A Voice Trial is a Good Idea

It is my contention that every student should have a voice trial before he is accepted for a course of lessons. A voice trial is important, for it tells the instructor the type of material he will have to work with and indicates the student’s study and improvement capabilities to some extent. Naturally, every teacher has a sincere desire to help all those who wish to sing, but there are cases that are hopeless. It is wicked to encourage a singer who can never attain his desire of success.

So the primary question of a voice trial is, "Why do you want to sing? Are you interested in singing for your own pleasure, or do you expect to make a career with your singing voice?" The number of aspiring singers who wish to make careers without adequate background of voice and personality is appalling. But it is equally appalling to realize the number of teachers who will accept them without telling them that, although they may be able to sing, it is improbable that they will attain great success by their voices alone.