by Teresa Ringholz

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: September 02, 2009

Choosing a vocal teacher or a vocal coach is a lot like choosing a good therapist, after all, you are entrusting that person with something that is uniquely you. First it is important to know what you want to gain from your voice lessons or coaching sessions: are you looking for some basic training, do you have designs on becoming a professional, do you want to improve your singing for your community choir or theater, are you preparing for an audition?

If at all possible, ask friends or colleagues if they know someone in your area who offers voice lessons or vocal coaching. Another possibility would be to research Community Education programs offered by local music schools or colleges. Chances are these venues will have trained vocal instructors and coaches. You may also want to check biographies of the instructors to see if they have adequate training and professional experience which is a sign of their own solid vocal technique or coaching abilities. Listen to a recording of their singing or singers. You may also want to check to see if the instructor is versed in the genre of singing which you are interested.

Some teachers offer introductory lessons to assess your vocal level and musical skills. Be prepared, there are instructors who only take trained students and will tell you so. Some will not take you if you do not read music; some will not take younger students. There are others who welcome beginners and are quite good in explaining the basics of vocal technique. These are questions you can ask when the first contact is made.

Compatibility is also important in your choice. Do you feel comfortable with the teacher, do you understand the vocabulary that is being used, does the teacher use different imagery to help you understand the concepts of singing?

From my own twenty years of experience as a voice teacher and vocal coach, every singer has their own way of responding to different instruction. As a teacher one has to find the best way of explaining technique to each individual singer. An intuitive teacher will get to know you and be patient until the key to your understanding is found.

There will be an introductory phase when you and the teacher are testing the waters with each other. If at any time you are instructed to do anything vocally which causes pain, tension or hoarseness, then this is not the correct teacher for you or anyone. Singing should feel like a natural process which should be your goal and that of the teacher as well.

Another consideration is deciding if you want a voice teacher or a vocal coach, the two are not the same. While a good voice teacher can help you with the technical aspects of singing, a vocal coach may not. A vocal coach may just help you with learning the notes, diction, style and interpretation. An excellent vocal coach though will know how the voice works and through musical coaching will lead you to the same result as a voice teacher: healthy, free singing.

You may have to try different teachers until you find one that clicks. You will know when this will happen because you will look forward to your lessons and make noticeable improvements no matter what you want to do with your voice, even if it is just to find yourself.

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