How To Become A Vocal Coach: Rewarding Career In 2024

Being a vocal coach could be your perfect job.

Imagine helping someone hit that high note or gain tons of confidence. It’s fun, rewarding, and full of music.

This post will show you how to become a vocal coach. It’ll cover everything from training to starting your own business.

Key Takeaways

– Take classes in singing, music, and how music works (music theory).

– Level Up Your Skills. Learn new teaching methods and stay up-to-date.

– Be a Vocal Guide. Help singers improve their voices and prepare them to perform.

– Sing yourself, teach beginners, volunteer with a coach, or watch other coaches teach.

– Create a quiet, comfy room with a piano (if possible), tools to record singing and music sheets.

– Be able to teach different types of singing, like pop, classical, or jazz. Change your lessons to fit each singer’s voice.

– Ask for advice from other coaches and learn new things to keep improving and stand out.

How To Become A Vocal Coach – Required Education And Training

Helping others find and develop their voice is incredible. But, like any career, becoming a vocal coach requires education and training.

Here’s what you need to get started:

1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Want to be a singing teacher? A college degree in music or singing can be a great start.

These programs, like

– Bachelor of Music (BM) or Vocal Performance

– Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music

will help you improve your music skills and learn how to teach singing properly.

2. Master’s Degree Programs

A master’s degree in vocal pedagogy or music education can help.

These programs, like a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy, will teach you how to train other people’s voices. 

You’ll also learn more about music theory and singing techniques.

‘The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play.” – Richard Strauss (German composer and orchestra director)

3. Vocal Coach Certification Programs

Several certification bodies offer programs for aspiring vocal coaches. Some well-known certifications include:

– Certified Vocal Coach (CVC)

– Professional Vocal Coach Certification (PVCC)

– Accredited Vocal Coach (AVC)

These programs often include coursework and practical training to sharpen your coaching skills.

Every certification program has its own rules to follow.

These rules might include what kind of school you attended, how long you’ve taught, and if you passed certain tests. 

Understanding The Role Of A Vocal Coach

Being a vocal coach is more than just listening. Here’s what you might do each day:

– Listen to singers and see what they do well. This is like figuring out what puzzle pieces fit where.

– Teach singers how to use their voices healthily. This includes breathing exercises, like filling your belly with air, not your chest!

– Make special practice plans for each singer. Everyone learns differently, so you’ll develop unique ways to help them improve their voice.

– Give singers tips on what they’re doing great and what they can work on. It’s like being a cheerleader and a coach at the same time!

– Get singers ready for their big moments! If a performance or audition is coming up, you’ll help them practice and feel confident.

A deep understanding of music is a must for a vocal coach. Understanding music theory and vocal anatomy will also help you teach more effectively.

How To Become A Vocal Coach: Gaining Experience

The most important part of becoming a vocal coach is to have a ton of experience. But how do you gain experience in the field?

Here are some easy ways to get experience in a short period of time.

1. Personal Singing Experience

To be a great vocal coach, you must be a solid singer. It’s a cool job, and students will consider you a role model.

They’ll listen to how you sing and aim to imitate your techniques. Plus, understanding your own voice helps you understand the voices of others.

2. Starting Teaching With Beginner Students

Start teaching with new learners. They’re usually patient and excited to learn, making it easier on you, too.

Begin with the building blocks and fun songs. As you get more comfortable, you can teach trickier things.

3. Internships

Helping out or getting an internship can be a great way to learn new things about teaching.

Look around your town for places that need help, like community centers or music classes.

You might not get paid, but you’ll learn and meet new people. This is also a cool way to get your name out there!

4. Watch The Pros!

Find a vocal coach and ask them to let you attend their lessons. Notice how they talk to students, what exercises they do, and how they give advice.

This real-life experience can teach you more than reading or taking classes online.

Building A Curriculum & Establishing Your Business

Being a vocal coach is a cool job, but you must plan how to start the coaching and what business model to follow.

1. Understanding Different Genres

There are different types of vocal coaching. As a vocal coach, you’ll guide singers in many styles, such as pop, rock, and even fancy classical.

Each style is unique, so your teaching style must also change.

– Classical: Think proper breathing and practice exercises. Imagine learning songs in different languages!

– Pop: Here, feeling and telling a story matter most. Connect with the audience!

– Jazz: Gotta improvise and listen closely! Singers here use their voice like a cool instrument.

Lessons change depending on the style. The key is to be flexible.

Listen to your students’ goals and what kind of music they love. Then, create lessons that fit their unique voice and style. This is how you become a super vocal coach.

2. Setting Up A Studio

Your studio should be a quiet, comfortable space where you and your students can focus. It could be a dedicated room in your home or a rented space.

Ensure good acoustics and minimal background noise. Equip your studio with the essentials:

– Piano or Keyboard: For playing scales and accompaniments.

– Recording Equipment: To record lessons for review.

– Mirror: Helps students observe their posture and technique.

– Sheet Music and Books: Various materials for different levels and genres.

3. Setting Rates And Policies

How much you charge and your lesson rules are important.

In the US, singing teachers usually ask for $50 to $150 an hour, depending on how good they are and where they live.

Ensure students know what happens if they miss a lesson or want to change times. Also, be clear about how they should pay you.

Organize your schedule to manage your time effectively. Keep detailed records of each student’s progress, lesson plans, and payments.

Growing As A Vocal Coach

Being a vocal coach is awesome, but it’s like learning an instrument – you never stop getting better.

Here are some tips to keep growing as a teacher so you can be the best vocal coach ever.

1. Attending Workshops And Seminars

Workshops and seminars are super helpful events for vocal coaches. Here’s why:

– Learn new tricks: You’ll learn fresh ideas and techniques from experienced coaches.

– Stay on trend: The world of singing is always changing, and workshops keep you up-to-date.

– Get inspired: Workshops can spark new ideas to improve your lessons.

– Meet other coaches: Make friends and connections in the vocal coaching world.

– Try things out: Many workshops have hands-on sessions where you can practice what you learn.

2. Seeking Feedback From Students

Learning goes two ways! Here are some tips to hear what your students think and improve your teaching:

– Secret Feedback: Use anonymous surveys so students can be honest.

– Open Chat: Make a safe space for students to share their thoughts.

– Think About Yourself: Regularly check your strengths and areas to improve.

– Watch Yourself Teach: Record lessons to see where things can improve.

– Set Goals: Pick goals you and your students can reach together.

3. Specializing In Niche Areas

Pick your specialty to stand out as a vocal coach. This will help attract students who want to learn exactly what you teach best.

Here are some cool ideas:

– Voice Care Pro: Help students keep their voices healthy and strong!

– Stage Rockstar: Coach singers on how to shine and perform their best on stage.

Conclusion

How to become a vocal coach? First, learn as much as possible by taking classes and working with other coaches.

Then, get hands-on experience by teaching.

It’s a fun way to share your knowledge and watch students grow.

Workshops and listening to your students will help you keep improving. You can even specialize in a particular kind of singing.

Resources For Further Study

– “Stepping Into The World Of The Vocal Coach: Assessing Vocal Coaching Needs” by Renina Hoblitz, Virginia Commonwealth University.

– “The Art and Skills of Vocal Coaching: Lessons in Print from Master Coaches” by National Association of Teachers of Singing.