Singing with Kids!
Coach Nisha shares her insights into the world of teaching singing to children.
I graduated from LaSalle, College of the Arts, and was teaching kids for a few months before my time began at The Vocal Studio Singapore - I taught Speech & Drama, Voice & Public Speaking but it wasn’t exactly what I majored in although it taught me a lot on how to handle different age groups.
Now, I teach in The Vocal Studio Singapore for Private lessons as well as go to GIG International School to teach the kids music through the week. It is a whole new experience for me teaching in a school with a curriculum. It was very different at first, I had to grow & adapt, I had to learn every aspect of being a school teacher (curriculums, exams, engaging the class while teaching them something new every week).
One thing I learnt and everyone should be aware of is that we can’t force kids into a direction that they do not want to go in.
I have many students who don’t pay attention during the lesson because they don’t want to learn music whereas I have many students too who are filled with joy the moment they realise it's the music lesson!
In a classroom setting, we have to always keep them engaged with new content every week. New activities, new topics, new music.
Especially now, during the COVID season, I have had to adapt to changes that would keep the students learning, occupied as well as keep them in the direction towards improving their knowledge about singing and music.
So we have had to do simple music theory, have music appreciation lessons and watch how various artists of different genres succeed in their career, listen to more music rather than sing and do vocal exercises.
However, as I mentioned, keeping them occupied and engaged is always number one so, to keep them improving, I have created various platforms for different events such as National Day & Teachers Day recently for them to be a part of music videos online so that they can stay aware of their talents as well as keep their parents in the know of their lessons too.
How do we spot talent in children? Any advice for parents interested to sign their children up for singing lessons?
SIGN YOUR KIDS UP! :)
It can be super engaging especially when the child decides for himself/herself that they want to pursue singing. Having the passion to sing and feeling encouraged to pursue one’s passion is already the first step to success.
We recommend children 6 years and above as below the age of 6, their voice is still developing and growing. However, we don’t doubt anyone at the age of 4 or 5 either. Giving them a chance to showcase what they have is important too.
Another advice I have is, talent and singing cannot be built in days or even weeks. It has to be a constant craft you are willing to grow in. Even if it’s a slow process, it is still growth and a journey.
Not only in adults, for kids too, it is an emotional, mental and physical journey for them. Some aspects we learn through singing are not only how to sing in pitch and how to sing pop songs but we work on one’s confidence, emotions, speaking voice and mental health too.
Singing is a medium for kids to express themselves. It is a good coping mechanism especially in Singapore where children often have to deal with a high amount of stress from school.
It helps parents to take their minds off for a while too while your kids are learning something useful.