I am often asked, when a student comes for a first lesson, how long it will take before they can expect to feel a difference in the way they use their voice. My answer is that it depends on the individual and the amount of time one is prepared to practice each day. However, working on the voice can be a lifelong process.
As youngsters learning to speak, we effectively build an instrument at the same time as we learn to play it. Once the voice has fully developed in terms of growth (around the age of 30 for a woman and 32 for a man), we can choose to work to keep it flexible, firm, and strong. I often wonder why many of us who go to the gym, or exercise regularly to build our muscles and stay fit and healthy, forget about exercising our voice. Voice and speech are physical activities involving muscles and will respond immediately to regular, structured practice.
Certain skills, such as articulation, can in fact improve within a week, as the muscles and movements involved are small. Significant improvements can also come quickly from adjustments to posture (especially the balance of the head and neck), as well as a deeper awareness of breathing. There are no quick fixes, though, but with exercises and a short practice routine, positive changes can usually be felt and heard after about four to six weeks and will retain and become permanent if one continues to work.
Fellner Voice 