Every child has a unique voice waiting to be discovered, nurtured, and celebrated. At Asheville Performing Arts Academy, we believe that voice lessons should do more than teach children to sing correctly—they should help young people find their authentic expression while building the technical skills necessary for confident, healthy vocal performance throughout their lives.

Our musical theater approach to voice instruction goes far beyond traditional vocal pedagogy. While classical voice lessons might focus solely on technique, and contemporary programs might emphasize style over substance, APAA integrates vocal development with character work, storytelling, and performance skills that create complete, confident performers. Your child doesn't just learn to sing—they discover how their voice becomes a powerful tool for communication, artistic expression, and personal growth.

Located in Asheville's thriving arts community, our voice program has helped hundreds of young singers develop both the technical abilities and artistic confidence necessary for success in school programs, college auditions, and professional opportunities. More importantly, our students develop a lifelong love for music and performance that enriches their lives regardless of their ultimate career paths.

Our Philosophy: Voice Lessons That Build the Whole Person

Healthy technique from the beginning forms the foundation of all our vocal instruction. Young voices are still developing, and our professional instructors understand exactly how to build proper breathing, support, and vocal production without straining or damaging delicate vocal mechanisms. We teach children to sing safely so they can sing for a lifetime.

Character-based learning makes voice lessons engaging and meaningful. Instead of working through abstract exercises, students learn songs from musicals they love, exploring how different characters would interpret the same material. This approach develops both technical skills and artistic understanding while maintaining the fun that keeps young singers excited about their progress.

Performance integration ensures that students don't just sing beautifully in lesson rooms—they develop the skills necessary for confident performance in any situation. Our students learn to maintain vocal quality while moving, acting, and responding to unexpected situations that arise during live performance.

Age-appropriate progression means that six-year-olds work on different material than sixteen-year-olds, but both groups receive instruction that challenges them appropriately while building skills systematically. Our instructors excel at finding the perfect balance between growth and developmentally appropriate expectations.

Voice Programs by Age and Experience Level

Beginning Voice Students (Ages 4-8)

Our youngest singers focus on joy, exploration, and healthy vocal habits that will serve them throughout their musical development. These lessons emphasize play-based learning that feels like fun while building crucial foundational skills.

What young singers learn:

• Proper breathing through games and movement activities
• Pitch matching and basic ear training
• Simple songs that build range gradually
• Performance confidence through informal sharing
• Basic music reading appropriate for their developmental stage

Lesson structure includes physical warm-ups that prepare both body and voice, interactive games that teach musical concepts, and plenty of singing that builds skills incrementally. Young students often surprise themselves with how much they can accomplish when instruction is tailored to their natural learning styles.

Parent involvement varies based on individual children's needs, with some preferring independent lessons while others benefit from family participation. Our instructors work with each family to determine the most effective approach for their specific child.

Elementary Voice Students (Ages 6-12)

Elementary-age singers are ready for more structured instruction that still maintains the playfulness essential for sustained engagement. These students often make dramatic progress as their physical coordination and attention spans develop.

Comprehensive instruction includes:

• Breath support techniques adapted for growing bodies
• Expanding vocal range through careful exercises
• Song repertoire from age-appropriate musicals
• Basic music theory and sight-reading skills
• Introduction to different musical styles and periods

Performance opportunities become more frequent as students develop confidence and skills. Elementary singers regularly participate in studio recitals, APAA productions, and community events that provide authentic performance experience in supportive environments.

Character work begins to play a larger role as students explore how different characters might sing the same song. This analysis develops critical thinking skills while making vocal instruction more engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Middle School Voice Students (Ages 11-14)

Adolescent voice changes require specialized instruction that addresses the physical and emotional challenges of this developmental period. Our instructors have extensive experience helping students navigate voice changes while maintaining confidence and continuing to grow artistically.

Advanced skill development focuses on:

• Sophisticated breathing and support techniques
• Extended vocal range and dynamic control
• Complex repertoire from standard musical theater literature
• Audition technique and self-presentation skills
• Music theory and sight-reading proficiency

Emotional expression becomes increasingly important as students develop the maturity to explore more sophisticated material. Voice lessons provide a safe space for adolescents to explore and express complex emotions while developing artistic skills.

College preparation begins for students interested in pursuing theater or music in high school and beyond. We help students select appropriate audition material and develop the skills necessary for competitive programs.

High School Voice Students (Ages 14-18)

Pre-professional training prepares serious young singers for college programs, professional opportunities, or simply lifelong engagement with music at the highest amateur levels.

Intensive instruction includes:

• Professional-level technique development
• Extensive repertoire spanning multiple musical periods and styles
• Advanced performance skills including stage presence and movement
• College audition preparation and career guidance
• Leadership opportunities within APAA productions

Master class opportunities with visiting professionals provide exposure to different teaching methods and performance styles while building network connections that can prove valuable in future endeavors.

Mentorship roles allow advanced students to assist with younger singers, developing teaching skills while reinforcing their own technical understanding through explanation and demonstration.

Meet Our Voice Faculty

Connor Dalton embodies the APAA experience, having begun as a student and returned as a professional instructor with international performing experience. This unique perspective allows Connor to understand student challenges from personal experience while providing instruction based on the highest professional standards.

Professional credentials include a Master of Performance in Voice from the Royal College of Music, London, and extensive performing experience on international stages. Connor's roles include opera, musical theater, and contemporary work, providing students with exposure to the full spectrum of vocal performance.

Educational philosophy emphasizes communication and collaboration while creating safe environments for artistic exploration. Connor understands that great singing requires both technical excellence and emotional authenticity, and his instruction develops both simultaneously.

Technique rooted in tradition draws from established vocal pedagogy while adapting to contemporary musical theater demands. Students learn healthy technique that serves classical repertoire while developing the flexibility necessary for modern musical styles.

APAA connection means Connor truly understands the institutional culture and long-term student development that makes our program unique. He sees students not just as individual voice lesson clients but as developing artists within a supportive community.

What Makes APAA Voice Lessons Different

Musical Theater Integration vs. Traditional Approach

Traditional voice lessons often focus on classical technique and repertoire, which provides excellent foundational training but may not engage young students who are excited about contemporary musical theater. APAA's approach builds the same technical skills through repertoire that students find immediately relevant and exciting.

Character-based learning means students don't just sing songs—they explore how different characters would interpret the same material, developing both vocal skills and analytical thinking. This approach makes lessons intellectually engaging while building performance abilities.

Performance application focus ensures that students develop skills immediately applicable to real performance situations rather than working in isolation without understanding how technique serves artistic goals.

Comprehensive vs. Isolated Skill Development

Integration with acting and dance creates well-rounded performers who understand how voice serves the larger goals of musical theater performance. Students learn to maintain vocal quality while moving, expressing character, and responding to scene partners.

Professional performance opportunities through APAA productions provide authentic contexts for applying vocal skills rather than limiting performance experience to annual recitals that may bear little relationship to real performance situations.

National-level exposure through Junior Theatre Festival participation provides advanced students with opportunities to perform alongside peers from across the country while receiving feedback from industry professionals.

Voice Lesson Success Stories

"Connor's musical journey began as a member of the APAA, and has since appeared on international stages. Role highlights include Giovanni Belletti in the UK premiere of Barnum's Bird, Joseph De Rocher in Dead Man Walking, Marcello in La bohème, The Zombie in the world premiere of My Days As a Zombie On Earth, and Count Almaviva in Le Nozze Di Figaro." - Faculty Bio

This progression from APAA student to international professional represents the possibilities our program creates for dedicated young singers.

"Our daughter started violin lessons at the Music Academy when she was 5 years old. Mike and all the teachers are phenomenal! Her teacher is so patient, loving and makes lessons fun. She has made so much progress in two years and enjoys learning this beautiful instrument." - Comparative testimonial showing APAA's competitive advantages

"From the moment Caroline joined APAA in 1st grade, her eyes widened and her heart began to sing. Now as a middle schooler, this group has been vital to her growth as an actor and a person. Not only is she learning how to audition like a professional and getting unparalleled access to Broadway, but the ability to share this journey with a multi-talented group of students and teachers is priceless." - Elizabeth Roth

These testimonials demonstrate how comprehensive voice training within a supportive community creates both technical excellence and personal growth.

Practical Information for Families

Lesson Scheduling and Structure

Individual voice lessons provide personalized instruction tailored to each student's needs, interests, and developmental stage. Lesson lengths vary from 30 minutes for younger students to 60 minutes for advanced high school singers.

Flexible scheduling accommodates busy family calendars and school commitments, with lessons available throughout the week and makeup options for excused absences.

Lesson structure typically includes physical and vocal warm-ups, technical exercises, repertoire work, and performance coaching, with the specific balance adjusted for individual student needs and goals.

What Students Need

No previous experience required—we welcome complete beginners and provide all necessary foundational instruction. Many of our most accomplished students started with no musical background whatsoever.

Basic supplies include a notebook for lesson notes and access to repertoire, which instructors help students select based on their interests and developmental needs.

Performance opportunities are available but not mandatory, allowing students to participate at their comfort level while building confidence gradually.

Tuition and Policies

Competitive rates reflect our commitment to making high-quality voice instruction accessible to Asheville families while maintaining the small class sizes and individual attention that make our program effective.

Flexible payment options include monthly, semester, and annual payment plans designed to work with various family financial situations.

Trial lesson opportunities allow students and families to experience our teaching approach before making long-term commitments, ensuring the right fit for every student.

Integration with APAA Programs

Performance Opportunities

APAA production participation allows voice students to apply their lessons immediately in fully staged musical productions with professional costumes, lighting, and accompaniment.

Recital performances provide lower-stakes opportunities for students to share their progress in supportive environments designed to build confidence gradually.

Community outreach connects students with the broader Asheville arts community through performances at local venues and events.

Advanced Training Options

Company Program eligibility allows serious voice students to pursue pre-professional training that includes advanced voice instruction alongside acting and dance.

Master class participation provides exposure to visiting professionals and different teaching approaches while building performance experience.

College preparation support helps high school students select appropriate programs, prepare audition materials, and develop the skills necessary for competitive acceptance.

Getting Started with Voice Lessons

Assessment consultation helps families determine the most appropriate lesson format and instructor match for their specific child's needs, interests, and goals.

Trial lesson scheduling allows students to experience our teaching approach while giving instructors opportunity to assess current skill levels and design appropriate instruction plans.

Flexible program entry means students can begin voice lessons at any time during the year rather than waiting for traditional semester start dates.

Questions welcomed—our faculty and staff understand that choosing voice instruction represents an important family investment and are happy to discuss any concerns or questions about our approach, expectations, or policies.

Discover the joy, confidence, and skill that come from excellent voice training in Asheville's most comprehensive musical theater program. Whether your child dreams of Broadway or simply wants to explore their musical potential, APAA provides the perfect environment for growth, learning, and artistic discovery.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and trial lesson.

Call (828) 253-4000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy... where the arts come alive!