Are you wondering if 12 is the right age to start pursuing your passion for singing? We’ll dive into the world of singing and discuss all things related to starting a career at 12.
Is 12 A Good Age To Start Singing?
I am often asked if 12 years old is a good age to start singing. The truth is, there is no one right answer as it depends on various factors and personal preferences. However, here are some reasons why 12 may be a good age to start singing:
1. Vocal and physical development
Most children go through puberty at the age of 12, and their vocal cords start to mature. This means they have better control over their pitch and tone, making learning proper singing techniques easier.
Additionally, their bodies are stronger and more coordinated, allowing them to handle breathing techniques and the physical demands of singing.
2. Increased attention span
At this age, children typically have longer attention spans than younger kids. This can be beneficial when it comes to learning how to sing, as they will be able to focus for longer periods of time during lessons or practice sessions.
3. More musical experience
By the age of 12, many children have already had some exposure to music through school programs or extracurricular activities such as choir or playing an instrument. This gives them a basic understanding of music theory and rhythm, making learning how to sing easier.
4. Confidence boost
Starting something new at this age can be exciting and give children a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. Singing can also help boost self-confidence as they see themselves improving in something they love.
5. Time for growth
At 12 years old, children still have plenty of time for growth and development in their singing abilities without feeling rushed or pressured by expectations.
6. Greater exposure opportunities
As children get older, they may have more opportunities for performances, such as school concerts or talent shows, which can help them gain experience on stage.
7. Pleasure overpressure
Starting at this age allows young singers to focus on enjoying the process rather than feeling pressured to reach certain proficiency levels. This can help cultivate a love for singing and music rather than create a stressful environment.
Is 12 too old to start singing?
There is no definitive age at which one should start singing, as individuals develop their musical abilities at different rates. However, there are certainly benefits to starting at a young age.
Here are some reasons why 12 years old can be a great time to begin singing:
1) Voice development: By the age of 12, most children have gone through puberty and their voices have begun to mature. This makes it an ideal time to start training and developing their vocal range and control.
2) Enhanced learning capability: Studies have shown that children between the ages of 10-12 have exceptional learning capabilities compared to adults. They are able to absorb new information quickly and easily, making it an opportune time for them to begin learning proper singing techniques.
3) Building confidence: Singing can be a great way for children to build self-confidence and express themselves creatively. Starting at a younger age allows them to develop this skill earlier on in life, giving them a head start in building their confidence.
4) More opportunities: Many music schools and programs offer specialized classes for younger students who want to improve their singing skills. Starting at 12 years old opens up more opportunities for young singers to join these programs and receive professional training.
5) Fun and social activity: Singing is not just about technical skills – it’s also a fun and social activity that can bring joy and happiness into one’s life. Starting at a young age allows children to enjoy the social aspect of singing with peers who share similar interests.
6) Time for improvement: As mentioned earlier, everyone develops their musical abilities at different rates. By starting at 12 years old, young singers have plenty of time to practice and improve their skills before adulthood.
Can a 12-year-old learn to sing?
The short answer is: absolutely! There are many reasons why a 12-year-old can learn to sing and excel in singing.
1. Youthful vocal cords:
At the age of 12, most children have completed puberty and their vocal cords have fully developed. This means that their voices are mature enough to start developing proper singing techniques and build a strong foundation for future growth.
2. Learning ability:
At this age, children have a high capacity for learning new skills as their brains are still developing. With proper guidance and training, they can quickly grasp concepts such as breath control, pitch accuracy, and vocal range.
3. Time commitment:
A 12-year-old has more time on their hands than adults with full-time jobs and other responsibilities. This allows them to dedicate more time to practicing and honing their skills, which is crucial in improving one’s singing abilities.
4. Vocal flexibility:
At this young age, children’s voices are still flexible and can adapt to multiple singing styles. With proper training, they can develop versatility in their voice and easily transition between different genres such as pop, classical or musical theatre.
5. Growing confidence:
Learning how to sing improves vocal abilities and boosts children’s confidence. As they see themselves improve through practice and performance opportunities, they gain self-esteem, which positively impacts other areas of their lives.
6. Music appreciation:
Learning how to sing involves understanding music theory, reading sheet music, and listening critically to various genres of songs. These skills help develop an appreciation for music at an early age, which can lead to a lifelong passion for music.
7. Potential career path:
For those interested in pursuing music as a career, starting early gives them more time to develop their skills and become proficient in singing.
This can open up opportunities such as performing in school or community events, joining choirs, and eventually pursuing higher education or professional careers.
How to start a singing career at 12?
Starting a singing career at the age of 12 can be an exciting and rewarding experience. While it may seem challenging, it is certainly possible to begin building your musical career at a young age.
Here are some steps to help you start your journey towards becoming a successful singer at just 12 years old.
1. Develop your vocal skills
As a young singer, it is important to focus on developing your vocal abilities. This includes practicing good breathing techniques, learning how to use proper posture and enunciation, and finding the right warm-up exercises for your voice.
Consider taking singing lessons from a qualified vocal coach who can help you improve your technique and range.
2. Join a choir or singing group
Joining a choir or singing group not only provides you with opportunities to perform but also allows you to learn from other singers and gain valuable performance experience.
Look for local youth choirs or theater groups that offer vocal classes or auditions.
3. Participate in school talent shows
School talent shows are excellent platforms for young singers to showcase their talents and gain confidence performing in front of an audience.
It’s also a great way to get noticed by others who can potentially help further your singing career.
4. Create online videos
In today’s digital age, creating online videos showcasing your singing skills is a powerful way to reach out to potential audiences and industry professionals.
Upload videos of yourself singing covers of popular songs or even original compositions on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
5. Seek professional guidance
It’s essential to have the support and guidance of experienced professionals when starting a singing career at such a young age.
Consider talking to music teachers, vocal coaches, or industry professionals who can provide valuable advice on how to navigate the music industry as a young artist.
6. Attend workshops and competitions
Participating in workshops and competitions specifically designed for young singers is an excellent opportunity to learn from industry professionals, network with other singers, and gain valuable performance experience.
Look for local workshops, vocal camps, or talent competitions that cater to young artists.
7. Build a strong online presence
In addition to creating online videos, it’s essential to have a strong online presence as a singer. This includes creating a professional social media page dedicated to your singing career and regularly updating it with new content, such as behind-the-scenes footage of performances or studio recordings.
8. Start recording
Once you feel confident in your vocal abilities and have built a solid social media following, consider recording some of your songs professionally.
This could be through self-recording or working with a music producer. Having quality recordings can help you showcase your talents to potential agents, managers, or record labels.
9. Network
Networking is crucial in the music industry, and even at 12 years old, it’s never too early to start building connections with people who can potentially help further your singing career.
Attend local music events and concerts, connect with other musicians online, and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice or opportunities.
10. Work hard and stay consistent
Building a successful singing career takes time and dedication. It may not happen overnight, but if you continue to work hard on developing your skills and remain consistent in pursuing opportunities for growth and exposure, you will increase your chances of achieving success as a young singer.
Can a 12-year-old voice change?
The answer is yes; a 12-year-old’s voice can change as they enter puberty. During this time, both boys and girls experience significant physical and hormonal transformations that can affect the sound of their voices.
For boys specifically, the onset of puberty triggers an increase in testosterone production, which leads to changes in their vocal cords. This causes their voices to deepen and become more resonant. Typically, this process starts around the age of 11 or 12 but can continue until the late teens or early twenties.
On the other hand, girls’ voices do not undergo as drastic of a change during puberty. They may experience some fluctuations in pitch and tone due to hormonal changes, but these are usually less noticeable compared to boys.
It is important to note that every individual’s body develops at its own pace, so there is no exact age when a child’s voice will start changing. Genetics, diet, and overall health also play a role in the timing and extent of these changes.
Conclusion
12 years old can be a great age to start singing and pursuing a career in music. It is important to have passion and dedication for singing and proper training and guidance from experienced professionals.
With the right mindset and resources available, starting a singing career at 12 can lead you to success in the music industry.
Remember to practice consistently, stay true to yourself, and never give up on your dreams.
