For decades, I’ve gotten this question weekly and sometimes daily. So, it’s about time that I said something concerning this inquiry.
1st the short answer. NO!
2nd answer is this: you’ve spent a lifetime giving your voice to others—family, work, community. Now it’s your turn. I really don’t care—and neither should you—whether you’ve always dreamed of singing in a local production of “Fiddler on the Roof” or “Les Miserables”. Or you start writing songs and using your strongest and best resource—me:)—to find a producer to help you record your songs and put them out on social media, YouTube or any music platform like Apple Music or Spotify.
No matter your age, every cell in your body could be oriented towards doing something you’ve always known you should, but didn’t start.
Remember this: if you can talk, you can sing! Although many think it’s impossible for themselves. I LOVE coaching these types, because the surprise on their faces when they sing a killer phrase of music and turn heads at Karaoke or singing for a spouse’s birthday party, is massively satisfying.
I, myself, am perfectly situated to talk about this. I’m nearing 60 years old, yet I just started learning seriously difficult Chopin, Beethoven, and Bach pieces on the piano. Some took me 10 months to learn. But that time was going to pass anyway. Better to pursue passions than binge Netflix (I confess I’ve done plenty of that).
Nobody sees the hours I’ve put into my latest ambitions. One of them is film score composing. I’ve always wanted to do it, but made every excuse in the world why I couldn’t start. Then… I did something SUPER powerful. I decided. It’s my life and I’ve wasted hours on nothing—even though I’ve always been driven. I just drive the wrong car sometimes. Metaphorically speaking.
Another reason I’m writing this blog is because I’ve had students in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Many of them told me that besides faith and family, doing music….(can we just say ‘becoming’ music?) was the greatest, most satisfying joy of their lives.
But to leave a legacy, you must live it….decide. Fear has no place in your future. It’s your life. You’ve sacrificed a lot just to live all these years. Now go enjoy yourself!!
What Vocal Training Looks Like After Aging
Because your vocal cords have been used your entire life, it’s never too late to start singing and begin your own musical journey, regardless of age or life stage – singing lessons can help you achieve your dormant dreams and can be a whole new source of joy in your life.
Singing is a lifelong skill that requires practice, focus, and learning great, freeing, breakthrough vocal techniques from qualified vocal coaches to improve your singing voice.
The goal is personal growth and enjoyment, not instant fame or becoming a pop star – learn to sing for the joy of music. And, the sooner your start, the quicker you’ll experience unbelievable joy. And as I’ve said. Leave a piece of you for family and friends to connect with your legacy. Also…at a young age, this is equally important. Life is meant to be lived!!!
Many adult students have transformed their lives through vocal training and creating music at a young age, or older age is possible if there’s a spark of interest. Once you start, you won’t want to quit, because every day you practice singing, you’ll be better than you were!
Singers Who Started Later in Life
There’s countless more than featured here, but this would include those doing local gigs, musicals, songwriting nights, or just recording for the sake of leaving some sort of legacy.
Annie Lennox
Formal vocal coaching: Not a major part of her early education.
Details: Studied flute at the Royal Academy of Music, but didn’t focus on vocal performance until her early 20s when she transitioned into singing. Much of her vocal skill was refined through performance and later coaching.
Tones and I (Toni Watson)
No formal training as a child
Details: Started busking in her early 20’s and didn’t have traditional voice lessons growing up. She began seeking vocal coaching (in her late 20’s, after “Dance Monkey” became a global hit), to manage performance strain and refine her technique.
Brendon Urie (Panic! at the Disco)
Mostly self-taught early on
Urie didn’t take vocal lessons growing up. He began working with vocal coaches after the band took off, especially when dealing with the demands of live performance.
Other, much older examples include:
Alberta Hunter: A jazz and blues singer, she achieved fame in the 1920’s and 30’s, then worked as a nurse before launching a successful second career starting at age 82.
Charles Bradley: The soul singer released his debut album at age 62, gaining recognition for his powerful voice later in life.
Susan Boyle is a notable example of a female artist who began her singing career at a later age. She was 47 years old when she appeared on “Britains Got Talent” in 2009. While she had likely sung before, this marked the beginning of her professional singing career and the start of formal voice training for her.
Andrea Bocelli was 34 years old when he released his debut album. This was after he had been working as a lawyer and performing in piano bars to fund his vocal lessons. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he recorded a demo for Zucchero Fornaciari‘s song “Miserere”.
Singing at an Older Age
There’s many advantages to singing, and even songwriting and/or playing an instrument, in the later stages of life. You’ve lived and experienced countless journeys, joys, pains, purposes, tragedies, triumphs, and the results are an acquired wisdom that comes along with age. The richness of your music, is that you KNOW what you are singing about, because you’ve lived it!!!
- There is no age limit to learning singing; voices mature and improve with practice at any age – don’t let age hold you back from singing.
- Countless adults in their 40’s, 50’s, and beyond start voice lessons and experience joyful growth – it’s never too late to learn how to sing.
- Singing is a lifelong journey of self-expression and social connection through music. Especially when you join an online forum of other budding singers of all ages. My VIP membership offers this. Upon joining, you’ll be able to take pre-recorded voice lessons immediately and receive online assistance daily. Also, the community we’ve built is STRONGLY encouraging, and the results have been astounding.
- Building muscle memory and hitting notes accurately makes you a good singer regardless of age – focus on technique and practice.
- Younger singers may have more time and opportunities, but mature singers can hear what makes a real artist, because they have an uncanny ability to discern what a true vocal musician should sound like.
- A vocal teacher can often connect on a much deeper level, due to cognitive development.
- If you’re retired, your practice time can be far easier to carve out in your schedule.
Practical Ways To Get Started
1st….decide. 2nd….be determined. 3rd…. be driven.
Now that you have your mindset prepared here are some…
Practical Ways to Get Started
- Join a choir
- Take online or in-person voice lessons, group classes, or join an online community and do all the courses they (we) offer.
- Build a playlist that reads like a wishlist of songs that move you, challenge you, and excite you.
Next, start singing and record yourself on your phone camera. This could be painful, honestly speaking, but it will help you to monitor your growth and give you encouragement as you see yourself being sculpted through your singing lessons. This will also make you practice singing with greater expectation.
Remember, a good voice takes time. But voice lessons is a short cut to start singing better immediately. Also, you’re not alone. Singing lessons are extremely popular to the over 50 crowd. More than you’d think.
Each week, or ever other week, you can sing the simplest tune and see how much better and more confident you feel. Also….dang it! It’s your life. Take as many singing lessons as you’d like. Especially if you’ve been blessed to find a voice teacher that you know is passionate and caring. But start singing lessons with a sense of urgency. I promise you… this will be a huge part of your pursuit of happiness.
Give yourself time to become amazing. Ability and progress are multiplied by regular practice and and personalized feedback from a trustworthy voice teacher. But, you can start singing lessons as rapidly and you can call or send an email. If you are working with one of my coaches, you can do a zoom lesson in the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to live in Nashville to study with us.
Be sure your vocal instructor can do some ear training as well. Most singers need that training to increase their ability regardless of age. One or two lessons from now, you’ll be more fulfilled. Frankly, sometimes—not always—when you start singing lessons at a very young age, you lack appreciation and understanding of the importance of voice lessons.
Finally…. stop saying, “I’m too old to sing”.
Breath in your lungs + a voice + singing lessons with a caring teacher + desire= A voice that should be heard!
How Practice Changes as You Age
- Consistently practicing with warm-ups like humming and lip trills protects vocal cords and improves tone – a key part of vocal health.
- Diaphragmatic breathing—though often misunderstood and overcomplicated—enhances vocal stability and efficiency during singing – essential for a good singer.
- Recording practice sessions helps identify areas for improvement and tracks progress – useful for older singers and younger learners.
- Staying hydrated and working with vocal coaches supports vocal health and refines technique – crucial for a singing career.
Check out this and other blogs on vocal health. The tips, exposing myths, and simplification will encourage you. Your practice time can be lengthened when you practice good vocal health.
Overcoming Vocal Challenges as an Adult
Adults may need to unlearn bad habits but benefit from maturity, patience, and better body awareness – important for learning to sing. For example, if you’ve never hit high notes, it may seem impossible.
However, I’ve taught women in their 60’s and 70’s to sing up into their high notes (high head voice and even whistle notes!!) and you can learn to sing better with regular practice time daily. Think of it as less of a chore , but something enjoyable that you get to do. A new hobby, obsession, or addiction…but a healthy one.
How Soon Should I Start Singing Lessons?
With great urgency! Don’t waste a minute of your valuable life. I’m not going to. I squeeze life like a wet sponge. I want all it has to offer!
Vocal exercises build muscle memory, breath control, and vocal skills through consistent practice – these are necessary for improving your singing, but it’s not going to take you a few years. But think how much satisfaction you’ll have getting up to sing Summertime or New York, New York, at an open mic or Karaoke place and they look up and hear this younger, amazing sounding voice out of someone who’s a little older than they might expect. The shock value I’ve had when singing out is so enjoyable and encouraging.
Plus, life experiences help adults connect emotionally with songs and grasp complex vocal techniques – which are valuable for a singer.
A qualified vocal teacher can help you overcome performance anxiety and achieve your singing goals – whether you’re just picking up this new hobby or you’re an experienced veteran singer.
What Should I Expect From Lessons?
The first lesson – may seem to be the hardest, because you don’t know what to expect. With my gifted, highly trained, caring coaches, we all start out with super simple and effective sining exercises that immediately strengthen the vocal cords (also called vocal folds). Then we start singing songs and get into a natural flow. Even if it’s just starting with one verse or chorus.
Your nerves will settle fast, because we make music fun. Which is how it’s supposed to be! Lessons are almost like play. You’ll feel like you and your teacher are good friends and you’ll build instant confidence and trust.
Allow your singing voice time to get into good shape and do NOT compare yourself to other singers. The voice is as diverse as foods and spices. Some like Asian Cuisine, hamburgers and hotdogs, Italian food, Mexican food, Indian spices, bistro cuisine, etc. And each dish will taste different depending on the recipe and the chef. We are cooking up some good singing! Enjoy the progress and process!
Be willing to fight for your desires. It’s always worth it!
Vocal Technique – What Changes vs What Stays the Same With Age
Here’s a little recap to remember as you seek out a good voice teacher:
- Vocal cords change during puberty, but the voice remains adaptable throughout life with proper vocal training – learn to sing at any age.
- Children’s voices are lighter and more flexible, but adults can improve vocal range and control at any age – with consistent practice and good technique.
- Research shows consistency and technique matter more than age in vocal development – focus on improving your singing voice.
- Voice teachers emphasize that the human voice can evolve and improve with ongoing lessons- don’t be afraid to try new things and learn.
- It’s important to get healthy collagen/proteins/fats to support muscle strength.
Common Misconceptions
More parting reminders and summaries:
The myth that singing is only for the young comes from lack of of vocal cord flexibility and societal pressures, not science – don’t believe the myths, learn to sing at any age.
Your first album could be at age 47 or 77. But dang-it! It’s your life. Get going now and see how fast you can steer your destiny. And… this my be the first of 4 or 5 records. Or even single releases.
Adults bring focus, discipline, and life experience into their lessons, that enhance their singing and emotional expression. These are valuable assets for any musician.
Age-related singing myths stem from societal expectations, not scientific facts, as we’ve mentioned. In one week, you can learn the truth about singing and vocal health.
With dedication, practice, and expert guidance/lessons, or even an online course like our VIP membership, you can unlock vocal potential at any age – don’t give up on your singing dreams. Your teacher—if they are worthy of you— should care more out your success than you do.
Singing as a Form of Expression is Timeless
Additional considerations:
- Singing boosts self-esteem and confidence by developing new vocal skills – a great benefit of learning to sing.
- Group singing reduces stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and lowering cortisol levels – join a choir to experience the benefits.
- Singing provides lifelong joy, purpose, and fulfillment, as shown by artists like Andrea Bocelli and Susan Boyle. Make music a part of your life.
- Once you learn to sing, you feel a deeper sense of fulfillment for your life.
- Singing is the most emotional healing of all the musical sounds.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Age is not a barrier to learning how to sing; the human voice is adaptable and can improve with practice. Don’t let age hold you back.
- With consistent practice, good technique, and expert guidance, anyone can learn to sing and improve your vocal skills. Start singing lessons today.
- Singing is a form of expression and a way to connect with others. Join a community of singers and make music a part of your life.
- Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, there’s always room for improvement and growth. Keep practicing and learning to sing!
Call or text us at 615-866-1099.
Email us at support@singingsuccess.com.
Visit us online at singingsuccess.com.
Can’t wait to hear you sing!!!!
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615-866-1099
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See you soon!
