Trying to choose a voice teacher can be daunting, especially since there are so many options out there! With technological developments, we can take voice lessons online from anyone anywhere. This expands our options. How do we pick a voice teacher, given all of these options that we have? Here are a few things to consider while making your selection:
What is their education/experience?
How long have they been teaching? Do they have a degree in vocal performance? Do they have knowledge of vocal pedagogy? These questions are helpful to know if this voice teacher could be compatible to meeting your needs as a student. If you can talk to current or past students from this teacher to see what their experiences have been like, that could give you some valuable information as well.
What do they specialize in teaching?
What are your goals? What kind of singer do you want to be five years from now? What kind of songs and styles do you want to be performing comfortably? If you want to get better at musical theatre styles of the voice, it might be helpful to find a teacher who is experienced in performing and teaching in musical theatre. The same goes for classical and more contemporary styles of singing.
Many teachers nowadays specialize in teaching in multiple vocal styles, so it is a good idea to ask them what they feel comfortable and confident in teaching.
What do they charge?
This topic can be a little uncomfortable to discuss. However, it’s important. Voice teachers charge a wide variety of prices, depending on experience and where they are located. If you are worried about being able to afford voice lessons, but are set on a certain voice teacher, consider asking them if you can have voice lessons biweekly or on an as-needed basis.
If you are a beginner voice student and just starting to take voice lessons, it’s important to take voice lessons regularly. That is how you will improve the fastest! Keep this in mind as you are looking at different voice teachers and their prices.
Are you compatible with this voice teacher?
Singing is a vulnerable thing. You will want to make sure that you can be in a situation where you feel safe to express yourself and make mistakes. Some teachers’ methods of instruction work for some, but not others. This is not a bad thing! We all are different, and we all learn differently. This is why finding a voice teacher who is compatible with you in personality and in teaching methods is important.
Finding a voice teacher who meets your needs is a tedious process, but it is well worth the effort.
