What happens in a singing lesson? How do singing lessons work?

In your first singing lesson, you should expect an initial vocal assessment, targeted technical exercises based on your voice, and a brief application to music — all designed to diagnose and improve how your voice functions. A clear plan should emerge from this first session, tailored to your unique vocal needs.

What Happens in a Singing Lesson?

Thinking about getting singing lessons but wondering what they actually involve? Great question—and a very important one. While every vocal coach runs their sessions a little differently, there are core structures and checkpoints that define a high-quality lesson.

A Typical Singing Lesson Structure

Let’s break it down into four key stages that most effective singing lessons should follow. For the sake of clarity, we’re assuming a typical lesson length of one hour.

1. Introduction & Vocal Assessment (First 5–10 minutes)

The first session should begin with a consultation where your vocal coach evaluates what you can and can’t do vocally. From there, they should explain clearly:

• Why you’re facing certain vocal challenges
• How they plan to help you overcome them
• A general lesson plan moving forward

This should make total sense to you—and if it doesn’t, it might be worth finding a more transparent coach.

2. Technical Exercises (20–40 minutes)

This is where the majority of the lesson is focused. Based on your vocal needs, your coach will introduce targeted vocal exercises. The goal is to develop technique that creates a balanced, coordinated voice.

Expect your coach to walk you through how the technique should feel and sound, and to help you notice any changes—however small—that occur as a result.

3. Application to Song (Last 5–15 minutes)

Vocal technique is important—but singing is the end goal. This part of the lesson is where you apply what you’ve learned to actual music. Early on, it may be a short phrase of one song. Over time, it expands to full pieces.

4. Wrap-Up & Practice Plan

At the end of your session, your coach may help you:

• Record your lesson or exercises (we provide private, online recordings for all students)
• Book your next session
• Get answers to any final questions

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about what happens in singing lessons, or want to dig deeper, check out these helpful links:

• How our voice lessons work
• What MOST singing teachers get wrong
• Our Vocal Technique Explained
• Can singing lessons help if I sound bad?
• Are singing lessons effective?
• Famous singers who took singing lessons

Got questions about singing lessons or want to book a session? Feel free to get in touch!