The teacher has an excellent ear, and carefully listens to, and gives
you accurate feedback about your voice.
Has an understanding of vocal anatomy, including the respiratory muscles,
the larynx and throat structures, and how they affect singing.
Allows you to tape record lessons or exercises in the lesson for take-home practice. Provides you with written exercises when needed.
Is professional in conduct yet personable. You should feel comfortable with
this person. You should feel free to ask questions.
While being emotionally supportive, he or she should be able to challenge
you to grow as a singer at the same time.
The teacher should be able to explain to you in depth why you are doing
each exercise that he or she gives you.
If available go to a recital where this teacher's students are performing. If
they mostly sound great then this is probably a very good indication of a
competent voice teacher.
Avoid teachers who only take on students who are already professional vocalists. A good teacher can train any voice and would enjoy the
challenge of doing so.
The teacher shows genuine interest in you as a singer.
The teacher understands vocal health issues including the need to drink
water and monitor the speaking voice
Addresses the need to relax those tensions/muscles that can block good
vocal production and vocal freedom.
Is emotionally stable and does not intimidate or talk down to you.
Your voice feels easier and more resonant when working together
- Beware of super-expensive teachers. Along the same vein, as David Jones wisely states in his website, "Remember that a large ego does not replace excellent teaching skills. One excellent quote to remember is: "Ego and wisdom are rarely in the same room"."
I urge you to read David Jones' article about voice teachers which elaborates on these ideas and more. His attitudes and beliefs about teaching voice are ones that I deeply admire.
