Hey Songbirds! Let’s talk about the foundation for becoming a high-level singer and performer. (Wednesday W.O.W. 1, Pillar 1: Weekly Lessons)

Where should you start?

It starts with finding a voice teacher or voice coach. But wait…

What’s the difference?! The terms are not synonymous, but it may seem that way to the general public. That, plus the fact that there are some teachers who use the terms “voice coach” and “voice teacher” interchangeably, can add to the confusion.

So here it is in plain words: A coach may or may not have the same level of education as a voice teacher, and a voice teacher may or may not have the same level of experience as the coach.

If you’ve found one with both credentials and experience in their field, you’ve struck gold! (*points to self*)

There are some who do both, including me, but there are a few basic differences between a coach and a teacher that we should all bear in mind.

Let’s break it down:

Let’s use a school setting as an example:

• A teacher introduces new concepts, topics, and ideas to students, then tests their knowledge in some way.
• A coach takes a student with previously or newly-acquired knowledge and uses that knowledge to guide the student in a particular way—especially to become an expert themselves on the subject, like a football coach.

Essentially:

• Teaching is focused on learning
• Coaching is focused on developing the performance of the student

Voice Teacher:

A Voice Teacher is usually college-educated in and instructs vocal pedagogy. They’re a technician who develops the singing voice. A voice teacher teaches the technique of singing, guiding the student—whether a beginner or professional—toward better singing.

Whatever level the student, a teacher teaches good vocal technique with the goal of healthy singing and vocal stamina.

Voice Coach:

A voice coach is the one who improves the performance of the student, under the assumption that the student has already been studying with a voice teacher and can sing well. This gives the coach the ability to focus on guiding the student to achieve their goal (getting stage-ready, winning an audition, getting into their desired program).

While a vocal coach may also use the title “voice teacher,” they may not have the same level of education.

For instance, a college voice professor might choose repertoire for you or give you options in rep to sing, but he/she wouldn’t call themselves a voice coach. However, they may instruct you to consult a coach if you have an audition or performance coming up.

So while a voice teacher is able to instruct a student of any level, the voice coach must meet the student where they are and work primarily on improving their performance as a singer and entertainer.

In addition to coaching a performance, a vocal coach may also focus on:

• Movement
• Acting within a song
• Honing vocal style/inflection
• Many other subjects related to performance

But they may not teach vocal technique.

In the music industry, singing coaches and voice teachers perform many of the same functions—and may even be the same person.

Many voice teachers are versatile enough to do both jobs. After all, both professionals’ jobs are designed to improve the singer to achieve a goal.

A coach, on the other hand, may lack the foundation of singing technique necessary to help their students become better singers.

But once the student’s voice has developed enough, a singing coach is absolutely essential for a serious performer.

TL,DR:

Voice Teachers:

• 1. Can develop a voice at any level
• 2. Are often certified/college-educated
• 3. Are highly-educated in vocal technique
• 4. Goal is to build the voice first and foremost

Voice Coaches:

• 1. Develop the performance of the skilled singer
• 2. May or may not be certified
• 3. May or may not be educated in vocal technique
• 4. Goal is to refine the singer’s performance to be stage-ready

Final Take:

Even if you already have a good voice—scratch that, especially if you already have a good voice—a qualified voice teacher will help you further develop your voice, and a vocal coach will ensure you’re ready to perform.

If you’re a serious performer, it’s important that you find a professional who is able to wear both hats—or if you’ve already been studying with a teacher, hire a vocal coach.

Both vocal technique and coaching are essential for a singer, but good vocal technique should be the foundation.

Looking for a simple warm up to get your voice going in the morning? Message me today for a free Singing in 7 vocal warm-up and discover what the right teacher can do for your voice.