Choosing a Voice Teacher
By Stacey Lichter, N2Arts Correspondent
As a vocalist, there is no bigger decision than choosing a voice coach
 

o you have a good voice and you like to sing - are you ready for a singing teacher? Here is a FAQ for you to run through if you’re trying to decide on this very important aspect of theatrical training.

What age is appropriate to start taking voice lessons?

Thirteen or fourteen years old, for either girls or boys, is a good age to start.  The right teacher at this age could help you get the lead in your school play or help you with college auditions in a few years.  Many teachers have a minimum age they prefer their students to be. The reason for this is it is very easy to damage a child’s voice if they don’t understand how to properly reproduce good singing technique.  Singing requires brains, and the ability to concentrate and practice!

Why does my teacher need to have professional experience as a performer?

Are you planning to audition for shows?  Wouldn’t you rather study with a person who not only knows what it’s like to prepare for the audition, but also has a proven track record of successful auditions under her belt?  Rarely is it ever appropriate to ask to see a teacher’s resume, but you are fully within your rights as a prospective student to ask what performing experience a teacher has had.

What if my singing teacher’s techniques make my throat hurt?

Any singing teacher worth their salt should be very concerned if you mention a sore throat, especially if it stems from a technique they are asking you to try.  Singing correctly involves NO THROAT PAIN WHATSOEVER.  In fact, correct singing is done from the diaphragm and various abdominal muscles. If your throat hurts, either you’re doing something wrong, or the teacher is.  If they can’t fix it by showing you how to produce sound in a painless way - grab your checkbook and GET OUT.

I think I’m ready to be auditioning, but I just started with a new teacher and she wants me to wait a while before going out for any more shows.  Who’s right?

There could be a couple of reasons your teacher wants you to wait.  First, many teachers figure if you just started with them, you’re either taking singing lessons for the first time, or you decided to switch teachers for some reason or other.  If you are taking singing lessons for the first time, there’s a lot to learn about vocal technique before rushing out to the next audition - you must know that, because you signed up for singing lessons! Decide on the right teacher for yourself, and stick with that person for a while before auditioning - who knows, you may learn a thing or two.  If you’ re switching teachers, and just started with someone new, there must have been a reason for it: you weren’t getting cast, you didn’t feel yourself progressing as a vocalist, or you didn’t agree with the direction the teacher was going in.  Give the new teacher a chance - it’s possible you may have picked up some bad techniques and she wants to correct them.  That’s why you’re there, so let her help you, and don’t go auditioning if she says you’re not ready yet.  A word on chronic teacher switching: If you find yourself falling into this pattern, you’re not interested in singing lessons.  You’re more interested in people flattering you, and if they don’t, you become dissatisfied.  You don’t need a singing teacher, you need a loving family member who’s always going to think you’re fantastic no matter what comes out of your mouth.  Better set your sights low and watch out - you’re going to be bulldozed over by colleagues who are willing to accept criticism and will use it to become better singers than you are!

How do I know if my singing is progressing?

First of all, if you have a good rapport with your teacher (which you certainly should have) ask her how she thinks you’re doing.  Your teacher should be aware of your goals for singing.  Are you planning to audition as section leader for your church?  Do you want the lead in the school play?  Are you just singing for your own enjoyment, or to feel more confident in the school choir?  Once you’ve decided what you want from your singing lessons, let your teacher know.  That way, she doesn’t place expectations on you that weren’t part of your reason for taking singing lessons.  I have students who are auditioning for professional productions, and I have students who just want to enjoy singing as a hobby.  Either way, knowing their goals is important - I structure the lesson differently, and different repertoire is often involved.  If you’re just singing for a hobby, and taking lessons helps you enjoy the karaoke bar better because you feel more confident and are able to apply some basic techniques, then you’re progressing!  If you’ve been with the same teacher for a long time, and you’ re auditioning for everything under the sun trying to get roles and are not getting any parts, it may be time to re-evaluate.

How can I tell which studios are the best?

Sometimes the most well known studio (i.e. One with the most ads in Backstage West) may not have the best singing technique.  My rule of thumb is to ask the teacher flat out how many of her students are performing.  Sometimes you get this information from word of mouth.  I have been in several shows in which almost the entire cast studied with either one of two very well known teachers.  Another way is to ask someone whose voice you admire who her teacher is.  Generally, these students will be happy to refer you to their teacher’s studio.  Be wary of studios that make a lot of celebrity claims - the chances of that studio making you the next Big Star are a lot slimmer than you think.  Part of the ethics of singing teachers is that they are not to promise you work, or guarantee you parts in shows as a result of your having studied with them.  Such claims would not be accurate or ethical, since every person’s rate of improvement depends on so many factors, including raw talent, intelligence, discipline, and ability to grow from criticism.

There you have it, a rough guide to finding the right singing teacher.  Good luck, and may you find the perfect match!

Stacey Lichter is a professional opera singer and soprano. She resides in San Diego, California and teaches voice to children, teens, and adults. She can be reached by email at lichter@cox.net.