How to Find a Good Voice Teacher

There are many vocal coaches, singing teachers and music educators out there teaching people to sing. And in my view a lot of what they are teaching is uninformed and superficial, even with all the fancy degrees they've compiled. Sometimes what they teach is destructive. As a professional jazz singer with a classical background, I'm horrified at what I've come across that passes for "teaching." I've outlined a few basics to help you start your search. Remember that the kind of singing you want to do is not the issue. The fundamentals of technically good singing are constant, whether you're going to sing musical theater, jazz, opera or country. As with finding a teacher for any endeavor, your instincts will take you a long way.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Recommendations from others: the place to start.
• Thick skin. You're going to hear a lot of opinions. Be ready to sift.

How to Find a Good Voice Teacher

1. Be clear about what you're asking for. It's important to distinguish between a voice teacher and a vocal coach. Basically a voice teacher teaches you the technical skills that you need to sing with quality, no matter what kind of singing you do. A good voice teacher understands that human beings should be able to make sounds as easily as babies do. By contrast, a vocal coach helps you find and learn material and helps you prepare for auditions and performances. He should not be giving you advice about how to sing. If there's an issue, he should send you back to your primary voice teacher. Some people claim to do both of these things well, but frankly, I think it's rare.

2. Finding a good voice teacher is a process. Be patient. Do you have friends who sing? Ask who they study with. Is there a singer you admire? Contact her and ask her if she would mind telling who she studies with. Another method is to go out and hear people sing. Do you like the way their voices sound? Do they project easily without strain? Are they singing in tune? Contact local colleges and music conservatories. Tell them specifics about what you're trying to accomplish. They should have a list of potential teachers.

3. Once you have found a potential teacher, watch out for a few things, primarily narcissism. Is the teacher respectful? Does she communicate succinctly and with care? If she subjects you to mean criticism (as opposed to targeting and addressing an issue), head for the door. There's no reason for it. A quality teacher will never put you down, insult you, or go on about her accomplishments. You are not her audience. You are paying money for a service, and you want the best instruction your money can buy. A good singing teacher will support in your effort to learn to sing well.

Tips & Warnings

• A singing teacher focuses primarily on technical issues.
• Never tolerate meanness.
• Don't buy into any kind of "guru" behavior.
• Follow your instincts when working with someone on such an intimate level. If you feel icky about something that's going on, get out.