Teaching Singing in a Changing World: Why Going Hybrid Might Be Your Smartest Move

The world of singing teaching has changed - and it’s not going back.

COVID pushed us all onto Zoom whether we liked it or not. Some teachers adapted. Some thrived. Some couldn’t wait to get back in the room. And some are now left wondering: What’s the best way to teach in 2025 - online, in-person?

If you’re building a sustainable, professional voice studio, the answer might not be one or the other - it might be both.

Here’s why going hybrid could be the smartest (and most profitable) move you make this year.

Online Lessons Open Doors

Teaching online gives you access to students who:

• Live outside your area (even globally)

• Can’t travel regularly (especially teens, adults with kids, or students without cars)

• Prefer the flexibility of logging in from home

It also gives you more freedom - to teach from your own home, avoid commuting, and even work while travelling.

But online teaching isn't just convenient - it’s professional when done right. With the right mic, camera, and platform (yes, there are musician-friendly alternatives to Zoom), your online students can enjoy high-quality sound and focused attention. Many even feel more comfortable experimenting in their own space.

👉 One fantastic resource for online teaching is Singing Carrots Studio. It’s designed specifically for singers and teachers, offering tools that help track student progress, structure lessons, and support practice between sessions. Using a platform created with musicians in mind can take your online studio from “good enough” to truly world-class.

Online Lessons Open Doors (and Eyes)

Teaching online gives you access to students who:

• Live outside your area (even globally)

• Can’t travel regularly (especially teens, adults with kids, or students without cars)

• Prefer the flexibility of logging in from home

It also gives you more freedom - to teach from your own home, avoid commuting, and even work while travelling.

But here’s something many teachers overlook:

When students learn online, they see themselves more - especially their own mouth.

That self-view can dramatically increase focus and self-awareness. Students often become more attuned to mouth shape, posture, breath control, and articulation simply because they’re watching themselves on screen. It’s like having a built-in mirror lesson - and for many, it helps them connect the feeling of good technique with the visual of doing it right.

Online lessons aren’t just convenient - they can be cognitively powerful, too.

In-Person Lessons Build Connection

There’s nothing like singing in a room with another human.

Live lessons offer real-time nuance: body language, physical posture tweaks, acoustic sound. It’s easier to build rapport quickly, and some students just need the energy of a shared space to thrive.

Plus, for younger students (or their parents), in-person lessons still feel more official. They’re often more committed to showing up - and that translates to consistency and retention.

Hybrid = Resilient, Flexible, and Student-Centred

By offering both online and in-person options, you position yourself as a modern, adaptable teacher - someone who meets students where they are.

Hybrid teaching isn’t just about splitting your week in two. It’s about:

• Offering online lessons for students who are sick, away, or can’t travel

• Recording exam videos or auditions digitally with your support

• Running group workshops or warmups online (a great income booster)

• Having a backup plan when weather, transport, or life gets in the way

It’s about being resilient. About saying “yes” more often. And about creating a studio that works around your life, too.

Real-World Example: Exam Prep

A hybrid model is perfect for preparing students for RIAM or Rockschool exams.

Start in person to build trust, then shift to online for weekly check-ins. Record mock exams in your studio or help them submit videos from home. This not only builds vocal skill but teaches students how to work professionally in different environments - a real-world performer skill.

Still Feeling Stuck?

If you’re unsure how to:

• Price online vs. in-person sessions

• Keep your tech and tools simple

• Adjust your lesson plan for a screen

• Or even get your first online students

…that’s where mentorship comes in.

Ready to Build a Studio That Works For You?

I help singing teachers like you design flexible, focused, resilient teaching businesses - whether you’re starting out or scaling up.

🎤 Book a free 15-minute discovery call with me, and let’s talk about building a hybrid studio that supports both your income and your lifestyle.

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In a changing world, you don’t need to choose one lane - you just need to know how to drive both.