How can you help teen singers overcome vocal challenges?

1 Assess their vocal range

The first step to help teen singers overcome vocal challenges is to assess their vocal range and identify their voice type. Vocal range is the span of notes that a singer can produce comfortably and consistently. Voice type is the classification of a singer's vocal quality, such as soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. You can use a piano, a tuner, or an online app to measure their vocal range and compare it to the standard voice types. Knowing their vocal range and voice type will help you choose appropriate songs, exercises, and techniques for them.

2 Teach them vocal hygiene

The second step to help teen singers overcome vocal challenges is to teach them vocal hygiene, which is the care and maintenance of their vocal cords and throat. Vocal hygiene includes habits such as drinking enough water, avoiding smoking and alcohol, resting the voice when sick or tired, and warming up and cooling down before and after singing. You can also recommend some natural remedies, such as honey, lemon, ginger, or chamomile tea, to soothe and heal their vocal cords. Vocal hygiene will help them prevent vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and infections.

3 Address their vocal changes

The third step to help teen singers overcome vocal challenges is to address their vocal changes, which are the physical and hormonal changes that affect their voice during puberty. Vocal changes can cause their voice to crack, break, or drop in pitch, which can be embarrassing and frustrating for them. You can help them cope with their vocal changes by explaining the anatomy and physiology of their voice, reassuring them that it is a normal and temporary process, and encouraging them to experiment with different sounds and styles. You can also adjust their vocal range and repertoire according to their vocal changes.

4 Develop their vocal technique

The fourth step to help teen singers overcome vocal challenges is to develop their vocal technique, which is the skill and art of using their voice effectively and expressively. Vocal technique includes aspects such as breath control, posture, resonance, articulation, tone, pitch, and dynamics. You can help them develop their vocal technique by teaching them exercises, drills, and scales that target specific areas of improvement. You can also give them feedback, tips, and corrections on their performance and practice habits. Developing their vocal technique will help them improve their vocal quality, accuracy, and confidence.

5 Expand their musical knowledge

The fifth step to help teen singers overcome vocal challenges is to expand their musical knowledge, which is the understanding and appreciation of different musical elements, genres, and cultures. Musical knowledge includes concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, form, style, and history. You can help them expand their musical knowledge by introducing them to various musical examples, influences, and traditions that relate to their interests and goals. You can also encourage them to listen, analyze, and critique different songs and singers. Expanding their musical knowledge will help them broaden their musical horizons, creativity, and expression.

6 Support their emotional needs

The sixth and final step to help teen singers overcome vocal challenges is to support their emotional needs, which are the feelings and attitudes that affect their motivation and self-esteem. Emotional needs include aspects such as confidence, passion, joy, curiosity, and resilience. You can help them support their emotional needs by creating a positive and safe learning environment, praising their strengths and efforts, addressing their fears and doubts, and challenging them to grow and excel. You can also inspire them with stories, quotes, and role models that showcase the joys and challenges of singing. Supporting their emotional needs will help them develop a healthy and happy relationship with their voice and music.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?