What to look for in vocal lessons?

[Phait]

Odd, if I do a title search in this forum for lessons, or coach - nothing comes up. There's gotta be somesuch threads.

 

Anyway, I'm heading to the music store tomorrow to inquire about their vocal teaching. Anything I should be mindful of, or ask?

[SevenString]

Good topic. Al Koehn, the moderator of this forum, is a professional voice teacher. You should probably ask him what he thinks, if he doesn't jump in this thread and answer himself.

[Phait]

Bump for Al

[Al Koehn]

OK, SevenString, Ya challenged me so here goes:

 

1. Take a session with a teacher (many offer free first sessions). During that session listen carefully and ask such questions as: "I love to sing punk (or metal or country, etc). What is your opinion about that?" If they even hint at wanting to change you from what you love to sing to what THEY feel you should be singing, DON'T GO BACK. It's your voice and you know what you want to sing. The job of a good voice teacher is to help you become better and better at what you already sing, not to change you.

 

2. A session with a teacher will also tell you their approach to teaching. If you don't respond well to a strict authoritative, demanding teacher, that isn't going to change, and you probably won't improve nearly as well as when you work with a teacher who puts you at ease, is knowledgeable and doesn't yell. On the other hand, if you've always responded well to strict discipline and heavy handed teachers you'll know if this is the right one for you. You must be able to trust and feel comfortable with the teacher. You're purchasing their services. Be very choosy. Just because many singers recommended this person doesn't necessarily mean they are right for you.

 

3. Ask around. Visit some clubs and when you hear a singer you like a lot ask them if they study and with whom. If they don't study, perhaps they are familiar with a teacher in the area who comes well recommended. Don't rely on credentials alone to influence your choice. Some of the worst teachers for pop and rock singers are professors at major universities. The same goes for the teacher who is known for working with all classical or opera singers. They may be great teachers, but they probably won't be great for you.

 

4. Be aware that you are doing this to challenge yourself and improve. The right teacher shouldn't be "milk toast." You'll know after that first session if that teacher is going to inspire you and challenge you to find your potential.

 

5. Ask questions. If you are female you need to know where they stand concerning the development of your chest voice. Too many teachers classify students as sopranos or altos, and teach them that the chest or head voice is bad for you. Pop music demands you be able to use all the parts of your voice.

 

What are their attitudes about connecting the chest and head (male falsetto) voices? Do they understand the value of the "mix" or middle voice.

 

Do they record the sessions so you have something to work with during the week?

 

Do they divide their lesson time between voice development (techniques and exercises) and singing and recording songs? You want a teacher that uses both.

Just singing songs every session may be fun but it won't help you improve your quality, range and breathing techniques.

 

Do some research before you meet them. Be ready with some questions. Whatever questions you may ask are good because you need to hear their responses.

 

6. Don't pick a teacher just because they charge less. You're better off taking 8 sessions with the right teacher who also charges $100. a session than you are wasting time on 50 sessions with a less qualified teacher. if your budget demands, take 4-8 sessions and drop out for a few weeks to regroup financially. Discuss this with the teacher. Consider this: the guitar or keyboard or drum player in a band is constantly investing in new and better equipment. Lessons are your investment in your equipment.

 

Al

[Phait]

Thanks Al!

[Gerry Guitar]

Good advice, Al!!