There are many opinions about what age is appropriate for young singers to start studying voice. The truth is that the technique that I teach (speech-level-singing) can be used by singers of any age, even very young voices. A child is not physiologically at a disadvantage due to their age; however, the problem that does seem to show up among very young singers is one of attention span. Vocal technique can be very boring to a child. Often times a child wants only to sing songs, not scales. My recommendation is that children under age 10 study an instrument such as piano as well as working with a youth chorus until they are of an age where they are able to focus for longer periods of time on the often abstract principles of vocal technique.
Occasionally a very young child can be quite precocious and focused, and such children can benefit greatly studying vocal technique. Please remember that Speech-Level-Singing is a very safe technique and no harm can come to any voice of any age who studies the technique under the supervision of a qualified instructor, and who practices and sings responsibly. I suggest that a parent of a young child who is interested in voice lessons bring the child in to a qualified teacher for a lesson or two and see how the child does. If the child can commit to practicing each day according to the instructions of the teacher, then all is well. However, a child should never be forced to commit to singing; they should be committed to the art themselves if they are to study.
Until next time,
Guy
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