Ultimately, whether to take online or offline vocal coaching is a personal decision. There’s no right or wrong – it depends on your needs, comfort level, learning style, and life circumstances.

Both formats allow you to develop your voice and learn how to sing. And if online coaching gives you the possibility to take that first step – don’t hesitate. Go for it!

Introduction

During the pandemic, everything that could be done digitally shifted online. And how fortunate we were to have that option – to keep doing what we love, stay connected with friends, and maintain our sense of community even when staying at home for weeks. The ability to hop on the internet and interact with others was crucial for our mental well-being.

At first, the idea of taking singing lessons online seemed impossible. But soon enough, a wave of online vocal coaching started.

After the pandemic, many were thrilled to return to in-person lessons, which makes perfect sense, we were all just happy to leave the house again.

Since then, I’ve often been asked if it’s really possible to learn to sing online – and my answer?

For many, online singing lessons can be a fantastic option. Whether it’s due to mobility issues, living far away, being new parents unable to leave home, or simply feeling more comfortable in a private space, online lessons offer a wonderful alternative. They make learning to sing accessible to everyone (provided you have an internet connection, of course).

Online vocal coaching is an important tool with advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it’s an individual choice. And the good news is that learning to sing online is absolutely possible. Let's dive deeper into that.

In this blog article, I’ll go through the positive and negative aspects of online vocal coaching. This way, you can decide what’s best for you. Maybe it even helps you take the step to start or continue with something you love, even if your circumstances don’t allow you to travel to an in-person session.

Disclaimer: This article is based on my experiences and personal feelings. There might be factors I haven’t considered – if you’d like to add a thought, let me know!

Table of contents:

Introduction

1. Cons of Online Vocal Coaching

1.1 Tech and Internet Connectivity Hiccups

1.2 Microphone Quality

1.3 Lack of Possibility to Make Music Together

1.4 Different Energy and Slower Pace

1.5 Concerns About Neighbors or Daily Distractions

2. Pros of Online Vocal Coaching

2.1 Safety of the Private Space

2.2 Slower Pace Creates a Comfortable Feeling

2.3 Visual Proximity Helps Vocal Technique

2.4 Biggest Pro: Barrier-Free Singing & Accessibility

3. Offline and Online Teaching Approaches – We’re Closer Than We Think

Conclusion: No Better or Worse – It’s Personal Preference

1. Cons of Online Vocal Coaching

1.1 Tech and Internet Connectivity Hiccups

The biggest challenge is the internet connection. If it's slow, online meeting tools, like Zoom for example, may not work perfectly, causing latency or freezing. If this happens occasionally, it’s not a big deal, but if it happens repeatedly, it can disrupt the flow and fun of the session.

1.2 Microphone Quality

Another technical issue is the microphone. Most modern laptops and tablets have decent built-in mics, but if yours isn’t working correctly and you can’t invest in an external microphone (good news: they’re quite affordable now), the sound quality won’t be ideal. This can cause distortion or sound cuts during the session.

Positive Feature: “Original Sound”


Many online platforms filter out certain sounds, like humming or lip trills, because they’re detected as noise. Zoom, for example, offers the “Original Sound” feature, which allows me to hear your voice in its purest form, without unwanted echo cancellation or filters.

I’m sure that other platforms, especially those dedicated to making music, provide similar features, but I find Zoom particularly practical for my daily work and can share the most about its functionality.

1.3 Lack of Possibility to Make Music Together

One big downside of online coaching personally is the inability to accompany singers live on the piano. I love playing the piano during lessons, and many clients appreciate the experience of singing with a live accompanist rather than a karaoke track.

Due to internet latency, I can play piano while you sing along, but it’s not quite the same as making music together in real time. The same goes for harmonizing – singing together in different voices isn’t really possible online. If this is something you want to practice, in-person sessions are probably the better choice.

1.4 Different Energy and Slower Pace

Online sessions naturally create a different energy compared to in-person coaching. The pace often feels slower and more technical, with more focus on precise instructions rather than the spontaneous flow of simply singing your heart out.

Many singers seek coaching for exactly the opposite reason – they want a space where they can sing freely, feel the music, and let go of overthinking. But in an online setting, that immersive energy can be harder to recreate. The absence of a shared physical space can make it feel less dynamic and more structured, which some singers find limiting.

1.5 Concerns About Neighbors or Daily Distractions

One of the biggest challenges of online coaching is the environment. Many clients live in apartments or shared spaces where they constantly worry about being too loud. Unlike a studio setting, where they can fully sing out their heart without hesitation, at home, they might feel self-conscious about disturbing neighbors or family members (even though, many times, neighbors actually enjoy hearing someone sing!)

Still, this worry can make it harder to relax and fully use their voice. Plus, daily life – emails, chores, or background noise – can be distracting. Without a clear separation between singing and everyday tasks, it’s harder to focus fully enjoy it.

2. Pros of Online Vocal Coaching

2.1 Safety of the Private Space

For some people, the privacy of their own home though makes singing feel safer. Taking the step to start vocal coaching can feel vulnerable, and being in a familiar environment might make it easier to show your voice. The physical distance of an online lesson can also reduce performance anxiety.

2.2 Slower Pace Creates a Comfortable Feeling

While the slower pace might be frustrating for some, for others, it’s a benefit. When learning something new, too much information at once can be overwhelming. Taking things one step at a time can make the process more comfortable. Plus, with screen sharing, I can easily provide visuals, notes, or exercises in a structured way.

2.3 Visual Proximity Helps Vocal Technique

One surprising advantage of online coaching is that I can see your vocal tract much more closely on screen than I would in person. In an in-person session, I wouldn’t stand super close to your face, but online, the camera naturally provides a detailed view of your larynx, mouth, and tongue. This allows me to analyze and give precise feedback on technique in a way that might not feel as comfortable in person.

2.4 Biggest Pro: Barrier-Free Singing & Accessibility

For me, this is the most important benefit: accessibility for EVERYONE. Online sessions make it possible for people to start singing, no matter their situation. Whether you have mobility challenges, live far from vocal coaching options, or just became a parent and can’t easily leave the house – online lessons allow you to pursue what you love without barriers.

For many, singing is an essential part of mental well-being, and being able to access lessons remotely makes a huge difference.

3. Offline and Online Teaching Approaches – We’re Closer Than We Think

Interestingly, I’ve met quite a few students in person after having only coached them online for a long time. And my experience? There’s hardly any difference in how I perceive their voice or how I approach teaching them. This realization gave me much more confidence in the effectiveness of online coaching.

Conclusion: No Better or Worse – It’s Personal Preference

Ultimately, whether to take online or offline vocal coaching is a personal decision. There’s no right or wrong – it depends on your needs, comfort level, learning style, and life circumstances.

If online lessons are your only option, you’re not at a disadvantage. You’ll still gain the same value, training, and progress. And if in-person sessions suit your learning style better, that’s great too! Both formats allow you to develop your voice and express yourself. 🎶

And if online coaching is the only way to take that first step – don’t hesitate. Go for it! 😊

☕️ I invite you to a Coffee Call

If you're interested in discovering your voice with me, I invite you to a free 20-minute coffee call. During this discovery call, we can discuss your goals and needs, how I can best support you, and how we can work together.

⭕️ Have you heard about my new membership "Your Confident Voice"?

If you're ready to train your voice and dive into mindset techniques for building a confident voice, you’ve come to the right place. In January 2025, I launched my membership program, Your Confident Voice. Here, you’ll begin your singing journey alongside others on the same path. We have monthly live group calls, open studio hours for 1:1 sessions, concerts on Zoom, and a video library full of self-learning resources about voice and mindset.

If that speaks to you, head over to this page to learn more.

To learn more about me, you can also sign up for my newsletter or connect with me on Instagram. I am excited to get to know you.