How to Choose the Right Vocal Coach

Whether you are planning to become a professional singer, better singing actor or you are a parent who has a child that loves to sing, a vocal coach is essential for vocal improvement. However, finding the right coach may take some time.

Think of it as shopping in a store. You always make sure you are getting the best quality for your money. If you don't want to waste money, make sure you shop around. Don't grab the first item you see on the shelf and throw it in the cart. Read the ingredients, check the specs, and see if there's a sample that you can try before buying it.

Check the ingredients. See what current and former students have to say about the vocal coach. Here are some questions to ask. Make sure you get more than just one referral.

Ingredients:

What kind of education or training do they have?

What kind of singing experience do they have?

Are they a good educator?

How long have they been teaching?

What style do they teach?

Find out where and what they have studied. Who was their vocal coach? Can they sing? What type of performances have they done? Anyone can have a degree in music, music education or other related fields. That doesn't necessarily mean that they are a good singer or good educator. See if they've recorded anything that you can listen to. Make sure that what they are teaching fits the style that you want to pursue.

Specs:

How long are the lessons?

How much are they charging?

What are they teaching in that time frame?

Do they only teach vocal warm ups or scales?

Do they teach choreography and stage presence also?

Do the schedule performances or recitals for their students?

Average lessons are 30 minutes to 1 hour one day per week. Price ranges are from $15-40 per half hour. Don't be fooled into thinking that the higher end is the more experienced. You'd be amazed at how many coaches are over priced and inexperienced. Find out what you will learn in each class. Some coaches will only teach you scales and breathing exercises. It's best to have a teacher that also helps you incorporate their techniques into a song that you want to sing. Stage presence and choreography instruction is a plus & will help you evolve into the full packaged performer. It's nice to be able to sing and stand still, but if you want to be a true entertainer, you're going to need to relate to the audience with more than just your voice. See if they provide any opportunities for their students to perform.

Samples:

Can you observe one of their lessons?

Are any of their students performing anywhere?

Do they have any recitals or performances scheduled?

Ask the coach if it would be okay to observe one of their lessons. This way you can see how and what they teach, as well as what type of singer they are. Do they sing parts of the scales or songs to give an example of how it should sound? Do their theories make sense? Do you see any improvement in their students during the lesson? Ask how long that student has been with the coach. If you can watch a performance of their student(s), you will be able to observe their vocals as well as stage presence and choreography.

Before making a choice and opening your wallet, take all of the above into consideration. Choosing the right vocal coach, could mean a great gain of knowledge and experience and boost for your career or pursuits. The wrong vocal coach could mean loss of finances, potentially ruining your voice and or your confidence. For parents, you are making the choice for your children. As in any other choices you make for them, choose wisely. For all who are searching for a good vocal coach, remember that the more you research, the greater your reward will be. Good luck in your search!