Choosing the right vocal coach can make or break your progress as a singer. Whether you’re just starting or striving for professional success, finding a coach who truly understands your needs is essential. But with so many options out there, how do you separate the good from the not-so-great? Here’s what to look for—and what to avoid—when choosing a vocal coach.
You Get What You Pay For
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, like a local voice school or music lessons studio. However, these places often hire coaches who are paid minimum wage and lack in-depth training in industry-standard vocal techniques.
Many of these instructors teach basic scales and karaoke-style lessons but lack the expertise to guide singers through vocal challenges or prepare them for auditions and performances. While you don’t need to break the bank, investing in a qualified coach who understands professional techniques is worth it.
Avoid the “Karaoke Coach” Trap
Some vocal coaches focus on singing along to karaoke tracks during lessons, often with the words displayed on a screen like you’re at a karaoke night. While this might be fun once or twice, it won’t help you grow as a singer. Reading lyrics from a screen keeps you from fully connecting with the song and can stunt your development.
A great vocal coach will:
Encourage you to memorize lyrics as soon as possible, so you can focus on the emotional delivery of the song.
Help you sing with instrumental tracks in keys tailored to your voice, rather than using pre-set karaoke tracks that may not suit your range.
Teach you to transition smoothly between registers (chest, mix, and head voice) without strain, using targeted exercises instead of relying on just singing through songs.
The goal is to prepare you for real performances, where you’ll need to connect with your audience without a crutch like a karaoke screen. A coach who relies too heavily on sing-alongs isn’t equipping you with the tools you need to succeed as a singer.
Look for Real Industry Experience
A vocal coach who has worked in the music or entertainment industry brings unique insights you won’t find in someone with no professional background. Industry experience means they understand the demands of auditions, performances, and recordings.
For example, as a casting producer for ABC, FOX, and Disney Channel, I’ve seen firsthand what separates average singers from those who truly stand out. When choosing a coach, ask if they’ve worked in the industry or with professional performers. If their experience is limited to casual teaching, they might not be the best fit for your goals.
Tailored Lessons vs. One-Size-Fits-All
Every singer’s voice is unique, and a great vocal coach will customize lessons to suit your specific needs, goals, and genre. Unfortunately, many coaches take a cookie-cutter approach, using the same warm-ups and exercises for every student.
A good vocal coach doesn’t just do “warm-ups” to get you singing—they use specifically targeted exercises to address the unique gaps in your voice. Scales and exercises should be custom-tailored for each singer to:
Bridge the gaps between vocal registers.
Strengthen and connect chest voice, mix, and head voice.
Help you develop a seamless mix that eliminates cracks and strain.
Extend your range so you can sing higher or lower with ease.
These voice techniques go beyond simply warming up your voice—they’re strategic tools to help you grow as a singer and unlock your full potential. If a coach isn’t tailoring exercises to your needs, they’re missing a key part of what makes a great vocal teacher.
A Focus on Confidence and Performance
Singing is more than just hitting the right notes. A great coach will help you develop confidence, stage presence, and emotional delivery. This includes:
Memorizing lyrics to free up your energy for performance.
Practicing with instrumental tracks to refine rhythm and musicality.
Learning microphone and stage techniques to captivate an audience.
This focus on artistry and performance is what separates good singers from unforgettable performers.
How to Choose a Vocal Coach: Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every coach is equipped to help you succeed. Here are some warning signs to keep in mind:
The coach can’t sing through their vocal bridges. Ask them to demonstrate their range. If they strain, crack, or avoid certain notes, keep looking.
They don’t have a vibrato or can’t teach you to develop one. Vibrato is a natural sign of vocal freedom, and a coach who lacks it may not understand how to help you achieve it.
They sound too “classical” or “opera” for contemporary styles. If you’re a pop, country, R&B, rock, or musical theater singer, working with a coach who can’t adapt to these genres will hold you back.
They rely heavily on karaoke tracks. A professional coach will work with you on instrumental tracks and tailored techniques, not just sing-alongs.
Their experience is limited to casual teaching. A lack of industry knowledge can mean missed opportunities to learn real-world skills like audition prep and performance techniques.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I’ve found the right coach?A: The right coach will challenge you, support your goals, and tailor lessons to your voice. If they can’t demonstrate key techniques or don’t align with your genre, they may not be the best fit.
Q: Can a good coach really make a difference?A: Absolutely. A great coach not only improves your voice but helps you gain confidence, understand your instrument, and prepare for real-world performances.
Q: Is vibrato really that important?A: Yes! Vibrato is a natural result of proper vocal technique and control. A coach who can teach vibrato helps you achieve a more polished, professional sound.
Why the Right Coach Matters
Choosing a vocal coach is about more than convenience or price—it’s about investing in your potential as a singer. A great coach will push you to develop your voice, build confidence, and prepare for real-world opportunities.
If you’re ready to elevate your singing with tailored lessons and professional coaching, start with scheduling a complimentary vocal consultation with me.
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