Singing and music lessons

[TrappedByATurtle]

I know nothing about music. And I cannot sing.

My DD(6) is a bit of an over-theatrical drama llama at times so we were wondering about theatre-y type stuff for her. She already does dance and loves it. The theatre groups around us don't take children so young so we are thinking of singing lessons. She is always singing the same songs on repeat

Is this something that can be self-taught? e.g. us helping her along with you tube. Or is it far more technical?

Is it better to look for a music teacher for 1-1 or should we be looking for a choir type group for her to join?

DH can play the piano to a reasonably high level.

Can anyone give advice?

Age 6 you should be looking for some kind of group singing class. My Dd went to Stagecoach for years where they did simple warm up excercises to develop intonation, posture & correct breathing then she moved onto 1-1 lessons aged 11 & started to learn more proper technique.

Ds goes to a group singing class that takes place at his dance school. He is older so they do work more on technique. He has the occasional 1:1 session & also dh does some work with him (he’s a voice coach)

Skype etc lessons only really work with more advanced/professional singers. You need a teacher who can see what a child is doing & be hands on in the early stages.

A choir might be good but a musical theatre group would probably be more fun for her. I wouldn't bother with singing lessons at this stage.

Is there a stagecoach group near you?

Don't do singing lessons at this age. Join a choir, it'll be better for her voice. (Girls need to look after their voices in a way that boys dont).

Avoid the Americanized show stuff as those that learn that way tend to lack flexibility and can be quite nasal (and technique isn't great).

Learn an instrument for musicality and being able to read music.

Start aiming lessons at about age 14.

I would recommend a good choir, maybe ask if your LA has one.
My dd started choirs at aged 7 when starting juniors, nobody would take her for lessons at this age, no respectable teacher would.
As long as she is singing in a normal voice, not straining to hit high or low notes, she should be ok.
Any of the books written for children are good, and i can recommend Singing Shirlock, (sp?)
With singing as in lessons and training the voice it's very unusual for a teacher to start until they are min 16 years old, before this they can have lessons but it's more about the musical side of things than training the voice.

No, we're abroad. Language is also a factor as local is not yet her native language. Which is why I thought she might flounder in a drama group, they start at 8. I hadn't thought of asking the dance school for advice, good idea.

I found a choir, but it clashes with Ds's therapy. So that's out. Will have to get DH to give her more regular piano lessons!