Is Vocal Talent Learned or Innate?

Do kids need talent to study singing? Is vocal aptitude learned or an
innate skill? Just what is talent? How do I recognize and develop it?
These are common questions parents have when deciding to pursue singing
lessons for their kids. Those unfamiliar with music lessons might think
that singing is a skill one is born with and cannot be learned.

While the recent popularity of TV talent shows may lead the average
viewer to believe singing is easy for a select few, rest assured —
scratch a professional singer, and you will find layers of long, hard,
arduous work. Audrey Howitt, MM, of San Francisco Girls Chorus, says
that talent is “an ability to hear and remember accurately. It's a
physical intelligence involving the ability to imitate — to hear,
process something and repeat it back.” Yes, singing is easier for some
but it is also true that singing well and with confidence can be
learned. Here are some skills that can be taught.

• Pitch. Most children can sing “in tune” while others need plenty of
time for developing their musical “ear” and learning to sing in tune
accurately. This is accomplished by pitch-matching exercises or site
singing techniques like the Kodály Method.

• Range: Beginning singers can start out with only one octave and, with
the right exercises and repertoire, eventually can gain an additional
octave or so while increasing flexibility and ease.

• Confidence: Most people need time to feel comfortable performing in
public. Parents can help by singing with kids whenever possible, even if
it's in the car on the way to school. Staying involved with weekly
lessons and practicing will also help.

“Focusing on a child's desire is more important than the innate
ability,” says Howitt. “That is what motivates practice, a willingness
to perform and to grow as a musician.” Which, ultimately, is within
grasp of everyone at some level.

Sarah Sloan is a classical singer and voice teacher in the East Bay. You can find her blog at www.sarahsloan.net.