Children and Youth (Ages 6–14)
In our singing classes for children and youth ages 6–14, we develop musical skills in a well-rounded and age-appropriate manner. We explore the singing voice through natural deep breathing, focusing on vocal clarity, a free and effortless tone, and the intelligibility of lyrics. We also learn about song interpretation and expression, taking into account the child’s or young person’s stage of development.
The goals are the same as in adult classes, but in our teaching we always take into account the student’s age, abilities, and life situation. Songs are selected so that their lyrics and content are appropriate for the singer’s age.
Since children naturally sing a lot, we consider it particularly important that they receive proper and healthy guidance on voice use from an early age. This helps prevent the development of harmful vocal habits and mannerisms.
Strong pedagogical expertise in vocal instruction for children and youth
Vocal instruction for children and youth has been a key focus of the Finnish Association of Vocal Pedagogues’ national training program for vocal teachers since around 2010.
Susanna Tenkanen-Lindeman served on the association’s board from 2015 to 2017.
Susanna has done pioneering work in the development of children’s vocal instruction. Her article
Singing with Children – A Vocal Pedagogue’s Experiences in Teaching Children to Sing can be read HERE
She has also designed, implemented, and developed the Children’s and Youth Singing School at the Tampere Conservatory, where she serves as the lead instructor from 2012 to 2024.
She has also been responsible for the pedagogy of children’s singing instruction for vocal teachers graduating from TAMK/Music from 2014 to 2025.
At Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, she has taught the pedagogy of children’s vocal instruction since 2022 and serves as a teacher for advanced studies in children’s vocal instruction.
