In pursuing the art of vocal performance, finding a skilled and reliable voice teacher is essential. A good teacher not only helps you master techniques correctly but also ignites your passion for music and aids in your continual improvement in the vocal field. However, in the vast world of music, how do you identify and choose the right voice teacher for yourself?
I recently realized in conversations with my students that, throughout my 10+ years of studying voice—from undergraduate to doctoral levels—I've been fortunate to have only earnest and responsible teachers, never encountering a mismatch. I'd like to share some of my strategies for selecting a voice teacher.
Initial Impressions & Aura
Believe it or not, I start by searching online for photos of potential teachers to see if their facial expressions and aura feel right to me. Sometimes, you can sense whether someone's energy matches yours just from a photo. If there are videos of them teaching masterclasses online, I watch those to understand their teaching philosophy and methods.
If someone doesn't visually appeal to you or if your interactions feel off in any way, it's likely you won't mesh well—a case of "not being on the same path". Similarly, if you feel uncomfortable after the first lesson, don't hesitate to look for another teacher. Trusting your gut reaction can be the simplest solution.
Communication & How Serious Is Your Teacher Taking You?
In the initial lessons, a teacher is also getting to know you and your voice, which means it might take some time to adjust to each other. When I teach, I start by asking students about their preferred learning styles—be it auditory, visual, logical, or textual—and tailor my approach accordingly. I also inquire about their current challenges and learning objectives instead of applying a one-size-fits-all method.
It's crucial to feel that your teacher is responsible and genuinely cares about their students. Are they just going through the motions after class, or do they show real concern for your growth and feelings? Some teachers might be well-known, but if they don’t genuinely care about your progress, learning can become frustrating. For example, a teacher who isn’t fully engaged might make you feel like just another item on a production line, merely repeating exercises without real improvement.
Student Feedback
If possible, talk to former students or find online teaching videos of the teacher to get a feel for their style and effectiveness. Ask specific questions about how they teach techniques such as breath control, high notes, and embellishments. Then listen to recordings of the teacher to see if their performance aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Remember, a good performer doesn't necessarily make a good teacher. Consider whether the teacher's success is due to natural talent or skillful technique. Many naturally talented singers might not have encountered the same challenges as you and might not teach effectively if their method isn’t scientifically sound.
Trust & Networking
Once you've made a choice, it's important to fully trust your teacher. If you continually doubt their instructions, it makes teaching difficult. If after a significant period—say, six months—or after four to six lessons, you see no improvement or even regression, then it might be time to consider a change.
If networking is important to you, consider teachers who are still actively performing on stage, typically aged between 40 and 55. They might be busy, but they have the connections that can benefit you if networking is a priority.
In summary, it's advisable to try out several options before settling on a teacher. Once you've made your decision, trust them fully to guide your vocal training. If problems persist, then it may be necessary to reassess and potentially look for another teacher.
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