You are a vocalist… you have established that beyond any doubt. You may be a shower singer, professional singer or even a closet singer. How and when are you supposed to find a voice coach to aid you nurturing your singing talent? Many vocal coaches are today easily available but with varying expertise, methods and experience. Finding a good voice coach is very important. Here are two basic reasons for it. One, you will be doing yourself a great favor by improving your singing voice. Two, you will also have learnt not just to sing but also entertain. Before even deciding to find yourself a voice coach, ask yourself this-do you really need a coach in the first place?
Technique and Methods
One of the crucial things you must know is your potential coach’s methods and techniques used in training. You have all the reasons to ask him/her these questions; how long he has been training, what achievements he has met in his career, his/her style of coaching and even practical examples of his/her students that have excelled under his umbrella. If you find a coach who in his words “disses” all other coaches citing their styles then it’s time to run and never look back. Good coaches know there are several techniques and not all are meant for any particular individual.
Music Style
There are some voice coaches out there who stick to just one style of music. Also, you may want to find out whether or not he/she is a pop music voice coach, operatic-music voice coach and so on. If you are doing commercial styles then you will most probably not learn from just a classical voice coach. Though basic vocal methods applied in the creation of vocal instruments are almost similar, the placement bit is way different. That is the reason why you have heard some opera singers sounding pop. A good voice coach is the key to success in your future career. A good coach will have to understand your style.
Professional Experience
Also, make sure you get your teacher’s resume. This will help you know if you are dealing with a novice or seasoned voice coach. Both of them are good, what you need to decide is your approach your music. Both can’t be ignored. The novice coach may be bringing new and great techniques that he/she could have learned t from personal experience.
Artist Development Experience/Knowledge
In case you are planning to excel in your music career then from the resume, check if the coach has studied artistic development/This includes stage presence, times stage gestures, entertainment skills, voice stylization for a crowd, voice branding and the art of speaking on stage.
Interest Helping You
In case you are looking for a voice coach who doesn’t ask your goals and intended accomplishments, then it would be proper to rethink if this is really the partner you need to help grow and nurture your career. It is important to have a voice coach who knows what your goals are works to help you achieve them.
