FINDING A VOCAL COACH
Provided by http://Vocal-Coaches.com

Finding a good vocal coach is not always an easy task, and because of the personal nature of singing, you want to make sure that you and your coach are a good match. If you are not comfortable with the person, with the location, with the studio environment, you will not be making the progress you could be making. Here are some tips to help you find the coach for you:

-----Know what you want.

Be sure you know what you want to accomplish vocally when you begin looking for your vocal coach and don't be afraid to interview them. Be sure to engage in discussions regarding:

The mechanics of the voice.

Musical styles and performance (including stage presence and microphone techniques, if applicable).

Music theory, Ear Training and Sight-Singing

If you want to be the best singer you can be, these three aspects of vocal training need to be included. Your singing teacher should have an organized lesson plan or coaching program that is utilized. Singing your chosen song material over and over again does not constitute a voice lesson and will most likely not result in the development you desire. The vocal coach always singing with you or over you does not constitute a voice lesson either.

Your voice coach should recommend or require vocal coaching products or materials for you to use between your lessons in order to guide your vocal development. Not having these tools will slow down your development, so be sure to ask about it. Your teacher will not have enough time to tell you everything and part of taking responsibility for your own voice is studying basic facts on your own. Be sure to do your own "homework" if you want rapid progress!

You can find a variety of products on the internet. The ones we have tried and recommend are now found at http://Singercity.com.

We even recommend you get started with one of these programs before visiting a vocal coach as they contain additional information on what a voice coach should be providing you.

-----Know where to look.

Educational institutions and trade associations are usually the best place to look for qualified instruction on any subject. Look to your local university or college or nationally to NATS, National Association of Teachers of Singing. The internet also provides many possibilities for finding local teachers and even the option of learning to sing online.

Speaking of the internet, lately we've witnessed an alarming number sites being launched by people claiming to be qualified to teach others to sing. Some of these individuals even go as far as bashing qualified vocal coaches that have dedicated their life to music education, stating anyone properly trained to teach music will lead you astray. Some have blatantly copied lessons and material from these same qualified teachers they are bashing. If these outspoken individuals provided original good instruction it would be one thing, but sadly some of the samples are disturbingly poor.

Think about it this way, we all have been going to the doctor all of our lives and learning a lot about how our bodies work along the way -- that doesn't mean we are qualified to give medical advice or medical training to others. So be sure to look at the qualifications of your vocal teacher closely. Just because someone has attended a lot of voice lessons, doesn't mean they know enough to train you. AND...just because someone sings well themselves does not mean they have any clue on how to teach you to do the same. Students beware.

------Know who to ask.

Don't be afraid to approach other singers to find out where they are training. Learn early to network with those in your field, don't get caught in the competition trap.

Visit the Vocal Coaches Directory now.

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