When we receive voice training we are trusting someone with a very precious commodity and submitting control. These are high stakes. Students of the voice make a serious effort to create time for their lesson, travel to and from their lesson and then pay hard earned money for that session. When you work with the right teacher it’s beyond amazing, when you don’t it’s expensive, upsetting and is a threat to vocal health or potential life/career choices.
1. A good teacher will understand that teaching you is a privilege
They will value your time and use it well. They will listen to your problem/query and treat it appropriately. You will get the feeling the lesson is just for you and it is not a replica of other sessions that they churn out factory style. It should be specific to you in every sense; if it isn’t then there’s a problem.
Many teachers provide a ‘McLesson.’ which commonly consists of 30 minutes of scales/exercises which are applied uncritically and without direction followed by 25 minutes of singing (again without technical direction) and then some general comments which actually mean very little at the end. These comments don’t specifically inform or direct practice/progress.
Sometimes people go to lessons like this for years because they don’t know what to expect. If you’ve only ever eaten a BigMac how do you know that it’s a poor quality burger???
You can always taste care, attention and quality in food and the same is true in the social/educational climate of a lesson so make sure you look for it and try a few people out.
Can you see passion? Do they care? Are they engaging with you and your voice?
Good teachers recognise how important that hour is and they will give you specific guidance. Specificity is root of quality teaching.
2. A good teacher will understand how the voice works
Caring about your students is crucial but it’s not enough. I’m currently drinking a gorgeous coffee as I write but the person who has made me this coffee has used more than sheer care to execute it. Caring is important but knowing the correct grind, water temperature and weight of coffee to use in the dose is vital in executing a great product. It’s more complex than most people think.
I’m sure my own mother cared about the fish pie she was making our family in 1992, I know she loves us but care without knowledge does something to a man’s taste buds. My Dad and still talk about that night.
The voice has several components, just like coffee or fish pie!!!! A good teacher, just like a good chef or barista needs to understand how the individual ingredients behave and how they act/react when combined with other ingredients so they can diagnose activity and manipulate it successfully. A deep physiological understanding is therefore crucial.
Because the science is still incomplete our understanding is constantly evolving as we hone in on more truths. It’s imperitive that teachers are always in pursuit of the truth: If they aren’t they are free -falling out of knowledge and understanding and their students will suffer. Good teachers are good students too and they may share this with you from time to time.
Generally, questions will generally unearth a lack understanding or an ignorance to research. Feel free to ask away and the response you receive will either give you confidence in them or make you loose trust – an essential tool.
My favourite and most common anecdote is
‘Stop asking questions, I’m trying to teach’
Nice!
3. A good teacher will not blame you
If we have teachers who care and understand then that’s good but ultimately they have to be adept at teaching. This is an artform in itself and is massively underestimated, especially in this country.
As I said to someone recently ‘if YOU don’t understand then it’s MY fault’
Sometimes people tell me of horrible heartbreaking tales where their self confidence has been shattered, vocal health destroyed or a possible career path impeded because of bad teaching. It’s really upsetting hearing this; if you think talent, hard work or a great approach offer immunity then think again.
Our industry is not regulated and this does sometimes give rise to dreadful teaching at times. NONE of the following things validate your ability to teach voice:
A degree in music
Being an experienced world class performer
Having a fantastic voice
Having attended a reputable drama school/conservatoire
Being a music teacher or an MD
Brilliant piano/musical skills
Years of singing lessons
What really qualifies you is understanding how the voice works and then having the skill to direct and manipulate change in the instrument of others. Reputations and attachments to institutions, people etc must be discarded also. As the old adage states;
‘Just because you’re in the ‘who’s who’s’ doesn’t mean you know ‘What’s what!’
Because this can’t be evaluated in the form of a formal qualification as such it makes finding good people difficult.
Sometimes, the venom or passive aggressive treatment students receive from teachers is because the teacher is stumped on how to help. This is perhaps the teacher doesn’t understand and rather than saying this, or researching the issue or considering why their expression of ‘the solution’ didn’t resonate with you, they blame you. It’s much easier. Sometimes they may even just sing in your face and say ‘it’s this.’ That isn’t teaching and shouldn’t be accepted. Good teaching requires much skill in explaining, empathising and understanding. Bellowing in your students face doesn’t cut it.Some of the most damaging and, perversely, expensive teaching lives here and students believe it’s there fault because of the stature of the person teaching them.
Being able to ‘Do it’ is irrelevant unless you know ‘how it’s done’ when teaching. There are methods, they are physical laws, there is knowledge. If you can’t do something and you are willing to take on advice/training then maybe it’s not your fault???
Other key signs are:
4. You will see improvement when you work with a good teacher.
This should start from day 1.
5. They will have a philosophy
This will give their teaching, and also your path to improvement, clarity. I’m nervous about teachers who teach a bit of Estil, SLS, Bel Canto, EVT, VIP and try and combine these things together. It’s a bit like being a Buddhist Catholic Fundamentalist Christian; its not a belief system – it’s just a bit silly and confused. I’m also nervous about teachers who ‘create their own technique’ – have you conducted rigorous scientific research over many years with an experienced team of experts or have you just thought of a marketing idea that gives your ego a boost? Both examples exist so make sure you do your homework here.
No one is bigger than science of understanding and the art of teaching. A good philosophy is the result of much experience, analysis, and research conducted by an individual that can balance humility with scepticism. This produces clarity and success in teaching.
6. They will have good reviews/testimonials.
Obviously the content of these is crucial but I think the source is just as important as this provides context. Can you see reviews from people like you? If not, why not??
Reviews are very powerful, impartial snapshots and what’s said, and even what’s not said gives you a good picture.
7. They will be busy.
People vote with their feet and good people are always in demand.
8. They will have integrity
You have to trust this person and without exception they need to be caring, honest and trustworthy. If there is no trust them there is no relationship and no point.
Good luck! The vast majority of teachers don’t fall into these categories sadly so be patient, try a few out and don’t rule out travelling further to get what you want; it’s worth it!
Next time
Can I fix a technical problem simply by smilling?