Post by Karen on Sept 24, 2006 21:54:33 GMT 10
The following is a guideline that may help you define those qualities and competencies you would look for in a voice teacher. Congratulations on your decision to study voice. I wish you much success!
These are not hard and fast rules, of course. Depending on what your individual needs are you may find many of these suggestions helpful.
*The teacher has an excellent ear, and carefully listens to, and gives you feedback about your voice.
*Has an understanding of vocal anatomy, including the respiratory muscles, the larynx and throat structures, and how they affect singing.
*Allows you to tape record lessons or exercises in the lesson for take-home practice. Provides you with written exercises when needed.
* Is professional in conduct yet personable. You should feel comfortable with this person. You should feel free to ask questions.
*While being emotionally supportive, he or she should be able to challenge you to grow as a singer at the same time.
*The teacher should be able to explain to you in depth why you are doing each exercise that he or she gives you.
*If available go to a recital where this teacher's students are performing. If they mostly sound great then this is probably a very good indication of a competent voice teacher.
*Avoid teachers who only take on students who are already professional vocalists. A good teacher can train any voice and would enjoy the challenge of doing so.
*The teacher shows genuine interest in you as a singer and does not spend much time talking about him or herself.
*The teacher either can accompany you on the piano/keyboard or has an accompanist or Karaoke set-up.
*The teacher understands vocal health issues including the need to drink
water and monitor the speaking voice
*Addresses the need to relax those tensions/muscles that can block good
vocal production and vocal freedom.
*Is emotionally stable and does not overstep personal boundaries with you, and/or does not intimidate or talk down to you.
These are not hard and fast rules, of course. Depending on what your individual needs are you may find many of these suggestions helpful.
*The teacher has an excellent ear, and carefully listens to, and gives you feedback about your voice.
*Has an understanding of vocal anatomy, including the respiratory muscles, the larynx and throat structures, and how they affect singing.
*Allows you to tape record lessons or exercises in the lesson for take-home practice. Provides you with written exercises when needed.
* Is professional in conduct yet personable. You should feel comfortable with this person. You should feel free to ask questions.
*While being emotionally supportive, he or she should be able to challenge you to grow as a singer at the same time.
*The teacher should be able to explain to you in depth why you are doing each exercise that he or she gives you.
*If available go to a recital where this teacher's students are performing. If they mostly sound great then this is probably a very good indication of a competent voice teacher.
*Avoid teachers who only take on students who are already professional vocalists. A good teacher can train any voice and would enjoy the challenge of doing so.
*The teacher shows genuine interest in you as a singer and does not spend much time talking about him or herself.
*The teacher either can accompany you on the piano/keyboard or has an accompanist or Karaoke set-up.
*The teacher understands vocal health issues including the need to drink
water and monitor the speaking voice
*Addresses the need to relax those tensions/muscles that can block good
vocal production and vocal freedom.
*Is emotionally stable and does not overstep personal boundaries with you, and/or does not intimidate or talk down to you.
