What to look for in a vocal coach

So, you want to improve your singing and need a coach?

Whether you’re a complete beginner or professional, choosing the right vocal coach makes a huge impact on your development as a vocalist. I’ve had different vocal coaches over the last 20 years, each with different results for both my technical ability and my mindset as a singer.

Things to think about when choosing a vocal coach:

Chemistry

Do you feel comfortable, at ease in the session? Are you able to be yourself?

Do you feel safe and settled? This is so important because our voice can do some great things when we feel good.

Keep in mind that for some, feeling comfortable being yourself can take a bit of time. So long as you feel like it’s an environment where that is possible!

Shared values

Do you know what your vocal coaches values are? Does it come through the way they talk and their approach to teaching?

Mine are Grace, Worth and Courage.

Grace is needed on this journey, you’re going to have to give a heap to yourself as you grow through both mistakes and wins. Knowing your worth- you have inherent value and something wonderful to bring to the world. And just a bit of courage gives you some momentum to move towards your goals.

Understanding of your goals

A good vocal coach will help you uncover your goals beyond ‘getting better at singing’. They will sit down with you and listen to the goals that are attached to purpose and how you want to feel when you’re singing. They will help you put a plan together to work towards that goal.

Some examples of goals:

• Sing in front of people for the first time

• Feel settled and at peace when singing

• Not let perfectionism sabotage performances

• Feel confident when performing

• Write your first song

• Mastering a vocal riff

• Create a 15 min set of songs for an open mic night

• Record your first single

• Put on a show at a music venue

Practicing what they teach 

Vocal coaches need to be able to do (or actively work on) the things they are teaching. This can be things such as technical based exercises like mixed voice or twang, or working on managing breath flow.

It can also relate to mindset- vocal coaches who are active performers are mostly likely working through perfectionism or other performance related issues. Watch how they journey through this, ask them about how they are working through it. You’ll get some valuable keys for your approach to your own performances!

Able to explain why behind what

Having an understanding of basic vocal anatomy is important because your body is your instrument. Knowing why you are doing particular exercises helps with overall understanding of how the voice works in relation to the whole body.

But…they are also able to admit when they don’t know!

Learning about how the voice works and how to coach singers is a lifelong pursuit. There is always something new to learn, new studies to glean from, new approaches. Occasionally your vocal coach might not know the answer to your question. They might not know how to tackle a particular issue you face, after trying a number of approaches.

A good vocal coach is happy to admit to this (we’re human!) and do some research, call on other vocal coaches to find out how to help you. I think this is mark of a great coach- one who models humility and embraces not knowing everything.

Challenge you with kindness 

We all need someone who can champion us to greater levels, and sometimes that means a little challenge here or there- that might be with your consistency in practice, the way you talk about yourself or your voice. Basically willing to give you a little nudge in the right direction, because they can see the potential in you!

I understand choosing a vocal coach can feel a bit daunting.

I offer all my new students to book in a one off, no obligation initial session to get a sense of how sessions will be. 

This way we get to know each other better and decide if this is the right fit for you moving forward in your singing journey. 

Initial sessions (in person or online) include a vocal evaluation and discussion around your goals as a singer so I can prepare a program just for you. From there, you can decide if you would like to continue and book in for your 10 week term. 

I’d love to support you in your singing and your journey as a whole person.
Elissa