[ Open All | Close All ]
1] What is the difference between a Voice Teacher and Vocal Coach?
The voice teacher (aka: singing teacher or vocal instructor) is the person who teaches you how to sing. A singing teacher will guide the voice through a series of vocal exercises and songs (repertoire) with the focus on vocal technique, rhythm, sight-singing, language, interpretation and expression. Most voice teachers have had training as a singer and/or taken vocal pedagogy courses.
The vocal coach (aka: voice coach, collaborative pianist or accompanist) is the person who is not only your accompanist, but also will help you with your diction, interpretation and performance preparation. The vocal coach will expect a singer to arrive with notes learned, language translated, and an idea about how the song should be presented. During your coaching, they will give suggestions on what they hear and help the singer put it all together. Most vocal coaches are accompanists who have training in diction and repertoire.
The vocal coach (aka: voice coach, collaborative pianist or accompanist) is the person who is not only your accompanist, but also will help you with your diction, interpretation and performance preparation. The vocal coach will expect a singer to arrive with notes learned, language translated, and an idea about how the song should be presented. During your coaching, they will give suggestions on what they hear and help the singer put it all together. Most vocal coaches are accompanists who have training in diction and repertoire.
2] How do I pick a good voice teacher?
Choosing the right singing teacher is crucial to your success as a singer. A good voice teacher should have the following qualities:
a) Teacher Credentials: A teacher should be either university trained or has taken extensive vocal pedagogy classes. A good place to find teacher is professional organizations like National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), The Royal Conservatory (RCM) or Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association (ARMTA)
b) Knows How to Teach: A teacher who is good at teaching will not only be knowledgeable about singing, but will also be able to give you clear constructive criticism, will challenge you and give you the tools to be able to correct yourself. Be aware when studying with teachers that teach many different instruments. Are they equally qualified and experienced at all those instruments? There is a big difference between a teacher that specializes in piano or guitar, but also happens to sing, versus a teacher that specializes in just voice. Just because a teacher has a music degree, does not necessarily mean they are qualified to teach every instrument.
c) Good Rapport: Your learning success will depend on the rapport between teacher and student.
d) Style: Most teachers teach classical technique, but some will specialize in applying that technique to music theatre, jazz and popular styles.
e) Performance experience: A teacher who has performed will have unique insight and guide you through your performances.
a) Teacher Credentials: A teacher should be either university trained or has taken extensive vocal pedagogy classes. A good place to find teacher is professional organizations like National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), The Royal Conservatory (RCM) or Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association (ARMTA)
b) Knows How to Teach: A teacher who is good at teaching will not only be knowledgeable about singing, but will also be able to give you clear constructive criticism, will challenge you and give you the tools to be able to correct yourself. Be aware when studying with teachers that teach many different instruments. Are they equally qualified and experienced at all those instruments? There is a big difference between a teacher that specializes in piano or guitar, but also happens to sing, versus a teacher that specializes in just voice. Just because a teacher has a music degree, does not necessarily mean they are qualified to teach every instrument.
c) Good Rapport: Your learning success will depend on the rapport between teacher and student.
d) Style: Most teachers teach classical technique, but some will specialize in applying that technique to music theatre, jazz and popular styles.
e) Performance experience: A teacher who has performed will have unique insight and guide you through your performances.
3] What styles or genres do you teach?:
I teach classical, music theatre, popular and jazz.
4] Do you take beginners?
Yes! I teach beginning to advanced singers!
5] Do you teach adults?
Yes! Ages 8 and up are welcome!
6] How often are voice lessons?
Most often, students take voice once a week. Some of my serious voice students are taking lessons twice a week.
7] Should I sign up for weekly 1/2 hour or 1 hour voice lessons?
I recommend ½ hour for beginning students and 1 hour for more advanced students.
8] How do group lessons work?
You can join an already existing group or form your own. It only takes two students to start a group!
9] Can my first lesson be a trial to see if I like it?
Yes! Just schedule a private ½ hour lesson with me.
10] What will my first voice lesson be like?
We'll do some vocal exercises so I can evaluate your vocal range and quality. I'll explain some technical concepts and ask you about if you have had any previous training and experience. We may go through a song you know, or I may suggest one for you to work on depending on your situation and your goals. I will go over my studio policies, calendar, materials and books you will need for voice lessons.
11] What will my other voice lessons be like?
We'll start every lesson with exercises to develop and strengthen your technique. Exercises will be tailored individually and will address the fundamentals of good singing: breath support and control, legato singing, pure vowels, vocal agility, and relaxation. Then, we will focus on repertoire, still employing the awareness of the technique and your expression.
12] How often should I practice voice?
Practice at home is essential; it reinforces and solidifies what is taught at each lesson. Practice time should consist of at least 15 minutes of warm-ups and the rest can be used to practice songs. Students are expected to practice at least 3 days a week, not including the lesson day. Minimum daily practice time should equate to 1/2 the time spent in lessons. Remember: sometimes students will enjoy practicing and other times it will be a chore. Consistency is the key to progress. As Robert Cutietta said, "Musical children are not born, they are raised."
13] How quickly will I progress?
I find that some students are gifted with a well-placed natural voice, while others will have many problems. As a result, some students will progress quickly, while others will take many months of careful study before much progress is evident.
14] Can I watch my child's voice lesson?
Parents are always welcome to observe a lesson anytime they wish with the student's permission. However, you must understand that with some students, this will be an unnatural situation and they will not be as relaxed and responsive as they usually are.
15] I home school and I would like to study with you.
Music lessons are worth credits and quite often the funding is provided by the province for music lessons.
16] What if I don't live near the Songbird Vocal Academy and I want to take lessons from you?
I am offering voice lessons online through Skype!