Evaluation of Private Voice Teachers
Finding a teacher
Many parents/students are not sure about what to look for in a private voice teacher. I have taken some time to compose a list of criteria you should use when “shopping” for a private instructor.
It has been my experience that it is very easy for someone to claim to be a voice-teacher. I have known of students who have studied voice with “teachers” who have had very minimal or even no training in vocal pedagogy at all.
It is necessary to realize that private instruction is not a miracle cure. The student must be willing and open to instruction, new techniques and diligent in preparing for lessons. Improvement will not come overnight, but will be gradual and within the limits of each student’s ability.
What to Look For
Listed below are some things that you, as parents, can look for and expect from a private voice teacher.
A.) The teacher should have a systematic approach to solving the student’s problems. Just as with school, there should be some sort of “curriculum”. This can become evident in the first few
lessons.
B.) The teacher should be able to identify the strengths & weaknesses of the student.
C.) A steady diet of musical theatre (Broadway) or “pop” tunes because “That’s what kids like” will do little to improve the student’s performance level.
D.) Also, trying to learn music that is far beyond the student’s level will lead to frustration and
careless performance.
E.) The teacher should be able to demonstrate a good singing technique.
F.) A well-rounded lesson should include work in the following areas:
1.) Warm-ups
2.) Vocal technique work -including breathing, placement of tone, breath support, etc.
3.) Literature or music that challenges the students in different ways. -fast, slow, long phrases, short phrases, foreign languages, etc.
4.) Music literacy – teaching how to read music.
G.) Know the difference between a “voice-teacher” and what I call a “song-teacher”. If the teacher is simply teaching songs with very little or no attention to vocal technique, they are not a voice teacher.
4.) Music literacy – teaching how to read music.
H.) Finally, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Simply going with the cheapest
teacher because they are the cheapest may not be the best approach. Don’t get me wrong,
there are some great teachers out there that are very affordable. Likewise, just because they are expensive doesn’t give them any more credibility.
Do What's Best for Your Singer
In the end, use this type of criteria to help in choosing a good voice teacher that will make the most of your child’s talents.
The following voice teachers all meet these requirements and would be excellent instructors!
Akron Music Institute
https://www.akronmusicinstitute.com/
- Desiree Hargrave
- Cody Burroughs
- Merissa Coleman
- Hannah Jencius
Paige Burris
PB&J Music
Email: PBandJMusicLLC@gmail.com
Phone: 330-322-4153
Julie Connair
Taylor Band & Orchestra
Email: julie@taylorband.com
Phone: 330-958-2908
West Side Vocal Academy
https://www.westsidevocalacademy.com
Email: westsidevocalacademy@gmail.com
- Susan Wallin
- Ron Hazelett