<p>My 14-year-old daughter receives vocal training (classical) for approximately 1 hour each week. Any recommendations on what else she should be doing vocally? She will be auditioning for 3 plays/musicals this year. She also, at some point, will be taking a vocal presentation class at our local studio. Choir isn't an option - at this point in our new high school. Our church also does not offer much either. How much practice should she be getting in each week? Each day? How much is too much? We are heading in the direction of a Musical Theater major. Thanks for your comments.</p>
<p>mrdutt, </p>
<p>I think what your d is doing now sounds like quite enough. My d, at her age, probably did about the same and I really don't think more vocal training and practice than your d is getting at this stage is necessary. My d is now a rising soph MT major at OCU. Your d needs to be careful not to overuse her young voice...when they love to sing, it can happen! It is important, esp. if your d gets cast in shows, to rest her voice as much as possible as it can be taxing. I am sure her vocal trainer will give her sound advice concerning this. Good luck in your exciting MT journey!</p>
<p>I agree, an hour a week at this stage is fine for your daughter. If MT is the ultimate goal, I do wonder (while we know you said "classical" training) if her teacher knows and/or can integrate broadway stylings as well. Another consideration is that private voice doesn't address harmony (a great skill to have when in MT) - You said your high school does not currently have a choir - is there perhaps a church or community choir to be involved with? Does the high school do musicals? If not, are there community groups to get involved with? Finally, you might consider some dance classes to augment her vocal training - again, if MT is the objective, the triple-threat talent is the ticket. Good luck to you and yur daughter!</p>
<p>My son took a 30 to 60 minute voice lesson each week, had choir every day and did 3 to 6 musicals a year from freshman to senior year. Plus a couple of dance classes and two sessions of acting class. And he sings ALL of the time. I know that sounds like alot, but there was no stopping him, unless he was sick or the day of a performance, when we would have to constanly make him be quiet and rest his voice. As his voice teacher once told him if you have proper breath support, etc. you can sing all day and never get tired, well, I guess it worked, although I think it may not be the best thing to sing that much for everybody.</p>
<p>On the contrary to [seemingly] EVERYONE here, I've NEVER had any personal voice lesson or private vocal instruction. Although, I'm not sure it has been necessary... I've been in various church choirs and school choirs, a show choir which is every day after school, and many many musicals. I've also not had much dance training (only one month of jazz) but have done choreography in several several musicals... I guess I'm pretty much free of much training... Some may see this as a bad thing (which sometimes I do as well) but I think the experience from performing in musicals has been an excellent (AND MUCH CHEAPER) replacement for formal training.</p>
<p>Although I am sure training helps in every way...But it seemed like a way I could save my parents some money::especially for voice lessons.</p>
<p>Mr. Style,</p>
<p>I have seen (and heard) many performers, like you, who were blessed with an inate talent for singing (or acting). It is not unusal. The time you spent in your various choirs and shows can be very adaquate training for some folks. Some people have had amazing careers and have never taken a voice class - Ethel Merman is probably the quitessential MT example here. Depending on your choirmaster/HS music teacher - they may have given you you a good foundation. If you eventually attend a good program for MT - I think you'll be pleasently surprized to find nuances, specific techniques, perhaps a trick or two to fill in a gap in your training/natural ability that will enhance your already fine vocal talents. It is not unlike the (usually) male dancer who "only danced in their high school shows" - that often have a great natural ability for dance - and then improve by leaps and bounds once they get some actual dance training in college. If, through your experience (as opposed to specific, private instruction) you have learned to breathe properly, read music, and do harmony - then count your blessings!!</p>