Your Guide In Selecting A Voice Lessons Teacher

The human singing voice is considered as a unique musical instrument. It is very fragile. When damaged, it is hardly repairable. You cannot just walk-in to a store and buy a new ‘voice’. It is irreplaceable. In the capable hands of a good voice lessons teacher, your voice could be honed to reach its full potential. At the same, time a teacher could teach you how to give your voice the TLC (tender-loving-care) it deserves.

Your voice is a very delicate instrument. Thus, it should be entrusted under the care of a capable, experienced, and knowledgeable teacher. Here are some important considerations you should make in picking the ideal voice instructor.

 

  1. Formal Training and Education: A voice instructor is deemed more eligible if he / she has undergone academic training. A teacher’s voice quality and performing experiences are important. However, this is not an assurance that he/she make an effective teacher.   Music schools not only provide vocal training techniques. More often, music degree programs integrate the following:

    a. Teaching program: Schools include teaching programs to prepare them for a voice teaching career. The instructor should know how to handle the different learning abilities and paces of their students.

    b. Knowledge
    :   They learn about intellectual and physiological information about the voice.
    i. They are educated on the ‘science’ behind the voice — its breathing and sound production mechanisms.
    ii. The instructor should be able to understand and explain the rationale behind certain vocal exercise and techniques.
    iii. A voice trainer should be able to impart health and wellness tips and issues that could affect vocal performance like hydration, humidity, diet, attitude, etc.

 

  1. Capability:   It is imperative for a teacher to gain the trust and respect of students in teaching voice lessons. Singapore teachers are expected to ‘practice what you preach’ or ‘walk the talk’, so to speak. A voice teacher would not be effective if he merely gives theoretical instructions to the student. More often, students learn best through imitation. The instructor should be able to clearly demonstrate what needs to be achieved and apply the necessary techniques on how it achieve it.

 

  1. Know Basic Piano Skills: A teacher who can play basic piano is a must during vocal warm-ups and vocalization exercises. Knowledge in music theory could also help the student execute pieces from a music sheet.

 

  1. Discipline and Motivation: A teacher should be firm and assertive. He should not tolerate disinterest and a lackadaisical attitude. A teacher should be able to enforce discipline on the student. In the same manner, a teacher should be kind, understanding, and patient. He must inspire and encourage students to overcome challenges.

 

There is no guarantee that a voice lessons teacher who meets all of the above requirements during your interview is your perfect match. As the lesson progresses, you should monitor your progress. Evaluate your skills and your feelings as well. If you are not satisfied and objectively see that you are not improving, it would be best to find another teacher. However, do not quit too soon. Give yourself some time to ‘break-in; and in no time, you’ll experience a breakthrough.