Should you cancel your voice lesson?

When should you consider canceling your voice lesson? Most studios have a 24 hrs cancellation policy, so the literal answer to this question is cancel within the time frame provided by your teacher's studio policy.

Teachers will deal with cancellations in various ways. Some will refund or reschedule, while others offer a make up credit, online lesson, recorded video feedback, or choose to work on the many skills that make a whole musician, but don't require vocal production.

The question is, what should you do and when is it better not to sing?

For the purpose of this blog post, I will simply advise when it is safer for your vocal health to cancel, and leave it up to you and your teacher to figure out how to address the missed lesson.

My first recommendation is to read and respect your teacher's cancellation policy. We usually have one in place, because we have been taken advantage of. Don't be THAT student, who pretends they didn't know. Be courteous and realize that pretending you are not sick might just get your teacher sick too and as a result the whole studio. My second recommendation is to use this guide below, to figure out if you should cancel. Like any peak performer whether athlete, musician, or performance artist, we have to learn to master our craft even when the physical conditions are not optimal. The value of regular, daily vocal exercises is that we learn to understand our instrument, and what it takes for it to work properly. Conditions are rarely optimal, but regular practice will help us coax our bodies into functioning properly. That said, there are times when what will serve your vocal progress best is to rest and heal. (Please see medical disclaimer below.)

You have a sore throat 

Look at the back of your throat in the mirror.

If it's red: it might be viral. Cancel and give it at least 3 days.

If there are white spots in the back around your tonsils: It might be bacterial. Cancel. See a doctor. You might have strep. This might take 1-2 weeks.

If it is not red, but feels dry: you might have a cold or allergies. You might be able to do an online lesson. Do some warm ups, drink some dairy if you tolerate it. If it still hurts, cancel.

It hurts to speak If this is because you just screamed at a sporting event or sang along at a concert, go to your lesson. Prepare for a lecture from your teacher on the dangers of screaming . There are other things you can work on.

If it hurts to speak and you don't know why, consider canceling. If that is the only thing off, you could still go to your lesson and work on other things.

You have a cough

If it is a dry cough: Go to your lesson. However: drink fluids, rinse your nasal passages, use a moisture inhaler, and take a steam shower.

If it is a productive cough meaning you're coughing up phlegm, then it depends on how severe the cough is. If it is severe, meaning you have to cough every few minutes cancel. Coughing puts a lot of strain on your vocal cords. They are likely swollen. Drink warm fluids like broth or tea (not coffee or dairy). Rest.

You have a cold. 

Cancel. Colds last at least a week. If you started symptoms on a Sunday, and your lesson is on Wednesday, you should be good by the following Wednesday, depending of course on the severity of the cold and your self-care.

You have the flu.

Cancel. Flus last 1-2 weeks, depending on severity.

You have seasonal allergies.

If the allergies are minor you can do some things to manage them. Talk with your doctor. If they are severe, cancel. As much as we would like to, we can't sing with stuffed up sinuses.

Stomach Flu. 

Definitely cancel.  

You feel kind of off, but don't have any specific symptoms.

Singing is very energizing and healing. If you don't have a sore throat and are just feeling kinda tired, go to your lesson. If you have body aches all over, it might be the onset of a cold/flu or allergy season. Maybe request an online lesson.

You have period cramps. 

I get it! They suck! I find that singing is actually a great mood booster and pain killer. So go to your lesson anyway. It will likely make you feel better.

You're feeling really depressed/down/angry/frustrated.  

Go to your lesson! Singing and music release endorphins three of the happy hormones, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. It is one of the best activities to lift your mood. When my students come in with strong feelings, I rewrite lyrics to our vocal exercises on the fly to give expression to whatever they are feeling. Usually within 5 minutes of singing "I"ve had enough of my boss" on an arpeggio up and down the staff, students are laughing and feeling better, having given voice to and thereby honored their emotions.  

You have a terrible Migraine.

This is a tricky one, because migraines are hard to predict or plan for. I recommend canceling as singing will only add to the head pressure.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes of voice students and voice professionals, to facilitate decision making on whether or not to cancel a voice lesson. The information is based on experience with the specific health challenges encountered by a voice industry professionals. They do not substitute professional medical advice. Readers are advised to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider, if they want to seek actual medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.