Singing "well" is very subjective. The first thing you want to figure out is the level of good you're going for. If you want to be pretty good and get the basics down when it comes to singing, you can learn that in a few months.
This is true for people who already have decent voices and just need some formal training and consistent practice to sound good.
Do you want to be good to the point of getting fans and people to say, "you sound really good"? That may take you a few years, depending on your starting point.
If you're trying to get good enough to get compliments all the time, try putting in at least two years of consistent effort 3-5 times a week.
Do you want to be good, as in the type of good that gets you paid? Are you trying to become Grammy award-nominated levels of good?
Do you want to be good enough to be on the radio and do opening shows for famous artists? This will likely take you several years.
The number of hours you put into your singing practice can make a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to get good.
If you're looking to only practice singing once a week for about an hour, it will take you longer than a few months to learn the basics.
If you're putting in an hour a day three times a week, you'll get there faster. If you put in an hour each and every day, you'll have a better chance of being good in a few months to a year.
You may have heard the phrase that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. Malcolm Gladwell, author of the bestseller "Outliers," says that 20 hours a week for ten years will get you there.
Mastering the art of singing may or may not be equal to becoming a good singer, in your opinion, but use that to gauge how many hours you need to put in to get to your desired level of greatness (or goodness).
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The amount of time it takes to get good can be heavily influenced by the style of singing that you want to become good at.
If you're looking to become a good pop singer, you might not need to put in as much effort as it takes to become a good opera singer because of the advanced techniques used in classical music.
If you're looking to become a good folk singer, you'll likely spend less time than it would take to learn how to become a good jazz singer due to the difficult levels of musicality that jazz music presents.
Suppose you're looking to become a country singer in comparison to becoming a gospel singer. In that case, you may have it easier doing country since you don't need to get good at complicated runs and riffs as you would in gospel singing.
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As I mentioned before, getting good depends on where you're starting from in terms of talent. Many people have a natural gift for singing that will require less time and effort in comparison to someone who doesn't have a natural gift.
A natural gift for music can be your tone, your ear, or your performance energy. There are many areas of music you will excel at, with some better than others.
If you already have the basics down with some of the critical areas, you won't need to put as many hours in.
If you're someone who has a bad tone or a bad ear for music (tone-deaf), it's not impossible to get good, but it is a long, uphill journey to get there.
It may take years or decades to get good if you're starting from the bottom, but don't let that deter you. Practice, consistency, and passion can take you very far with any skill.
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In conclusion, the amount of time it takes to learn to sing well depends on several factors, including the level of "good" you're aiming for, the number of hours you practice, your genre and style, and your starting point.
If you're aiming for a basic level of singing, it may take you a few months with consistent practice. However, if you're aiming for a professional level, it could take several years of dedicated effort.
It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to learning to sing. Your natural talent, genre, and style can all play a significant role in how long it takes you to develop your skills.
But no matter where you're starting from, the key is to practice consistently, put in the hours, and never give up on your passion for singing.
So, whether you're hoping to sing for fun or make a career out of it, don't be discouraged if progress feels slow. Keep practicing and developing your skills, and eventually, you'll get to where you want to be.
Remember, it's not about how long it takes you to learn to sing, but about the joy and fulfillment you get from the journey.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
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