CHOOSING THE RIGHT VOCAL TEACHER
Choosing the right singing teacher can be a veritable minefield! Due to the fact that it’s largely an unregulated profession, it is an unfortunate state of affairs that anyone can set up as a vocal coach, whether they have the skills and experience or not. As the paying client, this means that you’ve got a lot to check out before you hand your one and only voice over to just anybody. You need to know that your hard-earned money is being put to good use and that your voice is in the right hands.
Below I’ve outlined a checklist of 12 key areas for you to discuss with a prospective teacher in order to better inform your choice:
- Musical Training: Ask whether they have any recognised music qualification(s), e.g. PhD, Masters Degree, Bachelor Degree, Diploma etc. The higher the qualification the better. Ask to see the certificates themselves if you need reassurance. They should have no qualms doing this for you.
- Vocal Training: Ask about the extent of their own vocal training history. Which type(s) of singing did they train in? Make sure this matches your own style. Do they have any qualification(s) covering this area? Which particular methodologies are they trained in or at least familiar with?
- Performing Experience: Ask about the extent of their own performing background and experience. Does it match what you want to get into or are already into? Was it only in the past or are they are a performer now? Do you like their voice and will they be a good vocal role model for you?
- Teacher Training: Ask whether they have any recognised teacher training qualification(s). This will help ensure that they know about how to structure and pace a lesson, how to put together an overall plan of vocal development, how to cater for different learning styles, how to communicate effectively etc
- Ongoing Training: Ask whether they are committed to ongoing training and lifelong learning? Do they regularly attend reputable master classes, workshops, vocal conferences etc? Do they stay abreast of the latest findings in vocal research and the implications for singers and singing teachers?
- Teaching Experience: Ask about the extent of their teaching experience. How long have they taught privately? Have they taught at any reputable institutions? If yes, in what capacity? Have they led any vocal master classes or workshops? Have they done any media work (e.g. TV, radio, press etc)?
- Associations & Memberships: Ask about whether they belong to any recognised vocal associations and memberships (e.g. ‘Association of Teachers of Singing’ - AOTOS, ‘British Voice Association’ - the BVA etc.). These are excellent resources for professional contact, professional development and healthy peer/colleague discussion.
- Location: This is a crucial area to consider because generally if you have to travel too far, even with the best of intentions, it can become unsustainable in the longer term.
- Facilities: Ask what teaching facilities they have, e.g. is the room a suitable size? Does it have the requisite equipment, e.g. a keyboard, CD player, video or audio recording of the lessons etc? Is it noisy? Is it well ventilated, clean? etc.
- Rates: This should be a true reflection of the market rate (taking into consideration of all of the above) but sometimes isn’t. Too cheap and you’ll generally be getting what you pay for. Conversely, beware of people requiring too many lessons paid in advance and charging excessive fees. Expensive isn’t always a guarantee of quality or value for money.
- Reputation: This is an indication of a teacher's quality. Ask people you trust for teachers they would recommend to you.
- Results: This area is the bottom line. You should see improvement straight away and if you don't, then question staying on with that person - they may not be right for you.
Be wise :-)
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