Many voice teachers will not take students under the age of 12 for a variety of reasons, and it is difficult for most parents to understand these reasons even if explained thoroughly. The primary difficulty comes when parents see precocious children performing on stage for TV, movies and concerts.

The first thing parents must realize about young children singing on stage, is that they learn how to do this purely by imitation, and the ones who seem to be good imitators are the ones you hear about. The reality is that many of these children are simply a "flash in the pan" if they do not pursue the rigors of good music education. On the other side many children who do have strong musical talent and may not be have that particular talent of imitation, will become strong musicians at a slightly more mature age and are the ones who will have meaningful careers as adults.

The second thing parents must realize about young children singing is that the voice is a delicate instrument which must be developed and nurtured very carefully over many years. Young tissues and muscles are still forming and developing; and they should not be forced to do things they were never meant to do. Imitating adult singing sounds while clearly not yet an adult can be damaging to the voice. Encouraging a child to sing using sounds that are well beyond her/his years is just as ludicrous musically as seeing a child performing an acting role that is well beyond his/her years. Making such demands on a child is simply age inappropriate.

Young instrumental students begin on cheaper practice instruments because they are not yet old enough to care for or even benefit from expensive fine instruments. Young singers are born with the only instrument they will ever have, and it is crucial they do not damage it before they are old enough to enjoy it fully.

KMI will teach students voice lessons as young as age 7, providing the student adheres to other requirements of the curriculum such as study of piano, music theory and diction. Students under age 7 interested in voice should study piano, and will be encouraged to sing along with their piano songs.

Our faculty are very experienced in caring for the young voice and in developing the young singer. Some of our younger students have participated in CLO productions and performed in Heinz Hall. Every student is different and it is extremely important that the student and parents follow the advice of the teacher in regard to types of songs learned, and types of public appearances pursued.