Anyone Can Sing | Take A Minute To Sing Episode 19: Working With A Teacher

Take a Minute to Sing Episode 19: Working With A Teacher

Why take singing lessons? How do you find the right voice teacher? What questions do you ask when interviewing a voice teacher? These are all important things to consider if you decide you want to take singing lessons.

So why take voice lessons? Even if you are a great natural singer, there is still plenty to learn from a good singing teacher. An experienced voice teacher will help you learn how to:
• Use your voice as an instrument
• Shape the mouth to get the maximum resonance for each vowel sound
• Use your diaphragm for best breath support
• Produce a beautiful sound
• Find your vocal range
• Adjust voice registers to increase your range
• Use dynamics
• Interpret lyrics more effectively
• Find the right songs for an audition
• Choose the best keys for your voice range
• Call attention to little habits which can keep you from being your best

Where do you find a great voice teacher?

The web has some good places to start, but make sure you do your homework before trusting your voice to just anyone. Skype voice lessons may work for some, if you live in a remote area, but live sessions in person with a voice teacher is best. I have been a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing for a number of years. This, in my opinion, is the best source to find professional voice teachers who can give you the best grounding as a singer. Go to www.nats.org to start.

You can also check out local colleges or high school drama or choral teachers for advice. Try asking guitar and piano teachers for leads, or go hear local performers and ask them who they take from.

Once you get some leads, ask some questions such as:
• What is your training?
• What styles do you specialize in?
• Do you perform?
• What styles do you sing?
• What technology do you use?
• Do you use recording for feedback?
• Do you accompany students on guitar or piano?
• Do you have a policy sheet?
• Do you have a large library of music?
• Do you do recitals?
• Do you go hear your students perform?
• Have any of your students gone on to become professionals?

Finding a great voice teacher will take some work, but, like anything else, it is worth the effort.
And remember: always take a minute to sing EVERY DAY!