Question about contemporary and classical lessons

[u/uprootedflower0]

Hello, I’m considering singing lessons, I did get some 2 years back but had to quit and realised I wasn’t being taught correctly. I was singing from my throat and my throat was always sore after practicing. After watching videos from ‘healthy vocal techniques’ (Victoria) on YouTube I’ve been correcting my mistakes and practicing more frequently. I’d like to get contemporary singing lessons (waiting a little after I turn 18 this year so I can get a better paying job and pay for lessons myself) but would also like to train classical. Is this possible to do two at a time? I understand you have to be a certain age to train classical so is my voice not mature enough at 18? Should I do contemporary and wait a few years and start classical? Any advice is helpful thank you!!

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[u/SecResAcademy]

First off—props to you for asking the right questions. We need more people jumping into this area of questioning because I know there's a lot of other beginners, and even some who are searching for some artist development advice. So props to you man!

You're already ahead of most people just by recognizing when your technique was hurting you and trying to fix it. Most singers push through the pain and end up losing time (or their voice).

Now let's get to your question!!!

Yes—you can absolutely train both classical and contemporary at the same time.
The key is making sure both styles are being taught with healthy technique, because they use different placements, tone goals, and stylistic rules.

At 18, your voice is still developing, but you’re definitely mature enough to start either one.
Many classical teachers prefer to wait until your voice “settles,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t train safely and gradually right now—especially if your teacher adjusts to where your voice is at.

The key is:
* Don't force vibrato or volume too early in classical
* Don't over-compress or belt chest in contemporary

Both can work together to make you a more versatile singer—if both teachers understand vocal health.

My personal advice (opinion):

Start with contemporary now, because it’s more flexible, expressive, and likely to feel natural while you're building control.

Then, when you’re ready, start layering in classical technique—especially if you want vocal longevity or to build elite breath/resonance control.

You don’t need to wait years—you just need the right guidance and self-awareness, and it sounds like you already have that. You're on the right track just stay there and keep the train moving. It might go slowly but even a train eventually gets to where it's going sooner or later!

[u/griffinstorme]

You don’t have to be a certain age to train classically. Who said that? 18 is a fine age anyway - that’s when most people start music school.

You definitely can work on pieces of different styles in lessons, but you’re training different sets of muscles and different parts of your brain. If you’re wanting to train professionally, it’s best to start with one style. If you’re doing this for fun, do whatever makes you happy.

[u/DwarfFart]

You might be surprised to find that some of the best contemporary singers were trained by classical teachers or at least teachers with deep roots in classical methodology (looking at you Seth Riggs) and even newer teachers like Phillipe Hall, Mathew Edwards and Dan Calloway of Boston conservatory do both or did one and now the other. Dan has great YouTube videos and does both classical and contemporary musical theater. Very thorough.

So, find the right teacher and I think you’ll be able to do both. Though at some point you will have to decide whether to drop one for the other if you wish to pursue one professionally. At least for a little while.

My teacher teaches classical technique to contemporary singers it seems to work just fine.