Why Even Professional Singers Never Stop Taking Voice Lessons
by Elizabeth McDonald
People often imagine that once you “make it” as a singer, the learning stops. You’ve perfected your technique, mastered your repertoire, and can simply ride the wave of talent and experience. But here’s the truth: even the most celebrated artists, competition winners, MET opera headliners, seasoned stage performers, still walk into a lesson room, open their scores, and say, “Let’s see what we can discover today.”
The voice is a living, breathing instrument. It changes as we change—through age, experience, repertoire, and even the seasons of life. What felt easy last year might need a fresh approach this year. Lessons give us a place to notice those shifts, keep our technique strong, and continue building on what’s already working.
One of the most valuable things lessons offer is perspective. When you’re inside your own sound, it’s hard to know exactly what’s coming across to your audience. Having a trusted set of ears—someone who listens deeply and gives honest, kind feedback- can open new doors.
This past July, my friend and Canadian soprano Stacie Dunlop came to my PEC studio for one of her regular voice lessons. Stacie is a remarkable example of an artist at the top of her field who still embraces the value of collaborative voice lessons. Her openness to exploring new ideas, refining small details, and deepening her artistic choices was inspiring and a reminder that no matter how experienced we are, there is always room to grow.
A great teacher doesn’t just correct your vowels or fix your breath. They hold up a mirror to your artistry, help you shape your intentions, and sometimes nudge you toward risks you might never have taken alone. They keep you curious and connected to the joy of singing.
For me, staying in lessons is an act of artistic integrity. It’s saying, “I’m committed to my process, not just the final performance.” Because while concerts and auditions may be over in a moment, the craft of singing lasts a lifetime.
Professional athletes have coaches not because they’re unskilled, but because they know growth is ongoing. Singers are no different. The lesson room is where we stretch, tune up, and refocus—so that when we walk onto the stage, we can give our very best, with confidence and heart.
In the end, lessons aren’t about fixing flaws. They’re about keeping your voice—and your artistry—alive, growing, and ready for all the music still ahead.
Are you ready to keep shaping your process? Drop me a comment below and let me know how you keep yourself active in your process and your artistry.