Anyone Can Sing | What to look for in a voice teacher

“I’m looking for a voice teacher. What should I look for and what questions should I ask?”

There are a number of factors to consider when searching for the right voice teacher. Before you make the first call, you need to be clear about your vocal and musical goals. Do you need to work on basics, such as vibrato, tone production, or breath support? (If you are not sure, the answer is yes. Occasionally, a new student will tell me they’ve been singing for years, so they don’t need to work on basics, but I firmly believe that most vocal problems are rooted in a lack of understanding of the fundamentals.) Do you want help with interpretation, phrasing, dynamics, and style? Are you looking for a coach to help you improve your stage performance? Do you want a teacher to push you and lead you through extensive vocal workouts? Do you want a teacher who is versed in a variety of musical styles? Do you want private lessons, or will a voice class work for you? What is your budget? Are you aware of vocal problems, such as nodules, that would require help from a laryngologist, or vocal therapist?

The following is a list of questions you might ask a prospective voice teacher:

Can you describe your basic approach to singing?
Do you believe anyone can learn to sing?
What styles of music do you work with?
Are you an accompanist?
What are your studio policies?
How long are your lessons?
What is your fee per lesson?
Describe your most successful students.
What is your vocal training?
What is your performing experience?
How long have you been teaching?
Do you have training and experience in vocal therapy?

There are a number of other things to look for in your initial conversation. The most important is communication. Is it easy to talk to this person? This is crucial, because teaching singing demands good communication. A good voice teacher has to use imagery to activate muscles most people can’t see, and are not used to controlling. Even if you feel comfortable with them, do you get the sense they know what they are talking about? Are they willing to spend time on the phone with you?

If they meet most of the above conditions, I would set up an initial lesson, but I would not commit to more lessons, until you have had the initial session. Along with being able to communicate with them, you need to trust they know what they are talking about.

A few years ago, InterNos, a publication issued by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, director William Vessels mentions Steven Covey’s book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as being a great handbook for voice teachers. I couldn’t agree more.