What to Prepare Before Your First Singing Lesson
You actually don't need to prepare a lot. The most important thing is to come curious and kind to yourself. Below I've broken down the simple, useful things to think about before your first singing, dance or acting lesson so you can arrive feeling calm and ready.
Preparing for a Singing Lesson
Choose (or don't): If you have a song you love, bring it. Ideally pick something you know well and enjoy singing - it helps me hear your natural style. If you don't have a song, that's absolutely fine: I will choose something in the lesson or provide material for you.
Lyrics & backing: You do not need to bring lyrics - only bring them if it makes you feel more secure. I can provide lyrics or backing tracks if you prefer.
Goals: Spend a couple of minutes thinking about what you want from lessons. Do you want to sing higher notes, explore different genres, gain confidence, or prepare for auditions? Jot a few thoughts down so we can talk about them.
Water: Bring a bottle of water and wear something comfortable you can breathe and move in.
Mindset: Come ready to learn rather than perform. The first lesson is about discovery - of your voice, your range and your preferences.
Preparing for a Dance Lesson
Comfortable clothes: Wear something you can move in - leggings, shorts or practice wear. Bring socks or the right shoes for the style (ballet shoes, jazz shoes or bare feet for contemporary) if you have them; otherwise come as you are.
Hair & water: Tie long hair back and bring a bottle of water.
Think about style and aim: Are you after technique, musical theatre, audition choreography, a competition piece or general fitness and fun? Knowing this helps me tailor the session.
Warm up lightly if you can: A few gentle stretches at home are helpful, but don't overdo it - we'll warm up properly together.
Bring patience: Learning movement takes time; be kind to your body and give yourself permission to be a beginner.
Preparing for an Acting Lesson
A short piece: If you have a monologue or a short scene you'd like to try, bring it - but it's not essential. I can provide material in the lesson if you prefer.
Know your aim: Are you curious about confidence-building, audition technique, camera work or stagecraft? A quick note about your goals helps shape the session.
Bring a notebook: You'll get practical notes and exercises - it's useful to write things down so you can practice between lessons.
Dress for freedom: Wear clothes you can move and breathe in; acting often uses your whole body.
Be open to play: Acting lessons are creative and often involve improvisation. Let yourself be playful and curious.
What I'll do in the first lesson
I'll ask about your goals, listen to or watch how you work, and run a few short, targeted exercises to get a feel for where to begin. For singers I usually do small repeating warm-ups; for dancers a gentle movement warm-up and combination; for actors a short improvisation or script read-through. The aim is always to help you learn something useful in that first session.
Practical checklist (quick)
Comfortable clothes you can move in
Water bottle
A song, monologue or piece if you'd like to bring one (optional) - I can provide material if preferred
A short note about your goals (auditions, confidence, performance, technique)
Open, curious attitude
After the lesson
You don't need to give me an answer on the day. Take a few days to think about how the lesson felt, what you enjoyed and what you want to work on, and email me when you're ready. Don't rush a decision - I'd rather you choose the right path for you than say yes in the moment and regret it later.
Final thought
Keep it simple - show up, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the process. I'll meet you where you are and help you grow with warmth, clarity and practical tools.
Stand Out Performing Arts, founded by professional performer and actress Sophie Morton, provides high-quality singing lessons, dance lessons, audition and industry preparation. Stand Out Performing Arts teach across Bristol- including Fishponds, Downend, Clifton, Redland and Montpelier - and in Reading and surrounding towns such as Burghfield Common, Mortimer, Tadley and Silchester.
Sophie is also the founder of the Care Home Choir, which brings therapeutic, inclusive group singing sessions to residents in care facilities to support mood, social engagement and communication. If you are based in Bristol, Reading or a nearby surrounding area and would like to apply for lessons, please click here. Explore Stand Out Performing Arts' range of free digital worksheets and professional resources to help you improve, practice and perform with confidence by clicking here.
