other. I’ve talked about this in detail in this specific article — How do your genetics affect your voice.

Genetics play a HUGE role in shaping your vocal anatomy — such as the size of your vocal cords, vocal tract, physiology, etc — these physical traits are responsible for making up your voice as an instrument.

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April 25, 2025July 5, 2025

How Singers Learn And Practice

How Singers Learn & Practice: From Beginner to Pro

Great singers aren’t born — they’re built through focused practice, smart strategies, and the right mindset. Explore these essential resources for learning how the pros approach vocal development.

1. How Singers Learn Songs

2. Building Consistency Through Practice

3. Mindset & Creativity

Jason Alexander on the Creative Process

April 24, 2025August 12, 2025

Can I learn to sing using an AI vocal coach?

AI Vocal Coach vs. Human Vocal Coaches

Artificial intelligence has rapidly expanded into the world of music education, offering digital alternatives to traditional singing lessons. But how do AI singing apps compare to working with a real vocal coach? Below, we weigh the pros and cons in a side-by-side comparison to help you understand which is best for your voice.

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