Finding a Voice Teacher That is Right for You
When you invest in private voice lessons, the most important thing is to be happy with your teacher. It doesn't feel good to spend money on things that don't bring you joy: bills, rent, and the squeaky noise coming from under the hood of your car...voice lessons should not fall under that category! But making decisions on a voice teacher can be daunting, and it is all too easy to get stuck working with someone who doesn't feel like the right fit. Here are five ways you can put your money where the joy is an find a teacher that is right for you.
1. Decide whether you want online or in person lessons.
This is an important first step. If you are willing to take online lessons, this can give you your pick of teacher without worrying about location.
2. What is on your singing goals list?
Make a checklist of things you are hoping to accomplish by taking voice lessons. It may look something like this:
Learn how to sing high notes
Figure out how to deal with performance or audition anxiety
Learn how to sing a song that feels hard right now
Or, it could be as simple as:
I want to improve my karaoke skills
Learn how to sing "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry
You get to choose your goals and you should work with someone who is aligned with them. It won't feel helpful if you want to sing Musical Theater styles with a teacher that only teachers Classical style singing or vice versa.
3. The internet is where it's at
If Google feels overwhelming, there are organizations that can help you find voice teachers in your area. The two that I recommend are NATS and CSMusic. You can also check out lessons.com or takelessons.com if you don't have luck with the other two, though they do take a cut from the teachers. You should be able to contact teachers directly through these services. If you are interested in online lessons, don't be afraid to look at teachers outside of your area. For example, while I am in the Boston area, I teach students all over the country!
Many teachers also have websites and social media, check them out! You may be able to read about their teaching philosophy, watch recordings of them singing, and get a general vibe.
Once you find someone that checks your boxes...
4. The trial lesson is your friend
Most teachers offer a trial lesson option (often times for less than their normal price) in order to give you both a chance to try out the fit. This is the best way to tell whether a teacher is right for you.
5. Don't be afraid to walk away
As the student (and consumer) you should never feel obligated to continue taking lessons from someone you don't feel is a good fit. Any teacher worth their salt wants their student's to feel comfortable and happy in their studio, they will understand if you decide to go elsewhere and may even have some suggestions of who you can try next!
Singing is both thrilling and vulnerable. You want to learn with someone who will compassionately guide you on your singing journey and can meet you where you are. I hope you find the person you are looking for soon!
Need help putting these steps into action?
Meet the Author
Jennifer Burks is a professional voice teacher and soprano with over 17 years of formal training and degrees in Vocal Performance from the University of Arkansas and Vocal Pedagogy from New England Conservatory of Music (NEC). She is an active performer and has won prestigious vocal competitions such as the 2022 Rhode Island Civic Chorale. Beyond her studio, Jennifer is an active member of NATS, PAVA, and The Voice Foundation and is the incoming Auditions Chair of the New England Chapter of NATS. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, sailing, and cherishing every musical moment.
