Singing For Dummies
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One of the first questions you want to ask a prospective voice teacher is “How many years have you been teaching?” You want to find out whether this person has been teaching more than just a few years. But don’t automatically assume that you don’t want to work with a teacher who’s just getting started. Consider the following:

  • Some brand-new teachers are really great because they’ve recently had so many lessons themselves. A newer teacher probably charges less than someone with more experience and may have more options for lesson times or may be more open to working on contemporary music, such as pop or rock.

  • A more experienced teacher may know how to address the type of vocal problems you want to focus on. He may also have years of experience explaining how to do something and may have a variety of ways to explain the technique so you’re sure to understand.

    If the prospective teacher has been around for a while, you’re also more likely to find some current or former students who can tell you about his strengths.

    If you have some serious vocal health problems, such as nodes or severe acid reflux, you should find an experienced teacher who is familiar with rehabilitating voices.

Avoid teachers who promise remarkable results in a very short period of time, claim to be the expert of a particular teaching method, offer only a few exercises that are supposed to fix all vocal problems, and promise that only they can give you the information that you need.

About This Article

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Pamelia S. Phillips is a professional singer with over 35 years of teaching experience. She has designed curriculum for high school students, college BFA programs, and professional training programs, helping thousands of singers refine their singing technique.

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