The Success of singing part one: Finding an instructor

The most common question I hear from aspiring singers is:  “What can I do to become a better singer?”  You would think the answer is simple, right?  Just take a few voice lessons.  It’s just singing, isn’t it?  Well…  the answer actually isn’t as simple as taking a handful of voice lessons.  You need to be a well-rounded musician too!

THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT OF THIS BLOG
If you only read one thing today, read this:
Find the voice teacher that you are comfortable with and who supports you.

Every voice is built differently, and that means everyone’s understanding of vocal technique(s) is as unique as the singers themselves.  Take a moment and read those two sentences again.  (Find the voice teacher that you are comfortable with and who supports you.  Every voice is built differently, and that means everyone’s understanding of vocal technique(s) is as unique as the singers themselves.)  Some teachers approach technique from a scientific perspective, others through imagery, and some have a great ear and know great singing!  No matter the teacher you choose, you need to find the one who helps you understand technique and elicits progress in your voice. 

Your voice teacher needs to: 

1. be interested in teaching you,
2. possess a degree in singing (either vocal performance, music education with a vocal emphasis, or vocal pedagogy),
3. and have experience singing professionally. 

Think of it this way, would you go to a doctor that doesn’t express interest in your health, didn’t go to med school, and recently switched careers from a local coffee company?  No.  No, you wouldn’t go to that doctor.  Why should your voice be any different?  Yes, there are a lot of good, even great, natural singers out there who have never had a lesson in their life.  Sometimes they might know how to help you, however there is an equal amount of natural singers out there who do not know how to communicate the technique of singing.  Think about the preceding points when choosing your teacher so you can find the best fit for you.

Stay tuned for The Sucess of Singing Part Two: So Now You've Found a Teacher: You Should...

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