By Carol Kirkpatrick, author of ARIA READY, The Business of Singing
This topic is of paramount importance as you go forward with your goals and aspirations of having a singing career. A great voice teacher, in addition to being able to teach vocal technique, should be trustworthy, responsible, knowledgeable, imaginative, inspirational and a great communicator. And I cannot stress this point enough: acquiring and maintaining a solid vocal technique is arguably the single most important element necessary in establishing any kind of successful singing career be it in opera, musical theater, concert or recital. Raw talent is not enough to sustain the vocal demands of a professional career. And it is so important that you find a teacher who is interested in discovering, perpetuating, and allowing you to embrace your own individual and unique sound. Performing is after all, becoming the story teller extraordinaire. Getting too attached to any teacher or coach can jeopardize your well being and career. When it comes time for you to move on, don’t allow your emotional attachment to your teacher keep you from growing and moving on to the next step of where you need to go.
There is no right or wrong to the process of finding the teacher for you. Your search is to find a teacher with whom you have great rapport, absolute trust, someone who has the ability to communicate effectively what is needed to help you accomplish the necessary technical work and with whom you are able to notice tangible results vocally. If you are hoarse, have excessive phlegm, or your throat hurts following a lesson, beware! This can be a warning sign that you are either not properly understanding what is being taught, or that what is being taught is harmful to your vocal cords and throat. Singing is a natural, organic process. So if this happens consistently, look for a new teacher.
It’s important to trust your own instincts as you go through this process. Don’t just expect that the teacher you are assigned or the teacher who is the most famous is going to work for you. You are paying them. It’s your time, energy and money we are talking about. Know what results you want in the end. This is a great time to start thinking about making this about business; it’s not personal or emotional, it’s your current job. This process will be one of the biggest investments you will make. Now you know what I think, so now I want to know what you think. Let me hear from you. Ciao until next time.
Email Carol at Carol@ariaready.net.
Since retiring from the stage, Carol Kirkpatrick continues to be in demand as a voice teacher, clinician, and adjudicator of competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Combining her knowledge of performance, business, and interpersonal skills, she has written the second edition of her highly regarded book, Aria Ready: The Business of Singing, a step-by-step career guide for singers and teachers of singing. Aria Ready has been used by universities, music conservatories and summer and apprentice programs throughout the world as a curriculum for teaching Ms. Kirkpatrick’s process of career development, making her “the” expert in this area. She lives in Denver, Colorado.
