Stop Wasting Money on Online Singing Courses!

I just can’t stay silent on this. Yesterday, I came across a Facebook ad from a vocal coach claiming she gets hundreds of private voice lesson requests but that not everyone can afford her $1000 an hour fee. This singer has a great youtube channel, an engaging personality, a good technique and an absolutely lit marketing team. Her ad copy beautifully addresses all the pain points someone struggling with pitch and singing might have, to entice them to spend $99 on her online course.

$1000 an hour? Listen here, my Singerlings—there is no skill, no single piece of knowledge, that a voice teacher can impart in one hour that would justify that price. Even the famous Seth Riggs, whose students have more then 135 grammys combined charges less than half that much for an hour. His connections and track record might make that investment worth it. Ironically, the ad copy also claims that finding a local teacher and paying them $50-$100 per hour is a waste of time. Hmm....

The $1000 an hour is a psychological pricing trick designed to make her online course seem like an affordable bargain. But let’s take a minute to talk about online singing courses—when are they actually helpful?

When is an Online Singing Course a Good Idea?

1. General Music Knowledge – Courses that cover all things music theory, like notation, rhythm, dynamics, harmonization, conducting, and leading a band.

2. Solid Technique – If you already have a strong foundation and are looking to enhance your teaching vocabulary.

3. Exploring Different Styles – If you already have good technique and want to branch out into other genres.

4. General audition techniques that teach you movement that you can easily copy and correct in the mirror. Even dance videos can be helpful. Basically anything.
   

Online courses allow teachers to scale their work and reach more students without trading hours for dollars. They’re often more affordable, and they offer great flexibility for teacher and student. Here’s the problem: when it comes to voice lessons, they benefit the teacher far more than the student. 

For instrumentalists, online courses can work well. A pianist can watch their hands; a guitarist can see their frets, and both can use their ears to check sound and their eyes to check posture.  HOWEVER, the voice is different.

Why Online Singing Courses Don’t Replace In-Person Voice Lessons

Singing is internal. We don’t see the muscles at work. We don’t always feel what’s happening, because we have not made a mind-body connection to muscles we didn’t even know were working for us. And unlike an external instrument, the sound we hear in our head is different from what others hear. That’s why self-correction is so difficult.

Let me share a real-life example. One of my 17-year-old students watched an online video where a teacher suggested imagining a "big bubble" in the throat to help open up the sound. My student tried it—and ended up with unnecessary tension. What worked for one student in the video did not work for him, because my student didn’t have a closed throat! 

Currently, I have two bass-baritones in my studio. One tends to clench his jaw too much, while the other opens his mouth too wide, closing off resonance in the back of his throat. One needs to open more, and the other needs to close more.

The voice is complex, and no two voices are the same. Our anatomy differs, and this is why vocal instruction should be personalized.

Why Building a Voice Takes Time and Individualized Instruction

Building a strong, healthy vocal technique takes time. A good teacher will focus on function before sound—because a great sound is the result of proper function. 

One of my students, who didn’t have the resources for lessons, started by imitating musical theater singers she heard online. She pushed down on her sternum to get a loud, belty sound. Could she produce volume? Sure. Did it sound good? No. Did she lose her voice after every rehearsal? Absolutely.

When we worked on proper breath support, she was amazed at how easy singing could be. Her volume didn’t decrease at first, but her voice became richer and more controlled.

Yes, your volume may decrease initially when you stop squeezing. But the sound you’ll create with proper support will be so much richer, because sound created with the right balance brings out overtones. This process takes time and commitment, but it’s totally worth it.

Can You Learn Something from Online Resources?

So, can you learn anything online to help your vocal training? Absolutely! When I was starting out, my teacher at the Mozarteum gifted me a CD of Angela Gheorghiu, saying, “Listen to her, close your eyes and FEEL what she does.” It took me almost a year to start really feeling it. Now however, my body instinctively responds to what I hear, and I know what muscles are too tense or relaxed in my students.

For singers still building technique, listening to great singers is incredibly valuable. I specifically say LISTEN, don't watch. Ask your brain to feel what they feel. Close your eyes as you listen, so your tactile sense will take over. It may sound a little crazy, but try it! Courses that are valuable for singers and are a good investment are anything music theory, music history, audition techniques, acting and dance courses for beginners.

 Listen to great singers. Close your eyes to activate your tactile information system. Try to feel in your body what they are doing.

But when it comes to mastering vocal technique? Nothing replaces a trained technician. As I tell my students "singing should feel easy, not squeezy" and that’s something only a good teacher can help you achieve.

Singing should feel easy, not squeezy.

Ready to Elevate Your Voice?

Now that you know why online courses and high-priced lessons aren’t the key to vocal success, it’s time to invest in the real thing. If you're serious about unlocking your full vocal potential, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you're struggling with technique, need help finding your true voice, or want to extend your vocal range without straining—I’ve got you covered. Reach out to me today to schedule a personalized voice lesson, and let’s work together to make your singing dreams a reality!

Click here to book your first lesson with me now and start your vocal journey with the guidance of a trained expert who cares about your success.

Don’t let your voice go unpolished any longer. You deserve to sing with confidence and freedom. Let’s make it happen!