Home

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Every voice teacher I have studied with forces me to sing classical music - do I have to sing this way to sing well?

Classical music is a style of music - just like pop, rock, country, jazz, etc. The classical vocal style allows the healthiest function of the voice’s full potential. It is easier to build the full capabilities with classical techniques as the basis of training. Other vocal styles tend to require effects for a commercial sound. These are very effective during performance, but are not necessarily the best way to maintain healthy voice functionality. Muscles influencing the resonance and larynx position are often tensed or overused or differently positioned in these styles. It is wise to know how to relax them, to promote vocal health and longevity.

Knowing how to sing with ease goes a long way when your performance style needs tension to sound commercially viable. It is unfortunate that many people turn away from singing lessons due to “fear of classical culture”!

What is the difference between a coach and a teacher?

Generally a voice teacher is trained to build the voice for its best functional use with the least amount of strain possible given style considerations. The voice teacher generally has a clear understanding of what must be done physically to produce the desired sound.

A voice coach is usually someone who is concentrates on helping you learn the music and achieve the style desired for the piece. Repertoire, musicality and vocal effects are the lesson focus. Many coaches encourage the singer to experiment with effects. They often do not have a clear understanding of how this is produced unless they personally studied vocal pedagogy.

Usually, a performer will work in tandem with a voice teacher and voice coach to achieve an optimal performance. Do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions and interview several voice coaches and voice teachers before making your decision. Most reputable teachers are willing to have you observe a lesson with another student (who must give permission.)

How do I find a good voice teacher?

Know what you want. Be sure you know what you want to accomplish vocally when you begin looking for your vocal coach and don't be afraid to interview them. Engage in discussions regarding:

The mechanics of the voice.
Musical styles and performance.
Music theory, Ear Training and Sight-Singing
If you want to be the best singer you can be, these three aspects of vocal training need to be included. Your singing teacher should have a lesson plan or coaching program that is utilized. Singing your chosen song material over and over again does not constitute a voice lesson and will most likely not result in the development you desire,
A voice teacher should recommend specific exercises for you to use to improve your technical options.

Ask performers whose work you enjoy for referrals. Don't be afraid to approach other singers to find out where they are training. Learn early to network with those in your field, don't get caught in the competition trap.

How do I prepare for a good performance?

FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE PREPARATION:

Learn the mechanics and athletics of singing before concentrating on style.
Be realistic about your goals. Professional performers generally work with a professional at least once a week to keep their skills fresh. To really understand your voice as it relates to your body, concentrated study for a two year period is common. (This assumes the voice is mature and the student has more than average natural vocal ability and talent.)
Focus on style after it is easy to sing the vocal line (the notes). Make specific choices. Apply the mechanics of the voice production to the choices you are making for effect.
Overusing an effect (sliding, scooping, growling, whispering, etc.) will diminish its overall effect. Make sure the audience stays interested in what you are doing by varying dynamics, color, use of the words, etc.
Stylistic nuances are often necessary for a successful performance and are not detrimental if done with care and in moderation.

My singing teacher doesn't perform much, does this matter?

It is important that your vocal teacher have performance experience. The more styles they have performed the better they are able to relate to your needs. However, both performance and teaching require time commitment. Generally, the more active the performance schedule, the fewer hours available for teaching and vice versa.

A teaching artist does have the advantage of constantly being always visible within the network, which can benefit you. Often, jobs are available through “word of mouth”. If the teacher/coach is actively performing, they can be the first line of referral.

Should I study with only one vocal coach?

If you do not see progress after two months of study, very likely you will not progress any more quickly in the future. Effective master teachers can generally help you begin to solve a vocal problem within a month if you apply yourself to practice in between formal lessons. Often a master teacher will help you “break through” a problem within the first lesson, then will help you OWN the skill within a few months of consistent work. Everyone has different weaknesses and strengths. What works for one person may not work for you. This is the best reason to seek out a teacher who understands different teaching methods---the teacher’s job is to deliver the message in a way you can apply it easily.

In my experience, ethical teachers are not interested in limiting you.

Beware the teacher who discourages you from exploration!

Maria Fattore, M.M. has students working professionally in music theater, opera, cabaret and the recording industry. She is an active performer, a member of The New York Singing Teachers' Association (NYSTA) and the director of SONG SALON and serves on the Board of Directors for Joy in Singing.For Ms. Fattore's performance bio, click here.