Cultural centers are hubs of activity that expose communities to a variety of art forms. Centers are often equipped with at least one room housing a piano. This room can act as a studio for private voice lessons, but it also provides a space for a choir rehearsal or ensemble singing lessons. A quick visit to the cultural center's website will provide an aspiring singer with information on classes. A singer can contact the cultural center by phone or email for further info.
Schools that specialize in vocal training allow a singer to take individual classes. Some university music programs accept part-time students, as long as they are willing to fulfill registration requirements and pay the fees. But other music schools, that do not award degrees, are designed for musicians and enthusiasts to take classes without the commitment of a university program. The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago is an example of a school that offers classes to beginning and experienced singers.
An alternative to registering for a class is to seek out a professional from a school who is willing to give private lessons on the side. Private lessons with a vocal coach gives the singer schedule flexibility and one-on-one training time. Private lessons can take place anywhere, including the coach's home. Most coaches charge by the hour, so if a singer needs extra coaching for an upcoming performance, she can request more lessons or longer sessions. However, private coaches tend to be more expensive than a weekly class.
The Internet provides resources for voice lessons. Online media outlets, such as Youtube, allow experts to post step-by-step instructions or insider tips for singers. Some vocal coaches have gone a step further and created a series of vocal lessons on DVD and CD -- Shelly Kristin of Singingvoicelessons.com, for example. The lessons offer guidance but require self-discipline on the part of the singer because they are limited in how much they can correct a singer's mistakes. Some mistakes are indiscernible to a singer; in this case the presence of a live vocal coach is invaluable because a pre-recorded lesson will not be able to give criticism tailored to the singer's voice.