Online Singing Lessons vs In-Person Vocal Training: Which is Better?

Photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk (on Pexels)

If you’ve ever Googled “Should I do online singing lessons or in-person singing lessons?” — congratulations, you’re officially a modern singer.

This is one of the most common (and most important) questions I get as a vocal coach, especially from busy adults here in Singapore.

And the honest answer?

It depends... but not in the way most people think.

Let’s break this down properly, without hype, guilt, or “one-size-fits-all” advice. Whether you’re brand new to vocal training or returning after years of singing in the shower, this guide will help you choose the option that actually works for you.

First, let’s clear up a big myth about singing lessons online and in-person

Online singing lessons are NOT “worse” than in-person lessons.

But they’re also not the perfect option for everyone.

Likewise, in-person lessons aren’t automatically superior — they’re just different.

What matters isn’t where the lesson happens.

What matters is:

• how you learn

• what stage you’re at

• what kind of support your voice needs right now

Option 1: Online singing lessons

Online singing lessons exploded during COVID… and then something interesting happened:they didn’t disappear.

In fact, that’s when I started teaching online lessons too. And yes, most of the online learners who started during Singapore’s “circuit breaker” lockdowns… decided to continue their lessons with me online, even after in-person music classes were officially (legally) allowed again!

That’s because for many singers, they genuinely work.

✅ Who online singing lessons work best for

Online lessons are fantastic if you:

• Want to focus on healthy foundations and vocal training

• Learn well through verbal cues, demonstrations, and feedback

• Practise mostly at home anyway

• Have a busy or unpredictable schedule

• Prefer learning in a familiar, low-pressure environment

Surprisingly, many singers feel less tense online — and that alone can improve vocal coordination dramatically.

🎯 The real strengths of online lessons

1. Comfort = better singing

When you’re relaxed at home, your voice often behaves better. Less jaw tension, less throat gripping, less performance anxiety.

2. Laser-focused listening

Good vocal coaches rely heavily on sound, not touch. Pitch, tone, tension, airflow — all of this is clearly audible online.

3. Real-life relevance

You practise where you sing most. That means what you learn sticks.

4. Time efficiency

No travel, no parking, no rushing. This consistency is gold for vocal training.

⚠️ Where online lessons can fall short

Online lessons may not be ideal if you:

• Are completely unaware of body tension

• Struggle to follow verbal instructions

• Have significant vocal strain or pain

• Feel disconnected without physical presence

• Don’t have a quiet space or stable internet

Option 2: In-person singing lessons

In-person lessons are still incredibly valuable — especially for certain singers.

✅ Who in-person lessons work best for

In-person lessons are ideal if you:

• Are very kinesthetic (you need to feel things)

• Carry a lot of physical tension without realising it

• Are dealing with persistent hoarseness or strain

• Need help with posture, alignment, or body awareness

• Thrive on face-to-face energy and accountability

🎯 The real strengths of in-person lessons

1. Immediate physical feedbackA vocal coach can spot subtle things faster — shoulder tension, jaw habits, breathing patterns.

2. Clear separation from home lifeStepping into a studio puts your brain into “learning mode”.

3. Strong emotional supportFor singers rebuilding confidence, this can be huge.

⚠️ Where in-person lessons can struggle

In-person lessons might be less ideal if:

• Travel time causes stress

• You practise very differently at home

• You over-perform because you feel watched

• You struggle to replicate sensations later

The surprise winner for many singers: Hybrid lessons

Here’s the option most people don’t talk about enough.

Hybrid vocal training — a mix of online and in-person — often delivers the best results, especially in Singapore.

Why hybrid singing lessons work so well

• In-person sessions help you reset and recalibrate

• Online lessons help you apply and stabilise

• You get flexibility and hands-on guidance

• Progress continues even during busy weeks

Many singers do:

• In-person lessons monthly

• Online lessons weekly or fortnightly

This keeps momentum without burnout.

So… which one is actually “better”?

Here’s the honest answer from a vocal coach who works with both.

The best format is the one that keeps you consistent, relaxed, and progressing.

Not the fanciest setup.Not the most expensive option.Not the one you think you should choose.

Great vocal training isn’t about location, it’s about:

• clear feedback

• healthy technique

• steady confidence building

• a coach who understands your voice

A quick decision cheat-sheet

Choose online singing lessons if you want:

• Convenience

• Comfort

• Flexibility

• Efficient vocal training at home

Choose in-person singing lessons if you want:

• Physical awareness

• Hands-on guidance

• A structured learning space

• Extra support with tension or strain

Choose hybrid if you want:

• The best of both worlds

• Long-term consistency

• Less pressure, more progress

Ready to start singing lessons?

If you’re curious about singing lessons — online, in-person, or a flexible mix — you’re welcome to book a lesson with me at www.thevocalexperiment.com. No pressure, just good vibes and supportive vocal coaching to help your voice sound (and feel) better… wherever you sing!

Book a lesson