How to Choose Your Voice Teacher
I will be the first to tell you that not every voice teacher is right for every student. There are many factors you should consider before committing to a voice instructor. The consequences of choosing a teacher who is not a good fit for you range from losing your hard-earned money and not learning anything useful, to creating bad vocal habits that set you back and even injury. Some things to evaluate when searching for a voice teacher are as follows…
What style of music are you hoping to learn? I, myself, specialize in musical theater with a background in classical and choral music, so if you’re looking to learn correct technique for death metal/”screamo” music, I am not your best bet. If you are looking for an opera instructor, check their website to see if they have or do work in professional opera companies, what their degree is in, etc. The same goes for any style you are looking for.
Where are their current/former students working or going to school? If they are good at their job, a voice teacher should have students doing what you are hoping to do. If you want to major in musical theater or perform in musical theater, check to see if they are promoting their students’ performances on social media, email them to ask where their students have been admitted for college or further training, etc.
If they are active professional performers, go see them live. The best way to tell if a voice teacher could potentially be a good fit for you is if they have a good voice themselves. Keep in mind, a good singer does not a good teacher make. However, if you hear a voice teacher singer and are less than impressed, the probably won’t be able to make you the singer you want to be.
What are their credentials? Do they have a degree in vocal performance? Musical theater? Opera? Do they have a degree at all? Have they worked with leaders in the industry? Who were their voice teachers? Etc. Do some research. Most of this info should be easy to find on their website or social media accounts - if you can’t find it, that’s probably not a good sign.
Do you get along with them? The best way to find this out is by taking a lesson. Many voice teachers will offer a free mini-lesson or consultation and you should absolutely take them up on this. If they don’t offer a free trial of some sort, try taking on of their shorter lesson times and see if you jive with their teaching style. Like I said, I will be the first to admit that I am not right for everyone. I do my best to make others feel welcome and excited to learn, but I am a talker. I explain everything we do and why. I am peppy and outgoing and sometimes people don’t think that is the best fit for them - I get it!
Voice lessons should be a fun, educational, rewarding experience. Try using this checklist next time you are in search of one and hopefully, you should be able to find the teacher who will help you become the singer you have always wanted to be. Tell me, how did you find your teachers? Let me know in the comments!